Art deals with creation; war deals with destruction. 'Canvas of Conflict' deals with this contradiction. Throughout World War I, thousands of paintings and sketches were commissioned by the Canadian Government to create a permanent record of our role in the conflict. The War Art Program was inspired by Canadian born Lord Beaverbrook, head of the Canadian War Records office, who focused on recording Canada’s part in the war through newspaper, photography and film; but it was 1917 before they hired Canadian artists.

Future members of the Group of Seven were determined to develop a unique Canadian war art style. A. Y. Jackson, Fred Varley and David Milne all recorded aspects of the war. Arthur Nantel was captured at the second battle of Ypres and painted while he was a prisoner of war. Other artists like Arthur Lismer and Franz Johnston stayed at home and recorded the work of women in factories and the development of aviation. The art of World War I and its creators varied greatly in style, perspective, and message. Narrated by Gordon Pinsent.