William Ronald Smith, known professionally as William Ronald, was a pivotal figure in the Canadian art scene and a significant contributor to the abstract expressionist movement. Born on August 13, 1926, in Stratford, Ontario, Ronald's early life was marked by a series of relocations, eventually settling in Fergus, Ontario, where his father worked as a market gardener. His family later moved to Brampton, Ontario, during his teenage years. Ronald's passion for art led him to the Ontario College of Art in Toronto, where he graduated in 1951. Ronald's career began as a display designer for the Robert Simpson Co. department store in 1952. Concurrently, he started to exhibit his abstract work with various art societies, including the Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour and the Ontario Society of Artists. It was during this time that he met fellow abstract artist Ray Mead and others who would later form the core of Painters Eleven. In 1953, Ronald founded Painters Eleven, the first abstract painting group in Ontario. This collective was instrumental in challenging the conservative Canadian art scene and promoting abstract expressionism. Ronald's innovative approach included pairing abstract paintings with furniture displays in store windows, a strategy that helped the public accept non-representational art. Despite the success of Painters Eleven, Ronald felt constrained by the local art scene's attitude towards artists. In 1957, seeking broader horizons, he moved to the United States and joined the Kootz Gallery in Manhattan. His work received critical acclaim, and he was embraced by the art community, including influential figures like Franz Kline. Ronald's art found its way into major public galleries, such as the Museum of Modern Art and the Guggenheim Museum. However, Ronald's relationship with the Kootz Gallery eventually soured, and he returned to Toronto as a landed immigrant. Back in Canada, he continued to make significant contributions to the art world, including painting a mural for the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. His work was celebrated with numerous awards, such as the I.O.D.E. Scholarship, the Hallmark Art Award, and the Canada Council Senior Arts Award. Ronald's style evolved over the years, influenced by his studies of the Abstract Expressionists in New York during the 1950s. His insurgent debut in New York won critical acclaim, and he established his artistic signature with the innovation of the central image in abstract expressionism. His works, such as "Central Black," "The Raven," and "Saint-Paulia," showcased his unique approach and garnered the endorsement of major artists and critics. By the end of the 1950s, Ronald had become one of Canada's most successful artists, recognized for his contributions to Canadian painting in New York. His exhibitions were well-attended, and his vibrant color palette and large-scale canvases captivated audiences. Despite facing health challenges, Ronald continued to innovate, discovering fluid acrylic paint in the last year of his life. On February 9, 1998, William Ronald passed away at the age of 71, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most internationally successful and widely discussed Canadian artists of the 20th century. His dedication to art was evident in his energetic and charismatic approach, and his work remains a staple of the Canadian fine art auction market. Ronald's influence extended beyond his paintings; he was known for his generosity and charitable work. As a seminal figure in the Toronto art scene, his role was a cornerstone of its growth and evolution. His art is held in high esteem and is part of the permanent collections of prestigious institutions such as the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and the National Gallery of Canada. William Ronald's life was one of artistic fervor and innovation. His contributions to abstract expressionism and the Canadian art landscape are indelible, and his work continues to inspire and captivate art lovers and collectors around the world.

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