Marsh and Stubble

Alfred Leroy Paine was a Canadian physician, thoracic surgeon, and visual artist. Born in Oxbow, Saskatchewan, he was raised in Rosetown before earning a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Saskatchewan in 1922 and a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Manitoba in 1929. Alongside a long career in medicine, during which he served as the Medical Superintendent and Chief Thoracic Surgeon at the Manitoba Sanatorium in Ninette from 1946 until 1972, Paine developed a specialized artistic practice centered on relief printmaking.

Working predominantly in relief print techniques, Paine developed a distinct method for multi-colour linocut printing. His artistic subject matter focused on rural Manitoba landscapes, regional architectural scenes, and depictions of Pelican Lake and the surrounding prairie terrain.

Paine's artistic work gained national recognition within medical art circles, earning first-place honors in the Canadian Medical Association's Physicians' Art Salon exhibitions. His linocut prints were regularly reproduced for institutional publications, holiday cards, and calendars. In addition to his printmaking, Paine provided illustrations for published literary works, including the 1982 book A Hill for Looking. Following his retirement from medical practice in 1972, he continued to paint and produce printwork in Manitoba until his death in 1988. Archives of his printmaking methods, block lists, and original artworks are preserved in the University of Manitoba Archives.