Edward Dugmore

American, 1915 - 1996

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Artistry coursed through Edward Dugmore's veins, inherited from his father, an early English photographer. Growing up immersed in his father's photographic passion, Dugmore found his own expressive outlets in drawing, watercolor, and poetry before reaching his teenage years. Encouraged by his mother, he embarked on his artistic journey at the Hartford Art School, subsequently advancing his studies under Thomas Hart Benton at the Kansas City Art Institute. World War II interrupted his artistic pursuits as he served in the Marine Corps.

Post-war, Dugmore found inspiration in Clyfford Still's teachings at the California School of Fine Art in San Francisco, forming a lasting friendship with the influential artist. His formal education culminated in Guadalajara, Mexico, where he earned his M.A. degree. The Howard Wise Gallery in Cleveland showcased Dugmore's work in 1960, marking the beginning of his success. Solo exhibitions in New York in 1961 and 1963 solidified his prominence, leading to engagements with diverse galleries, notably the Stable Gallery, which hosted early solo shows for Andy Warhol and Robert Indiana.

Dugmore's paintings emanate luminescence, capturing brooding landscapes that resonate with both primal natural topography and distinct human elements, reminiscent of aging walls in cherished childhood homes. The spontaneity and thoughtfulness in his work reflect deep considerations of color, with Dugmore personally grinding pigments and mixing paint throughout his career. Acknowledgments include a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1966, National Endowment for the Arts grants in 1976 and 1985, and awards from the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters in 1980. His lifetime achievements were further recognized with the Pollock-Krasner Foundation's Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995 and the Ingram Merrill Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award in 1992. Explore the rich tapestry of Edward Dugmore's artistry, where each stroke embodies a profound connection to nature and humanity.