- Pegi Nicol MacLeod: A Canadian Artist of Distinction** **Early Life and Education:** Pegi Nicol MacLeod (1904–1949) was a prominent Canadian artist known for her modernist and expressionist style. Born in 1904, she studied at the Ontario College of Art (now OCAD University) from 1923 to 1927, laying the foundation for her artistic career. **Artistic Style and Contributions:** MacLeod's work was characterized by bold lines and vibrant colors, focusing on themes such as portraits, still lifes, landscapes, and symbolic depictions of human figures. Her art reflected a deep engagement with modernist aesthetics. **Public Art Projects:** She gained recognition through her murals in the 1930s, contributing to public buildings in Toronto and Montréal, showcasing her commitment to community-oriented art. **War Artistry:** During World War II (1942–1945), MacLeod became one of the few women official war artists. Her role involved documenting the lives of service members and hospital staff, resulting in over a hundred oil paintings that captured the human experience during wartime. **Diverse Mediums:** Beyond painting, she designed hooked rugs, adding another layer to her artistic versatility. **Legacy and Recognition:** After her death from cancer in 1949, MacLeod's legacy endured with significant exhibitions, including a major retrospective at Galerie Walter Klinkhoff in 1982 and a touring exhibition in 1984. Her life and work were documented in books such as Laura Brandon’s *Pegi by Herself* (2005) and Joan Murray’s *Daffodils in Winter* (1984). **Impact:** MacLeod's wartime art set her apart, leaving a lasting legacy with over a thousand works that spanned various mediums. ...