Norval Morrisseau Authenticated artwork; exhibited as part of 'Weekend of Awakening' A DECADE AGO & later authenticated by the World leading Questioned Document Examiner

Kevin Hearn Vs. Joseph B. McLeod and Maslak McLeod Gallery Inc.
/Court File No. CV-12-455650/

"SPIRIT ENERGY OF MOTHER EARTH HAS NOT BEEN PROVED TO BE A FORGED OR FAKE MORRISEAU. FROM THE LAW'S POINT OF VIEW, IT IS THEREFORE A REAL NORVAL MORRISSEAU PAINTING."

~ Justice Edward M. Morgan, May 24, 2018
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- Norval Morrisseau Conspiracy Exposed

From left to right /All paintings ©  by Norval Morrisseau/:

Top: "Thunderbird", 1 of 2, 30"x22", © 1977; "Inorganic Being with Shamans", 32"x26", © 1976; "Great Journey", 26"x32", © 1978;
Bottom: "Untitled", 30"x28", © 1980; "Thunderbird and Evil Serpent", 30"x23", © 1976; "Thunderbird", 2 of 2, 30"x28", 1977.
/Click on image to Enlarge/

>>> The six signatures painted with a dry brush (DB) technique on the reverse of each of the above presented canvas paintings have been positively identified to have been authored by Canadian Anishinaabe/Woodland artist Norval Morrisseau. These discoveries were conducted and documented by Dr. Atul K. Singla of 'Worldwide Forensic Services Inc.' - Full Time Forensic Document Examiner and Fingerprints Expert; This report is dated DECEMBER 21st 2011.

> For Dr. Singla's professional memberships click HERE.

* Worldwide Forensic Services Inc., Toronto, Ontario is one of the leading forensic laboratories in Canada. Providing services on various aspects of forensic document examination and is an agent of Police services and R.C.M.P. Accredited and Certified Fingerprinting Agency.
> For a detailed services list and partial client list click HERE.

Note: This report has been generated for Ugo Matulić a.k.a. Spirit Walker of Calgary, Alberta. These paintings come with Certificates of Authenticity (COAs), that were signed by Norval Morrisseau and eyewitnessed by Mr. William (Bill) Wallace together with artist's sons Christian and Eugene Morrisseau in Thunder Bay, Ontario SEVENTEEN YEARS AGO on April 11th, 2002. All paintings were originally acquired by the late Mr. William (Bill) Wallace (1936-2018) from Mr. Rolf Schnieder (1928-2015), both from Thunder Bay Ontario.

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Carmen Robertson* noted that Mr. Schnieders was "well-known conduit for Morrisseau's paintings in the Thunder Bay region" and was "actively handling works by the artist since 1960s. He operated small store on May St., in Thunder Bay ON called 'Yesterday's Treasures' for a number of years and this was one way he sold works by Morrisseau." 

* - A member of the defunct Norval Morrisseau Heritage Society (NMHS)-

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~ All of the below presented canvas Norval Morrisseau paintings were signed by the artist with a dry brush (BDP) technique. Three of these canvases also include "Wascana floaters, which are Carmen Robertson's clear indication of an alleged Forgery.

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~ Dated December 21st, 2011
/Click on image to Download/

> Forensic Report analysis /WWFS File No. 2099/ by Dr. Atul K. Singla of 'Worldwide Forensic Services Inc.' - Full Time Forensic Document Examiner and Fingerprints Expert


Norval Morrisseau’s known signatures from K1 to K18 were collected from signed letters to Susanna McLeod (dated December 30th, 1968, K1 & January 15th, 1965, K2); Signed undated handwritten note, K3; Signed book THE ART OF NORVAL MORRISSEAU,  ISBN: 0-458-93820-3 /Toronto, Ontario: Methuen, 1979./, K4; Five signed limited edition prints (‘Community Development’, c.1980, K5; ‘Great Circle’,1979, K6; ‘Vision to its Soul’, c. 1980, K7; ‘Images of Nature’, 1979, K8 & ‘Ojibway Thunderbird’, 1979, K9); Two acrylic paintings on canvas signed with a dry brush (DB) technique acquired directly from the artist by Deiter John Voss (‘Sacred Medicine Bear Changes’, 1979, K10 & ‘Soaring Thunderbird’, 1979, K11); Six signed Certificates of Authenticity dated April 11th, 2002 (for acrylic paintings on canvas: ‘Great Journey, 1978, K12; ‘Thunderbird’, 1 OF 2, 1977, K13; ‘Untitled’, 1980, K14; Thunderbird’, 2 OF 2, 1977, K15; ‘Thunderbird and Evil Serpent’, 1976, K16 & ‘Inorganic Being with Shamans’, 1976, K17)  and one Certificate of Authenticity dated April 12th, 2002 (for acrylic paintings on canvas ‘Your in the Fourth Dimension’, K18).


