By The Stream

Léo Ayotte (1909–1976), largely self-taught, became a defining figure in Quebec art. Known for his bold, vibrant palettes and confident, uncorrected brushwork, he captured landscapes, still lifes, and portraits with immediacy and emotional resonance. Eschewing preliminary drawings, he relied on keen observation to distill the essence of his subjects. His work is held in private and corporate collections in Canada and abroad.