Hidden Secrets of the Canvas: One Couples Lifetime Quest to Uncover a Century Old Mystery

A century ago, Canada’s Group of Seven artists began to capture
the raw beauty of the Canadian landscape in their paintings. In 1977, Sue and Jim Waddington set off on their own decades-long expedition
in search of those painting locations immortalized by the Group of Seven.

Determined to locate, document, and photograph the actual landscapes that inspired and influenced the brushes of A.Y. Jackson, Franklin Carmichael, Arthur Lismer, Lawren Harris, A.J. Casson, J.E.H. MacDonald, Tom Thomson, and Frederick Varley, the Waddingtons embarked on an artistic expedition that carried them across Canada from sea to sea to sea. Now, decades later, Sue and Jim attempt a return to where their journey of discovery began.

[peatofmind]

So excited to see this officially released this evening. Brad has done an excellent job capturing my parents' hobby

[jessicapierceart]

Fantastic all the way around! These two are badasses and the film was put together beautifully. You did them and the family justice!

[gordthompson]

In all honesty, one of the most moving YouTube videos I have seen … ever. God bless both of them for reliving the adventure, and you for documenting it. Wow!

[TheHappyCamper]

Amazing! I sat on the same rock back when I was 23 years old.

[BelfountainDave]

Amazing video that brings back memories of following Jim's advice to find Carmichael rock and exploring Grace Lake! Glad to see Jim and Sue still going strong! Best wishes to all the Waddingtons.

[judywestman]

We were excited and honoured to meet you on those days. I knew exactly who you were and so great to see your family with you. That day and both lakes are etched in my mind forever and we have incredible longing to return asap.

[ChrisProuse]

Beautifully done Brad! 👏 Thanks for sharing :)

[CanoeTheNorth]

What a great idea 💡 for a video. Looking forward to this one guys. 🎥 🛶

[tworoadscreative]

This is amazing! Will their maps and findings be included in an exhibit somewhere? I’d love to learn more! ❤

[supergoodcamping]

What a fantastic video! So much dedication and tripping mileage logged to find over 800 sites - that's just stunning!! Thank you so much to all involved. What a wonderful idea!

[bradlepaddle]

Carbon Canoe is a game changer.
Sooo awesome to see this
Forever young!!

[pinklipstix]

How very proud and impressed I am that you have shared these somewhat forgotten artists of Canada. I look at all the landscapes we purchased over the years (copies) and still am amazed to the beauty these men captured and shared. Bringing to life these paintings must have been a wonderful journey. Thank you for sharing.

[CanadianSledDog]

I couldn't believe it when they identified a little dead tree that was still there ever since it was sketched all those years ago! Beautiful story, thanks for sharing it Brad!

[maryadams]

How utterly inspirational! Thank you for sharing their amazing hobby.

[KUEHLKUEST]

That was very cool y'all!! Well done!! Cheers!! J & C

[darcyoneill]

How wonderful a return to these beautiful locations.

[NorthernRetreat]

Awesome. Canoeing, Group of Seven, discovering nature through art! Love that they got back.👍

[donthomas]

This is a great film. That was my first thought, and then I realized that I had camped on Carmichael Lake which is really a bay of Nellie Lake, and we would have seen the same view! Of course that info was not available to us in 1994 but still, it is nice to know now. That portage was very tough when I was 35.

[maxmanso]

¡Qué idea más hermosa! Son ustedes una verdadera inspiración. Les felicito por poder seguir este bello proyecto vital. Un saludo desde Galicia en el noroeste de España.

[mikedaigle]

Loved this! Truly inspiring to see this couple still doing this at their age! Keep going you guys are a true inspiration!