Purpose of the Examination:

The signatures described above were examined in an effort to determine, if possible:

1. Whether the questioned signatures Q1 to Q6 were written by the writer of known signatures K1 to K18?

Background Information Provided:

Mr. Norval Morrisseau suffered from Parkinson's disease in the later years of his life.

Examinations Conducted:

1. Visual and macroscopic analysis of the questioned and known signatures.

2. Comparison of the questioned signatures Q1-Q6 with the known signatures K1-K18.

Observations and Findings:

The questioned signatures Q1-Q6 are written with brush and paint on canvas. The signatures Q3 and Q6 show some lighter strokes and lesser clarity in their execution. This factor has been given due consideration.

Giving due consideration to the possible natural variations in brush and paint writings as compared to the writings written with pen, ballpoint pen or pencil on paper surface; the questioned signatures have been found to be written freely and fluently. These signatures do not show hesitations, slow drawn strokes, unusual shadings or lack of natural writing flow.

The known signatures show a wide range of natural variations in their inter-se comparison. The signatures K6 and K8 are written as "Norval M", the signature K2 and K3 are written as "Norval Morriseau" (with single "s" in word "Morriseau") and the signatures K1, K5, K7 and K9 are written as "Norval Morrisseau" (with two "s" in word "Morrisseau"). The signatures K4 and K9 show more abbreviation of the terminal portions as compared to the other known signatures. The signatures K12-K18 show decline in the muscular co-ordination, resulting in slow writing speed, presence of tremor, change in the alignment (more pronounced in K16 and K17) and difficulty in execution of strokes. The known signatures K10 and K11 are written with brush and paint on canvas like the questioned signatures.

The questioned signatures were examined minutely and compared against the known signatures. This process involved a comparison of the writing features including letter proportions; abbreviations; connections, direction of strokes; freedom of execution; line quality; method of production of letters; overall pressure and pattern of pressure emphasis; size; skill; slant; spacing; speed and range of variation-see illustrative charts 1-14.

It was determined as to whether the writing characteristics present in the questioned signatures are in the parameters of natural variations present within the known signatures. The comparison showed significant similarities in the writing characteristics and some variations which are detailed and marked on illustrative charts.

In addition to the similarities detailed on the illustrative charts, the questioned and known signatures also have similarities in the writing features detailed below:

1. The questioned signatures and the known signatures K1-K11 reveal similar order of writing skill and muscular co-ordination. As mentioned earlier, the known signatures K12- K18 show decline in the muscular co-ordination.

2. The questioned signatures and the known signatures K1-K11 reveal moderate writing speed and gradation in the writing pressure. The known signatures K13-K18 reveal comparatively slower speed.

3. The relative position of words "Norval" and "Morrisseau" in the questioned signatures is similar to the relative position of these words in the known signatures K1, K10, K11 and K12.

4. The apex of the right shoulder of letter "M" is placed at a higher level than the apex of its left shoulder in the questioned signatures and in the known signatures K1-K17.

5. The letters in these signatures have similar combinations i.e. letters "N", "o", "R" and "v" in word "Norval" are written separately , whereas the letters "a" and "I" in this word are connected with each other. Similarly, the letters "M", "o", "R", "i" and first "s" in the second word in the questioned signatures and the known signatures K1-K11 are written separately, whereas the remaining letters in this word are connected with each other.

Please refer to the attached illustrative for these observations.

Conclusions:

Examination and comparison of the questioned and known signatures as described in detail in the report and on the illustrative charts lead to the following conclusions:

1. It is highly probable that the questioned signatures Q1, Q2, Q4 and Q5 were written by the writer of known signatures K1 to K18.

2. It is probable that the questioned signatures Q3 and Q6 were written by the writer of known signatures K1 to K18.

> Opinion Scale for the Forensic Report analysis /WWFS File No. 2099/ completed by Dr. Atul K. Singla of 'Worldwide Forensic Services Inc.' - Full Time Forensic Document Examiner and Fingerprints Expert


> Questioned signature Q1

"Great Journey", 26"x32", © 1978 Norval Morrisseau
/Click on image to enlage for detailed examination/

"Great Journey", © 1978 Norval Morrisseau
/Click on image for detailed examination of the Signature Q1/

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"Great Journey", © 1978 Norval Morrisseau
/Click on image for detailed examination of the ILLUSTRATIVE CHART #2/


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COA for "Great Journey", © 1978 Norval Morrisseau
/Click on image for detailed examination - Signature K12/


> Questioned signature Q2

"Inorganic Being with Shamans", 32"x26", © 1976 Norval Morrisseau/Click on image to enlage for detailed examination/




















