We looked at this vintage James Bessey work, (even under a magnifying glass), in an attempt to confirm whether this was an original ‘early years’ mini-painting or a superb print. Finally we had to remove it from the professionally done framing to discover that “Morning Reflections” was actually a print. It’s that good!
Still … it’s a beautiful 50 years old print completed by ‘Stepping Stones’ printers in Markham who closed in 1975.

Well-known Canadian watercolour artist James (Jim) Wm. Bessey (1920 – 2010) was a pure naturalist painter. At the height of his career he would travel across Canada in search of that perfect spot to set up his easel for the day. Nova Scotia quickly became Bessey’s favourite place to paint.
In “Morning Reflections” (c. 1972) Bessey has captured the peacefulness of an early day in Nova Scotia. A Lunenburg County lobster boat with its long open cockpit quietly floats in the morning mist. The fog lifts from the sleepy little harbour.
The vintage print is in its original frame, glass and matting. The 6” x 8”artwork is showcased in complementary double matting. The frame measures 13” x 14”.
Originally from an Ontario estate, but downsizing to a condo means that we can no longer display all of our treasures. We want others to enjoy it.
Own this lovely Canadiana artwork for just $45. (No HST!) A nice investment too.
An easy and safe pickup from a smoke/pet free home in the Taunton and Garden area of WHITBY.
Please TEXT 905-439-4640 or email mzm@sympatico.ca

About the artist: James Wm. Bessey was born in 1920 in North Toronto. He attended King's College University, Halifax, where he received his officer's training as Lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve and served aboard corvettes HMCS Lethbridge and HMCS Arvida from 1940-1945. Jim begin creating art until he took some watercolour classes in his 40s. Within a few years he left his regular job and became a full-time artist. Although based in Stouffville, Ontario, for much of his life, he travelled widely across the county creating watercolour paintings of a wide variety of Canadian landscapes.
Jim was deeply proud of Canada and his works were included in many private collections. The Province of Ontario presented his paintings to HRH Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and the late Queen Mother as gifts from the Province and the Loyalist Societies.
“My basic philosophy to art and feeling things in nature is: hug a tree, smell a flower (and) listen to a brook,” Mr. Bessey said. “It’s nice when you have that quiet time to reflect upon nature.”
James Bessey died in 2010, in Stouffville.