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lon annuel de l’Académie canadienne. Le peintre avait représenté une vieille église de style espagnol, baignant dans la nuit bleue, limpide, transparente. Rosaire nous offrait là une œuvre toute vibrante de poésie, une vision de rêve peinte avec une extrême délicatesse de touche et fort différente de facture d’autres de ses œuvres telles que Grey Nunnery Church et Garden of Light, si vigoureusement brossées. California Mission fut le dernier tableau de Rosaire qui figura à une exposition à Montréal. Je donnai dans la Presse mon appréciation de cette peinture et, quelque temps après, je reçus de l’artiste la lettre suivante que je lus avec émotion et que je conserve précieusement :
Los Angeles, January 28th, 1921.
- My dear Laberge,
- You are indeed a real friend and what is more you seem to gather just the ideas I try to put forward in my work ; indeed, you must be a kindred soul and have been of great encouragement to me in my many battles with the artistic. You cannot imagine when we know a person is sincere what a wonderful incentive it is to keep one trying to advance. I am so glad Alex T. Jackson has taken a hand in Montreal art. He is a giant and something sure must come of it for the younger generation. How fortunate they are in having him for an example ! This is just what I missed when I was in Canada. And you know how hard this past group of us have tried to retain our individuality as you know. You have followed our work with an artistic mind. I say or said if you will, as you know how often the eye can deceive in relying entirely on its view point. Once again, I am indebted to you for your wonderful concept of my California Mission in magazine. Keep up the good work about the few that are always trying to express their individuality and the spirit of the place and times without egoism. If you should see Jackson, congratulate him for me. I was about one of the last Montreal painters he expressed himself to before going to war. He told me his feelings then and they were certainly unselfish and big just lie his work has always been. I was very friendly with his brother, at one time, who is also a very skilful artist. I wish lots of success to this daring group. I am so pleased, dear Laberge, that you have been getting on so well from your last letter. Why not send me a copy of some of your poems or writings. I would love to have something from you to look over and read as I try to