"Inorganic Being with Shamans", © 1976 Norval Morrisseau
/Click on image for detailed examination of the Signature Q2/






























"Inorganic Being with Shamans", © 1976 Norval Morrisseau
/Click on image for detailed examination of the ILLUSTRATIVE CHART #4/






























COA for "Inorganic Being with Shamans", © 1976 Norval Morrisseau
/Click on image for detailed examination - Signature K17/

> Questioned signature Q3

"Thunderbird", 2 of 2, 30"x28", © 1977 Norval Morrisseau

/Click on image to enlage for detailed examination/

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"Thunderbird", 2 of 2, © 1977 Norval Morrisseau
/Click on image for detailed examination of the Signature Q3/

"Thunderbird", 2 of 2, © 1977 Norval Morrisseau/Click on image for detailed examination of the ILLUSTRATIVE CHART #6/


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COA for "Thunderbird", 1 of 2, © 1977 Norval Morrisseau
/Click on image for detailed examination - Signature K15/

> Questioned signature Q4




























"Thunderbird", 1 of 2, 30"x22", © 1977 Norval Morrisseau
/Click on image to enlage for detailed examination/

"Thunderbird", 1 of 2, © 1977 Norval Morrisseau
/Click on image for detailed examination of the Signature Q4/






























"Thunderbird", 1 of 2, © 1977 Norval Morrisseau
/Click on image for detailed examination of the ILLUSTRATIVE CHART #8/






























COA for "Thunderbird", 1 of 2, © 1977 Norval Morrisseau
/Click on image for detailed examination - Signature K13/


> Questioned signature Q5

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"Thunderbird and Evil Serpent", 30"x23", © 1976 Norval Morrisseau /Click on image to enlage for detailed examination/

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"Thunderbird and Evil Serpent", © 1976 Norval Morrisseau
/Click on image for detailed examination of the Signature Q5/






























"Thunderbird and Evil Serpent", © 1976 Norval Morrisseau
/Click on image for detailed examination of the ILLUSTRATIVE CHART #10/









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COA for "Thunderbird and Evil Serpent", © 1976 Norval Morrisseau
/Click on image for detailed examination - Signature K16/


> Questioned signature Q6

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"Untitled", 30"x28", © 1980 Norval Morrisseau
/Click on image to enlage for detailed examination/


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"Untitled", © 1980 Norval Morrisseau
/Click on image for detailed examination of the Signature Q6/

"Untitled", © 1980 Norval Morrisseau
/Click on image for detailed examination of the ILLUSTRATIVE CHART #12/

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COA for "Untitled", © 1980 Norval Morrisseau
/Click on image for detailed examination - Signature K14/


>>> BLOG MASTER'S COMMENTS: These legally binding 'Certificates of Authenticity' were signed and thumbprinted by Norval Morrisseau. The artist presonally handled and inspected the 'front and reverse' of each one of these canvases for his identifying marks. Signing of the certificates were eyewitnessed during their presentation to Norval Morrisseau by the late Mr. William (Bill) Wallace (1936-2018) of Thunder Bay, Ontario and artist's sons Christian and Eugene Morrisseau, who were also from Thunder Bay, Ontario. These paintings were later attested for authenticity by Norval Morrisseau's son David Morrisseau. Who inscribed a statement of authenticity of his own onto the reverse side of each of these artworks. 

Also, I quote a closing statement by lawyer Richard H.Baker (dated January 9th, 2008 Re: Moniz v. CTV Globemedia Publishing Inc.) in his letter from the Norval Morrisseau Heritage Society /NMHS/ (see Exhibit No. 25): "The Society has no reason to believe that Mr. Morrisseau was at any time incompetent".

As per Endnote No. 1 of the KRG deleted posts originally published on March 2nd, 2009 "Christian Morrisseau recounts how his father signed false COAs" (click HERE for a screen capture of this post with all pertaining comments) it states that: "During this trip to Thunder Bay in 2002, Norval Morrisseau was not under the care of, nor was he advised by, KRG and Don Robinson or Gabe Vadas. Rather, he was acting of his own accord under the care of his relatives."

Also, as per latest KRG blog post, they made this deliberately misleading, malicious, and self-serving statement: "To recap, while the Morrisseau signatures and thumbprints on these so-called Certificates of Authenticity are real (no forensic examiner required), they're not worth the paper they're written on as a means of authentication. Besides, if a person is forced, tricked, or coerced into entering into an agreement, then typically it is not considered to be "legally binding". Click HERE or HERE to view this statement in its proper context as part of the post "Morrisseau Signed COA 'For The Money' which was published on March 18th, 2012 by the Kinsman Robinson Galleries' blog editors.

