In 2025, our team selected their favorite paintings from the collection for display in the main gallery hallway – a challenging task to say the least. Each piece that was chosen had its moment to shine hanging solo on the main hallway hall for about a month or so. If you couldn’t see some of the pieces in-person, here is the complete list of staff selections along with their personal insights.
The first painting was Landscape Under a Cloudy Sky by Homer Watson, chosen by Katie Pearson, the Storyteller Coordinator.
This is one of my favourite pieces by Homer Watson. The soft blues in the sky and field, along with the rich textures of the grass, create a calming and uplifting atmosphere. It is a beautiful reminder to slow down and appreciate nature. – Katie, Storyteller Coordinator
The next painting is a classic chosen by Graphic Design & Retail Coordinator, Ralf Wall.
I love Homer’s early style as it is very illustrative and compels the viewer to find the story within. His mill paintings, in particular, let my imagination explore new stories about living on the frontier. I even made this into my desktop mat for my keyboard and mouse. – Ralf Wall, Graphic Designer & Retail Coordinator
The Director & Curator, Cathy Masterson chose from the heart and picked Pear Orchard at Jordan Harbour by Homer Watson.
I grew up within 10km of Jordan. We lived on a tender fruit farm, so I have many fond memories of spring blossoms! I have always loved this sign of the arrival of spring. – Cathy Masterson, Director & Curator
Homer Watson was a talented artist with the ability to capture movement and feeling of the natural environment, like the strength of a gust of wind, or the warm touch of a ray of sunshine. The next two Staff Picks touch upon that aspect of Homer Watson’s work.
I joined the HWHG team as an intern during the 2023 exhibition The In-Between, which celebrated Homer’s fascination with painting landscapes at the transition between day and night. This painting was my favorite piece from that show. – Shannon Stehr, Programs Assistant & Pottery Technician
The reflection in the river, the hazy mountains, and the warm summer hues draw me into the image. It’s as if I can feel the breeze and evening sun on my face. – Emilie McNamara, Educational Assistant
Our next pick comes from Eric, our Events Coordinator, who chose Willow Road by Homer Watson.
Label on frame states, “Presented to The Honourable Louis Orville Breithaupt Lieutenant – Governor of Ontario by The Shoe. Glove and Leather Trades of Ontario, Kitchener, April 25th, 1952”
This painting first caught my eye with its directional brush strokes that convey the movement of light. It reminded me of times when I’ve seen sunlight shining in distinct rays between clouds, and gave me a feeling of warmth that I could almost feel on my skin. It made me wonder what the day was like for Homer when he chose this composition. Did he speak to the man walking by? Did he paint or sketch from the shade? – Eric Almberg, Events Coordinator
Last but certainly not least, Tanner the Education and Public Programs Coordinator chose a heartwarming piece by Phoebe Watson.
This piece stuck out to me right away. A glimpse of daily life from Phoebe’s perspective. The sun shines through the basement window as Roxa (Homer’s wife) works away in the kitchen. It looks warm and quaint, but I wonder if they were deep in conversation or just enjoying a quiet afternoon together. – Tanner van Vliet, Education and Public Programs Coordinator
Having staff choose their favourite painting was a wonderful opportunity for our staff to get to know our collection and each other a little better! Should our staff do another round of Staff Picks in 2026? What would be your favourite painting from our collection?
Blog post by Katie Pearson, Storyteller Coordinator
Publish date: February 4, 2026
