1978 W. Porteous Ink Drawing: Canadian Modernist Framed Art

An authentic 1978 original ink drawing signed W. Porteous — a rare and expressive example of late-1970s Canadian modernist art.

Rendered in bold yet graceful lines on heavy artist-grade paper, the composition suggests motion, balance, and transformation — hallmarks of the surrealist and abstract styles that flourished in this era.

The artwork is hand-signed and dated “W. Porteous 78” in graphite along the lower edge. It remains in excellent vintage condition with rich black ink and beautifully aged paper tones.

🪞 Framed for Preservation — Not Decoration

This piece was originally framed to protect and preserve it, not for display.
The small-nail construction and simple wood frame indicate professional care and early preservation efforts, rather than decorative intent.
The frame was carefully opened, the glass cleaned and dried, and then resealed to continue safeguarding the artwork for decades to come.
The frame measures 8.5 × 10.5 inches, with the artwork itself about 7 × 9 inches.

An authentic 1978 original ink drawing signed W. Porteous — a rare and expressive example of late-1970s Canadian modernist art.

Rendered in bold yet graceful lines on heavy artist-grade paper, the composition suggests movement, balance, and transformation — hallmarks of the surrealist and abstract experimentation that marked this period.

The artwork is hand-signed and dated “W. Porteous 78” in graphite along the lower edge. It remains in excellent vintage condition, with crisp ink lines and gentle, even toning to the paper — proof of true age and authenticity.

🪞 Framed for Preservation — Not Decoration

This piece was originally framed to protect and preserve it, not for display.
The small-nail construction and simple wood frame indicate professional care and early preservation efforts, rather than decorative intent.
The frame was carefully opened, the glass cleaned and dried, and then resealed to continue safeguarding the artwork for decades to come.
The frame measures 8.5 × 10.5 inches, with the artwork itself about 7 × 9 inches.

🎨 About the Artist — William (Bill) Porteous (b. 1946)

A respected Canadian modernist, William (Bill) Porteous studied at the Royal College of Art in London before establishing his studio in Victoria, British Columbia, where he has lived and worked for more than five decades.

Porteous is known for his fluid linework, rhythmic abstraction, and architectural sense of balance. His career spans several creative phases, each revealing a new dimension of his style.

🧠 Artistic Evolution

1970s (Early Work): Focused on surreal and automatic ink drawings, exploring organic forms and subconscious expression — your 1978 piece comes directly from this rare, formative period.

1980s–1990s: Transitioned into larger geometric abstractions in acrylic, emphasizing color and rhythm.

2000s–Present: Produces vibrant, layered modernist paintings celebrated for their harmony and motion.

This artwork represents Porteous’s early expressive phase, where his vision was raw and experimental — a stage collectors and historians view as the foundation of his later success.


📜 Details

Artist: William (W.) Porteous

Year: 1978

Medium: Ink on heavy artist paper

Signature: Lower right in graphite (“W. Porteous 78”)

Artwork Size: Approx. 7 × 9 in (17.8 × 22.8 cm)

Frame Size: Approx. 8.5 × 10.5 in (21.6 × 26.6 cm)

Condition: Excellent vintage condition; original frame preserved

Origin: Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Please Note:
Each item is carefully inspected before being listed. Please keep in mind that with age comes character — slight wear, patina, or minor imperfections are common and often reflect the era in which the piece was made. These features are part of the charm and authenticity of vintage.

💬 From LP Sassy Seconds:

Beautifully cleaned, affordably shipped, and full of sass — that’s how we thrift 💋
Each piece is chosen with love, laughter, and an eye for timeless charm. Thank you for supporting our small business and sharing our passion for vintage treasures ✨