James Edward Harvey MacDonald (1873–1932) was an influential Canadian artist, educator, and author, best known as a founding member of the Group of Seven. Born in Durham, England, he immigrated to Canada as a teenager and studied art in Toronto. MacDonald played a pivotal role in shaping Canada's visual identity, creating bold, innovative paintings that captured the country’s rugged landscape. His work spanned urban scenes, portraits, and expansive nature studies. A dedicated teacher and mentor, he was a key figure at the Ontario College of Art and influenced generations of Canadian artists. Despite ongoing health struggles, MacDonald produced a prolific body of work, including major pieces such as Tracks and Traffic and The Elements. He was deeply involved in commercial design as well, producing book illustrations and stage sets. MacDonald’s contributions were recognized with numerous honors, including membership in the Royal Canadian Academy and the Ontario Society of Artists. His legacy endures in Canadian art history through his striking landscapes and his role in the Group of Seven’s formation.