EARLY CALIFORIA IMPRESSIONISM

Early California Impressionism flourished in the Golden State from the late 19th century until the 1930’s, reaching its heyday in Southern California in the 1920’s. Described by many as plein air or “open air” painting, it had many exponents, including foreign born artists from as far away as Italy, France, Germany, Sweden and England, as well as transplanted Americans from the Eastern seaboard and Midwest. A few, like Maynard Dixon, were native sons, born in the dusty small towns of Northern and Central California.

Lured by a special quality of light and the freedom to paint open spaces that tendered unspoiled vistas, these artists typically remained in California the rest of their lives honing their craft on a year-round basis, far away from the confines of studio-painting that was dictated by seasons rife with inherent drawbacks of inclement weather. Read More...

Edgar Payne

 

Edgar Alwin Payne was born on March 1, 1882 in Washburn, Missouri. Payne left home at an early age and earned a living as a house painter. He spent a very brief time at the Art Institute of Chicago, and otherwise was a self-taught artist. He met his wife, Elsie Palmer in San Francisco, California, and married her the following year.

In San Francisco, he received a commission for a large mural from the Congress Hotel. The Payne's settled in Laguna Beach, California, and Payne quickly became an important part of the art community there, being named the first President of the Laguna Beach Art Association.

The Payne's painted their way though both America and Europe, initially in 1922 and 1923, then later in the late 1920's. Payne became famous for his Indian-inspired landscapes, his scenes of the High Sierra, and his harbor scenes executed in France and Italy.

He died in Hollywood, California on April 3, 1947.

See more at www.edgarpayne.com

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