"Norval Morrisseau was not at any time incompetent as per the above statement from the Norval Morrisseau Heritage Society. These six 'Cerificates of Authenticity' signed and thumbprinted by Norval Morrisseau are admissable in a Court of Law as valid proof of authenticity and provenance. The six signatures painted with a dry brush technique on the reverse of each of these canvas paintings have been positively identified to have been authored by Canadian Anishinaabe/Woodland artist Norval Morrisseau. These discoveries were conducted and documented by Dr. Atul K. Singla - Full Time Forensic Document Examiner and Fingerprints Expert of 'Worldwide Forensic Services Inc.'

Note: Dr. Atul K. Singla has qualified and testified as an expert witness in the scientific field of Forensic Document Examination more than 500 times. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: These Certificates of Authenticity (COAs) are from Ugo Matulić a.k.a. Spirit Walker's Private Collection (Calgary, Alberta) and were acquired from Mr. Rolf Schnieders' Private Collection (Thunder Bay, Ontario).

Mr. Schnieders' collection was one of the major sources of Norval Morrisseau's paintings that were supplied to different galleries all across Canada by Mr. Anthony Martinenko, an art dealer from Winnipeg, Manitoba who supplied paintings even to Coghlan Art Studio & Gallery, Aldergrove, BC for many years (click HERE, HERE & HERE). Among other galleries Mr. Anthony Martinenko was supplying Norval Morrisseau's paintings to Mr. Joseph McLeod of Maslak McCleod Gallery, Toronto, Ontario; Bearclaw Gallery, Edmonton, Alberta and Northern Art Impressions Gallery, Lake Louise, Alberta; to name but a few. 

Also, my first Norval Morrisseau painting was purchased on January 23rd, 2000 from Mr. Anthony Martinenko who acquired it as well from Mr. Rolf Schnieders' collection (click HERE)!

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~ In a court judgement Hatfield vs. Artworld of Sherway /Court File No. SC-09-087264-0000/ Judge Paul J. Martial stated the following:

"The Court finds that there is overwhelming evidence that Norval Morrisseau signed paintings in black brush paint.” (Judgment by Judge Paul J Martial: March 25th, 2013 - Page 34)

“The testimony of Mr. Joseph McLeod is indicative of his care and the detailed effort to confirm provenance, including the hiring of a forensic expert to examine the signature on the back of the painting indicate that he took his role to provide appraisals seriously. His testimony… demonstrates his depth of knowledge of the painter due to his lengthy association with the artist.” (Judgment by Judge Paul J Martial: March 25th, 2013 - Page 35)

"The Court rejects his (Donald Robinson) expert report and his conclusion that the Morellian analysis, style, colour, and provenance all pointed to forgery. (Judgment by Judge Paul J Martial: March 25th, 2013 - Page 37)

"Mr. Joseph McLeod's testimony is preferred to that of Mr. Ritchie Sinclair. Mr. Sinclair's testimony of numerous forgers paid for with drugs although dramatic was not supported by the evidence. (Judgment by Judge Paul J Martial: March 25th, 2013 - Page 37)

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> Every painting from the collections of Mr. Rolf Schnieders, Mr. Gary Lamont and Mr. David Voss which were submitted for signature analysis were authenticated by one of Canada's three top internationally recognized Forensic Document Examiners and Handwriting Experts from Ottawa, Toronto and Calgary (click HERE for these Forensic Reports which are available for FREE DOWNLOAD exclusively on this platform. <

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>>> Reference posts:

- Forensic Document Examination (Part I),

- Morrisseau's artwork in Auction Houses, Commercial Art Galleries & Museums Around the World, - Genuine Morrisseau paintings: Appraised, Authenticated and Forensically Analyzed... /In regards to the Genuine Norval Morrisseau paintings signed by the artist with a dry brush (DB) technique/ - Experts in Norval Morrisseau's Art (Part I) /Ref.: Mr. Joseph McLeod/ - Norval Morrisseau authenticating his artworks /In regards to the Genuine Norval Morrisseau paintings signed by the artist with a dry brush (DB) technique/, - Endorsement by Thunder Bay Art Gallery of genuine Morrisseau paintings from 1970's /In regards to the Genuine Norval Morrisseau paintings signed by the artist with a dry brush (DB) technique/, - Authenticity Statement by Mr. Goyce Kakegamic /'In regards to Genuine Norval Morrisseau paintings acquired from Collections of Mr. Rolf Schneiders and Mr. Gary Lamont/, - Statutory Declaration by Mr. Robert Scott, /' Witnessing Norval Morrisseau signing the paintings with a dry brush (DB) technique'/, - Statutory Declaration by Mr. Deiter John Voss, /' Witnessing Norval Morrisseau signing the paintings with a dry brush (DB) technique'/ - Hatfield, Margaret Lorraine vs. Child, Donna and Artworld of Sherway (Part IV).
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