Laguna Beach Art Association Part 2

So. Last week I showed only one known artist to me and spent the time on the art and artists that were new discoveries. Then today a friend of mine sent an article on the healing properties of going to see art as an aid to healing! The title was "Take Two Emily Carr's And Call Me in the Morning." It is in fact being implemented in a certain place that will be revealed in another post. But, don't you just love it? It made my day.

First up today is William Wendt. I found out at this exhibit that he was a deeply religious man and he endeavored to do God's creation justice. I do think he succeeded as I always think of him as an amazing landscape painter.
These are not all stellar photos as sometimes the glare just could not be avoided. And I did not take photos of all the name tags. But my memory of who is who is pretty good.

William Wendt, The Mantle of Spring

His landscapes are always memorable to me. Rich in color, texture and composition. So much movement.

William Wendt

Laguna Beach. Gives you such a sense of place.

William Wendt

Below is one final photo I took of his and it was grouped with Nicolai Fechin. If that isn't high praise I don't know what is! I don't know that I have ever seen a Fechin 'seascape' before. He was a Russian Immigrant who came to the US around 1923. After living in NY for a few years he went to Taos where he painted the Taos Indians. I know him more as a portrait painter or painter of people more like. It is not known when he went to La Jolla exactly but around 1925 the tag said. A worthy artist to look into.

Nicolai Fechin top, Old Pier; William Wendt below

I did not get this artists name, but the painting below stood out in its overall simplicity yet boldness of use of Thalo blue green. This color is very strong and in the wrong hands can be overwhelming, but I was quite taken my how well he managed it.

Then there is Joseph Kleitsch, whom I have written of before. I went to the now closed Pasadena Museum of Art to see a whole exhibit on Joseph a year and a half ago. This was the last painting in this current exhibit and a fitting way to end a great show. On a lazy afternoon, strumming a guitar while a faithful companion sits patiently waiting.

Joseph Kleitsch

This is just a small taste of well put together group of artists that painted in and around Southern California 100 years ago. I once again urge anyone who is in the area to make the effort to see this exhibit that is up through January 13, 2019 at the Laguna Art Museum. Be prepared to feel a part of another time and place but in the company of some masterful artists. We are so blessed!