Toni Onley
# Toni Onley

Toni Onley OC (November 20, 1928 – March 2, 2004) was a Manx-Canadian painter noted for his landscapes and abstract works. Born in Douglas on the Isle of Man, he moved to Canada in 1948, and lived in Brantford, Ontario. Later he moved to Vancouver and finally, Victoria, BC.

Among his works are many watercolours depicting the northern Canadian landscape. Onley created landscapes in the Canadian tradition, influenced by Oriental art. Icebergs, trees, water and coasts are the prominent features in these artworks. He also painted abstractly, particularly during the 1960s, when he produced his Polar series.

He was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1999. He was made an associate member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts (1963). He died at the age of 76 in a plane crash on the Fraser River near Maple Ridge, British Columbia while practising take-offs and landings in a Lake LA-4-200 Buccaneer amphibious plane.

