Joanne Tod (b. 1953) is a renowned Canadian painter acclaimed for her unwavering approach to realism, technical precision, and critical wit. She is also one of the country's most celebrated living portrait artists.
During Covid, Tod (re)discovered watercolors. Despite the challenges of this period, Tod had an incredibly fruitful experience as she enthusiastically experimented with the medium. This unforgiving medium has enabled the artist to be more spontaneous and playful, without compromising the technical proficiency she is known for.
This watercolor depicts Chris Boucher of the Toronto Raptors. While it was made in 2025, it is based off a series of paintings completed in 2019 in which Tod painted the season's roster. The series was born after Tod's first ever basketball game, where she fell in love with the players' movement. She wanted to immobilize the teamâmetaphorically blowing the whistle to appreciate the humanity amid the fast-moving spectacle.Â
Tod has long been an appreciator of pop culture, and this image of a beloved athlete exemplifies not only her passion but her skill in faithfully representing and conveying character through her portraits.
For Tod, a portrait is not simply likeness but a study of presence itself: a way of slowing down, holding attention, and examining the subtleties of character. Throughout her oeuvre, portraits of people and portraits of spaces converge, each exploring visibility, performance, and intimacy.
Joanne Tod's works can be found in most major public institutions across Canada, including the National Gallery of Canada, the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), and the MusĂ©e des beaux-arts de MontrĂ©al.Â
Questions about this piece? Contact us, call +1.416.704.1720, or visit our Toronto gallery.
"Chris Boucher"
Canada, 2025
Watercolor on paper
10.25"H 6"W
Very good condition
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