Norval Morrisseau used what is referred to as an X-Ray technique when he painted a work of art. Not only do you see the person or animal that has been painted, but you also see the energy within the animal or person. Have your students choose a subject for their painting – a fish, a bird, a turtle, etc.

Morrisseau was a self-taught artist of Ojibwa ancestry (his Ojibwa name, which appears in syllabics on his paintings, means "Copper Thunderbird") and he originated the pictographic style, or what is referred to as "Woodlands School," "legend painting" or "x-ray art." This style is a fusion of European easel painting .

Born: March 14, 1932, Greenstone, Ontario
Died: December 4, 2007, Toronto
Movement: Woodlands Style
Award: Order of Canada
Spouse(s): Harriet Kakegamic
Movies: There Are No Fakes

I first heard of Norval Morrisseau 2 or 3 years ago, on a passing facebook post with a small blurb about him as an artist. I read it, looked at his work a little bit, and moved on. Around that time I had friended Philip Cote on Facebook, and I immediately made the connection between his work, and an influence of morrisseau. It seems Cote's work was influenced by morriseeau at fist glance, yet was unique and had his own style. over the years i saw cote's artwork as he posted pictures online and became increasingly impressed. then one day i decided to look at morriseau's work in detail. I searched online for images, looking at as many as possible. I did some research on his life, and watched a few documentaries about him. I quickly found that he was an incredibly influential artist, responsible for a very unique style whihc i loved, and many loved. his works sold for huge amounts on money. So how was it i hadnt been told about him at my art history course at ocad? they touche dont he group of 7, as important to candas history, but not a trace of morriseau.
As a student I had been to nearly every inch of the AGO. I hadnt seen a single morriseau. Not even a mention of him. How can he be canadas best kept secret?
its clear that his works and his style are important.