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!

[@laurelfenton]

Beautiful! Thanks for taking us along.

[@Unpreeeedictable]

Absolutely extraordinary!

[@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.

[@jimwaddington6327]

Thanks David, Great fun.

[@gordthompson4664]

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

[@trentriver]

Remarkable couple.

[@XanderBudnick]

Can't wait for this!

[@kristennoelle9447]

Well if it isn't the infamous Xander Bubbleneck😉

[@judywestman3825]

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.

[@jimwaddington6327]

We have laughed about that day many times!

[@NorthernRetreat]

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

[@garywilliams4443]

This is an amazing thing. Makes me wanna get up and go do something with myself. Beautiful video all around.

[@111Watersong]

You are an inspiration! Jim and Sue, I was proud to meet you over a decade ago, and to hear your amazing stories. AY, Carmichael and the others would be impressed….. All the best as you continue your quest. Dave

[@jimwaddington6327]

Thanks David. It has been an great adventure and you certainly helped it along.

[@dalemerkley1245]

@@jimwaddington6327 I remember seeing your presentation at one of David’s symposiums. Loved it!

[@darcyoneill9377]

How wonderful a return to these beautiful locations.

[@ChrisProuse]

Beautifully done Brad! 👏 Thanks for sharing :)

[@DustinOutCamping]

Loved this video. I've known about Jim and Sue's hobby since I came across their book a few years ago, but great to see this captured. I'm sure they'd have the makings for a fantastic Instagram account too!

[@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!

[@DanielMalstrom]

from Brenda and Daniel Malstrom. Congratulations on a great video and your artistic Canadiana pursuit throughout our great land. A great tribute to the group of 7.

[@jimwaddington6327]

Thank you.

[@CanoeTheNorth]

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

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

This was a bit of a unique one! Hard not to turn down any excuse to venture into Killareny either...

[@TheHappyCamper]

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

[@user-vm9by4vq4p]

so inspiring! thank you for this

[@gryffonouneige9682]

The landscapes are sublime, the images of great quality! It’s a very beautiful territory, thank you for sharing

[@maryadams1849]

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

[@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!

[@harrygr218]

you have the coolest grand parents

[@PortageurCa]

Well done! So glad to see this great work documented, and so beautifully captured!

[@jimwaddington6327]

So much fun. Brad Jennings did a great job with it.

[@PortageurCa]

@@jimwaddington6327 I'll bet. I was just there a couple of summers ago. Glad I got a chance to see it again.

[@flynorthprod]

Lovely video. I definitely caught the bug. Jim was very gracious when I reached out to him last summer about a location near where I live. I'm a proud owner of their book. Thanks for the video.

[@jimwaddington6327]

I warned you. It is habit-forming. :-)

[@flynorthprod]

Yes you did, and you were right! 😀

[@berkeleyfleming8516]

Looking forward to seeing the cousins continuing top pursue their quest.

[@kathidouglas9287]

This video was amazing. What an amazing couple! I love their adventurous spirits and their dedication to the project. Would enjoy seeing more about them. Great job, Brad.

[@jimwaddington6327]

Yes, Brad did a great job. See our book gooselane.com/products/in-the-footsteps-of-the-group-of-seven

[@alanbierhoff6831]

Wonderful!!!Fantastic!!! Brad, this is without a doubt one of the best rabbits you’ve ever pulled out of your KZbin hat…that didn’t include your cooking lol

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Many thanks Alan! Was such a privilege to paddle and follow them around to where it all began. Some lovely meals were cooked on this trip too ;)

[@jimwaddington6327]

@@ExploreTheBackcountry@ExploreTheBackcountry We stuck to our lightweight freeze dried stuff. Brad had huge steaks!! Jim

[@dwayneb7440]

I hope this is entered into the paddling magazine film festival

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Missed this years deadline, but it will be entered into a few festivals, including next RPF for consideration!

[@dwayneb7440]

@@ExploreTheBackcountry well it is excellent. Inspiring. Well done

[@lindalincoln1024]

Wow!! what an amazing couple . the dedication they have is teuly amazing. they are the best part of the greatest generation . I wish them many more years to keep up their quest. God Bless the both of them . bill🙂

[@jimwaddington6327]

Thank you

[@suezaple4950]

awesome video love Sue's rug. Killarney really is a gorgeous area happy you found where the paintings were from. Thanks to your daughter for encouraging you both.

[@jimwaddington6327]

So much fun. Sue has done several rugs inspired by the Group of Seven.

[@KUEHLKUEST]

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

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Thanks you two! Hope all is well!

[@KUEHLKUEST]

@@ExploreTheBackcountry We're doin great!! How y'all been?

