Greg Curnoe (1936-1992) was a highly revered Canadian artist, bookmaker and competitive cyclist. Capturing subject matter from his social and cultural milieu, Curnoe was devoted to depicting personal objects and experiences from his day-to-day life, inspiring a generation of artists to do the same.

In an act of cruel irony, Curnoe faced an untimely death following a tragic accident while riding the same yellow Mariposa bike that was a frequent subject in his work.

Unwavering in his allegiance to the Canadian art scene, Curnoe led the London Regionalism movement alongside fellow artists including Jack Chambers, Tony Urquhart, and Murray Favro. Together, they championed their hometown of London, Ontario by focusing/promoting local life and in their art, activism and loyalty.

Curnoe’s aesthetic inspiration dates back to his childhood interest in comic books, recognizable for his use of text and colour.

This work is a charming example of Cunroe’s iconic all-text compositions, showcasing his masterful use of colour and his inclination towards candy colors and jewel tones rendered in watercolor. Curnoe even spells out the color reference: Grass (Bright Sunny Green) handwritten under the "E". This playful mix of color, text and allusion is classic Greg Curnoe.