Over a period spanning more than 20 years, they travelled the lengths of Eastern Ontario and Quebec, as well as Alberta, Alaska and the Yukon territory together, depicting the environs, physical structures and, less frequently, the people of the regions they visited.
[7] Another student and art historian observes that Burton's works are "very rhythmical...straight lines were rare, things are always flowing and moving through his brush strokes and the variation in colours.
As one biographical sketch recounts, "Ralph began using his art as a bartering tool to acquire food, fuel, make car repairs -- everything necessary for survival.
Burton is often referred to as a plein air artist whose body of work focuses largely on natural Canadian landscapes in formidable climates.
[7] Lebreton Flats was once a working-class neighbourhood in Ottawa's west end that saw its land expropriated in the 1960s by the Federal government and slated for demolition and urban renewal.
As one art historian put it, "Working just ahead of the demolition crews, Ralph Burton produced a series of small oil sketches that document the final months of Lebreton Flats...[and he] rendered these architectural portraits with powerful observation."
[14] [15][16] Selections from more than 30 of his paintings from the Lebreton Flats series are hanging in the hallways of Ottawa City Hall (Heritage Building, Champlain Room).