[@bradlepaddle9512]

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

[@mikedelrizzo667]

Absolutely love this! I'm a Group Of Seven admirer and was thinking that would be a bucket list item before I couldn't do it physically... to find those places that inspired creativity. TFS!

[@mikedaigle1582]

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

[@riverrockranger812]

Beautiful. Its a love story!

[@jimwaddington6327]

A member of the staff at the McMichael Gallery said, "This is the stuff of a romantic novel." Our daughter said "whoever said that hasn't heard them arguing in the woods"

[@doreendesroches9002]

Absolutely loved this video. What an adventure they started and are continuing. Absolutely breathtaking scenery that brings the Group of Seven paintings to life. Bravo 👏.

[@davidhuth5659]

So impressive! An amazing couple and an awesome project!

[@Brentdarley]

Fabulous!

[@ripplesandleaves]

This is just so fascinating, inspiring, and wholesome. Thank you so much for the work to find these sites, and for capturing and sharing the story.

[@jonathanbarton8779]

This is absolutely fantastic! what an amazing couple, with an amazing hobby!

[@adventureswithjosie]

I love this! What a very cool thing that Sue and Jim have done, searching for Group of Seven painting site locations! Something that I really love doing is seeing a photo/video of a location, and then trying to find the exact location where that photo was taken on a map. It is such a thrill when I actually do find the right spot! So I can imagine how much of a thrill it must be for Sue and Jim to find the painting site location on a map, and then actually find the exact location in real life!

[@jimwaddington6327]

Right! It is a great thrill.

[@adventureswithjosie]

@@jimwaddington6327 It must be pretty special too, to stand in a spot where these amazing artists once stood and were so moved by the beauty of the landscape that they decided to paint it. I've only been to one spot, where Tom Thomson painted the Jack Pine. Even though that location was very easy to get to, it was still a very cool experience!

[@cliffspicer6555]

Absolutely loved this video. I have spent lots of time at places like Killarney and Algonquin parks but never with such purpose as your grandparents. This summer I’ll try and be more of an explorer like they are. Thanks

[@trishaharrison6183]

This was awesome and so inspiring. Great job Brad and thanks so much for sharing❤️

[@gerardcarroll8418]

Watching in anticipation from Scotland. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏞🛶🎨🖼👌

[@alderwildernessexperiences9373]

What an incredible story, great job sharing it brad!

[@DebbieDunigan]

It was so wonderful and inspiring ❤ Thank you for bringing us this amazing story.

[@outbound2explore119]

Great story, loved it. Very inspiring!

[@nicholaswilson7880]

Beautiful and very well done.

[@lisafaust3801]

Wow, excellent idea...I love the Group of Seven ...

[@livelife4471]

Interesting video. Thank you for producing and posting it.

[@elizabethrankin-horvath3382]

Thank you for sharing these adventures, we're looking forward to it!

[@user-mq4lh9wt6z]

We are tuned in!

[@harrison1873]

Wow looking forward to this

[@ExploringCanadaInfo]

Amazing! Looking forward to your adventures following their passion, now you passion.

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Something to strive for when I reach that age! The passion never dies.

[@barbrichtobler]

We're excited to see it! 😊

[@darcyoneill9377]

This will be great to see.

[@johnredburn3760]

Tremendous!!!

[@blainebarringer2356]

Very inspiring.

[@OkinawaWild]

This was so good.

[@tspis]

So wonderful!

[@ExploringCanadaInfo]

Such a great video concept! I’m here for it! 🇨🇦

[@ndginpq]

Fantastic video!

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Thanks Neil!

[@tworoadscreative]

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

[@jimwaddington6327]

Some of our findings are in the book "In the Footsteps of the Group of Seven"

[@tworoadscreative]

@@jimwaddington6327 thank you!

[@ExploringCanadaInfo]

This is beautifully shot! I love it! ❤

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Thank you!!

[@JB50713]

Where is that point of land at 11:32 mark?

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Grace Lake, Killarney ON

[@JB50713]

@@ExploreTheBackcountry Wow, thanks!

[@michaelbroyer3918]

Not what I expected. Beautiful concept. With all the pre-hype I thought there would be a longer video. No disrespect intended.

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Their request was to keep this fairly short. I could have easily kept quite a bit that got cut through the various drafts as there was so much knowledge they shared! They do have a book out for further reading on their discoveries.

[@peatofmind]

@@ExploreTheBackcountry Thanks Brad for capturing their voyage back 45 years after their first discovery (at age 80) which was the aim of the video. For those that want more stories of this hobby, check out the book "In the Footsteps of Group of Seven". There is also a good youtube video of them on Idea City.

[@michaelbroyer3918]

@@ExploreTheBackcountry thank you for replying, but not what I expected. I do you respect you and your YT channel though.

[@roryokelly386]

she lost me at mamma, poppa