The Doon School of Fine Arts opened in 1948 under the leadership of Bess and Ross Hamilton. Inspired by the legacy of landscape painter Homer Watson, students at the Doon School were encouraged to make art outdoors.
Though the Doon School closed in 1966, it was given new life a few years later when artist Tom Cayley and his wife Ruthe purchased the Watson House and property. Classes for students of all ages and experience levels were offered by the Cayleys. Tom, alongside other artist friends, taught classes at the Watson House. The camps for teenagers and children were offered earlier in the summer, and adult classes were taught in August.[1]
“When I met Tom it just added to the feeling that this was somewhere I needed to be. Tom was a very confident man and talented artist. Tom and Ruthe were the essence of Homer Watson House in those days.”[2]
One of the ways Tom taught was by painting on location. Tom and his students would travel around the area to places such as St. Jacobs and New Dundee,[3] and paint en plein air. Many of these artworks prominently feature barns, buildings, and well-known landmarks.
“This is a supremely beautiful spot […] Housed right in the cradle of nature. What more could a person ask?”[4]
At the end of classes, students were presented with “certificates” that proclaimed them “licensed” to practice whatever medium of art they had focused on at the Doon School.
Tom’s investment in his students was significant. After his death in 1975, many past students shared how Tom had impacted their lives and art careers. Some described him as a “guiding influence”.[5] One student vividly remembered Tom telling them “Don’t be a small-scale painter – use a big brush”.[5]
The Watson House was where Tom Cayley belonged. Through his teaching and passion for art, he made others feel that they belonged there as well.
“If you’re interested [in the Doon School], you can bet your paint brushes Tom Cayley’s interested in you.”[6]
[1] Doug Wilson, “School of Fine Arts is Far from Defunct”, Kitchener-Waterloo Record, May 10, 1969
[2] Jan Mackenzie, “Reminisings and Photos of Homer Watson House Doon School of Fine Arts 1972 & 1973,” 2024, HWHG Archives.
[3] Jan Mackenzie
[4] Wilson, “School of Fine Arts if Far from Defunct”, 1969.
[5] Dorothy Young to Ruthe Cayley, 10 February 1975. Private Collection.
[6] Regis Yaworski, “They’re Custodians of Heritage”, Guelph Daily Mercury, June 2, 1970.
