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The 6 Most Famous Tom Hodgson Paintings, a Gallery Selection
Updated November 2026 · ranked by our popularity score (searches, visits and orders for each work) · 6 works by Tom Hodgson in our catalogue
In short
Of all the originals Tom Hodgson left, the most famous is Enduro Take Off (1958), in the collection of the National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa. Close behind it come Portrait of a Shirt (1957) and Flowers (1962). Our catalog holds 6 works by Tom Hodgson; the gallery has kept the 6 the world admires most, each shown with its date, its museum and its story.
1924 – 2006, Toronto
Most works: The Robert McLaughlin Gallery
Tom Hodgson's top 10 paintings: the gallery's choice
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Portrait of a Shirt
In the vibrant landscape of mid-century Canadian abstraction, few works capture the rhythmic energy of the era quite like Thomas Sherlock Hodgson’s Portrait of a Shirt. Created in 1957, this masterpiece serves as a breathtaking exploration of geometric harmony and chromatic intensity. At first glance, the eye is immediately ensnared by a commanding red circle that anchors the composition, acting as a pulsing heart amidst a sea of dancing shapes.…
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Flowers
The painting titled Flowers was created by the Canadian artist Tom Hodgson in 1962. This work belongs to the period of the artist's career following his time as an international sprint canoer. Hodgson was born in Toronto, Canada, and later became a member of the Painters Eleven, a group of artists that contributed to the post-war art scene in Canada.
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The museums that keep Tom Hodgson's originals
The 2 museums that hold the most of the paintings on this page.
| Museum | City | Works by Tom Hodgson | Paintings from this list |
|---|---|---|---|
 The Robert McLaughlin Gallery |
Oshawa | 4 | Portrait of a Shirt, Flowers, It Became Green |
 National Gallery of Canada |
Ottawa | 2 | Enduro Take Off, Red Lanterns |
Tom Hodgson year by year: the originals that define each
Barely a decade, 1953 to 1962, gave the world every dated Tom Hodgson original in this selection: here it is, year by year.
Works per year
Pick a year to see its originals.
1957
Portrait of a Shirt
Age 33
1 work this year
In the vibrant landscape of mid-century Canadian abstraction, few works capture the rhythmic energy of the era quite like Thomas Sherlock Hodgson’s Portrait of a Shirt. Created in 1957, this masterpiece serves as a breathtaking exploration of geometric harmony and chromatic intensity. At first glance, the eye is immediately ensnared by a commanding red circle that anchors the composition, acting as a pulsing heart amidst a sea of dancing shapes.…
1962
Flowers
Age 38
1 work this year
The painting titled Flowers was created by the Canadian artist Tom Hodgson in 1962. This work belongs to the period of the artist's career following his time as an international sprint canoer. Hodgson was born in Toronto, Canada, and later became a member of the Painters Eleven, a group of artists that contributed to the post-war art scene in Canada.
Collectors' questions about Tom Hodgson's paintings
Which work is Tom Hodgson most famous for?Reveal the answer
Enduro Take Off (1958), National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa. Portrait of a Shirt (1957) and Flowers (1962) come next.
What age was Tom Hodgson when Enduro Take Off was made?Reveal the answer
34 years old: Enduro Take Off dates from 1958, and Tom Hodgson was born in 1924.
How many paintings did Tom Hodgson leave?Reveal the answer
Our catalog holds 6 works by Tom Hodgson, dated from 1953 to 1962.
In which museums do Tom Hodgson's masterpieces hang?Reveal the answer
Mostly in The Robert McLaughlin Gallery (Oshawa) and National Gallery of Canada (Ottawa). The museum table above lists them all.
In which years did Tom Hodgson paint the most famous works?Reveal the answer
In 1958: 2 of the 6 works on this page were made then, Enduro Take Off among them.
What are the first and the last famous originals of Tom Hodgson?Reveal the answer
On this page, the earliest is Red Lanterns (1953) and the latest Flowers (1962).
Which Tom Hodgson works hang at the The Robert McLaughlin Gallery?Reveal the answer
Portrait of a Shirt, Flowers and It Became Green: the The Robert McLaughlin Gallery, Oshawa holds 4 of the works on this page.
Tom Hodgson: life and work
**early life and athletic career**
thomas sherlock hodgson, a canadian sprint canoer and artist, marked his place in history with his first canadian title in 1941. his athletic career peaked in the 1950s, culminating in an eighth-place finish in the c-2 1000 m event at helsinki in 1952.**artistic career: a member of painters eleven**
as an artist, hodgson is renowned as one of the acclaimed canadian artists collectively known as painters eleven. this group, characterized by their bold and expressive works, significantly contributed to canada's post-war art scene.**notable artworks and style**
though specific artworks by thomas sherlock hodgson are not detailed in available information, his association with painters eleven suggests a style that is both vibrant and emotionally charged. for an understanding of the artistic ethos of this collective, consider exploring works from other members, such as: - jack bush, known for abstract expressionist pieces like twisted maple (though not a direct member, stylistically relevant). - douglas coupland, whose sculptural works like free trade hutch reflect the experimental nature of the group.**legacy and passing**
thomas sherlock hodgson passed away in 2006, leaving behind a legacy that intertwines athletic achievement with artistic expression. his contributions to canadian art, particularly within the context of painters eleven, continue to inspire new generations of artists and art enthusiasts alike.- for more on canadian art and its influential figures, explore thomas sherlock hodgson's profile on OriginalUniqueArt.
- delve into the world of painters eleven through the museum hounslow local studies library (middlesex, united states), though not directly related, it offers insights into collective artistic endeavors.
- visit wikipedia's middlesex page for a broader understanding of the geographical and cultural context that influenced hodgson's work.