Offered by:
William A. Karges Fine Art
Sixth Ave between San Carlos & Dolores Streets
Carmel, CA 93921 , United States
Call Seller
800.833.9185
Showrooms
Showrooms
Sixth Ave between San Carlos & Dolores Streets
Carmel, CA 93921
United States
800.833.9185
Landscape with Oaks
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Description
This is a large-format watercolor painting featuring “Landscape with Oaks” by Australian-born artist Francis McComas. This impressive work showcases the power and strength of the magnificent trees of the Del Monte Forest. A master watercolorist, McComas moved to Carmel in 1912 and was famous for his California landscapes.
This painting, and the artist who created it, are remarkable and unique in a number of different ways. Some aspects of his style are rooted in the early California tonalist movement that began in the 1880's and lasted well into the 1920's. This genre presents interpretations of nature using muted colors, indistinct outlines, and subtle nuances and gradations of earth tones.
However, when we stop to observe this painting carefully, we start to realize that we are witnessing an extraordinary conjunction of styles and artistic techniques present in this single image. The artist seems to have incorporated elements of Tonalism, Modernism, and even Cubism. In a unexpected twist, and in direct contrast to the gentle softness of of the tonalist-inspired foliage of the tree, we see that the painting also includes certain Modernist and Cubist elements. There is a vibrant shade of electric blue in the upper tree trunk and branches that is more decorative than realistic, and the tree trunk is formed by certain angular, more geometrically inspired shapes where it meets the ground. The buildings of the city in the middle-distance are constructed of intersecting flat planes of color and shadow.
The question that follows is “Can these 'harder', more contemporary, experimental, less traditional elements work together with the gentle haziness of the tonalist style and its softer outlines?” Absolutely! And it is precisely this bold approach and this unusual juxtaposition that makes this painting so special. And, the artist has accomplished all this using the medium of watercolor, universally known to be so unforgiving and complex? This is an impressive achievement indeed, and this expertly crafted historical landscape would make a fine addition to any comprehensive collection of early California paintings. -
More Information
Documentation: Signed Notes: Signed by the artist lower left Origin: United States, California Period: 1900-1919 Materials: Watercolor Condition: Good. Styles / Movements: Other , Barbizon/Tonalism Dealer Reference #: 9320 Incollect Reference #: 787802 -
Dimensions
W. 30 in; H. 24 in; W. 76.2 cm; H. 60.96 cm;
Message from Seller:
William A. Karges Fine Art Located in Carmel, CA, William A. Karges Fine Art has been a leading dealer in original early California and American paintings (1870–1940), American Southwest, and early Philippine art for over 35 years. Contact us at 800.833.9185 or gallery@kargesfineart.com to explore our exceptional collection, including works by contemporary artists Dennis Doheny, Cindy Baron, and Susan N. Jarvis.
