How to go
- What: "All Things Bright & Beautiful - California Impressionist Paintings from the Irvine Museum"
- When: Through June 13
- Where: Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton
- Admission: $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students with ID, $6 for children 6 and under, free for museum members. Admission is free on Free Third Thursdays: March 18, April 15 and May 20.
- Also: A number of special events will be held at the museum in honor of the new exhibit ranging from a talk by DAI curator Will South to Wine and Cheese tours, art classes and workshops. For details, visit www.daytonartinstitute.org.
DAYTON — On a visit to Los Angeles last summer, I mentioned to a friend that the Dayton Art Institute would be hosting an exhibit of California Impressionism. It turned out she’s an expert on the subject.
Tressa Ruslander Miller, a Fairview High School graduate who studied art at Antioch College and The Ohio State University, curates the Jonathan Club and Art Foundation’s collections of California landscape paintings.
“I love the way these artists used atmospheric light qualities to depict the presence, mystery and beauty of nature,” says Miller. We asked the native Daytonian to respond to questions about the 60 paintings we’ll be seeing at the DAI.
The new exhibit — ”All Things Bright & Beautiful: California Impressionist Paintings from the Irvine Museum” — opens this weekend and will be on display through June 13. The art comes from the only museum in California dedicated to the preservation and display of California Impressionism. Forty four artists are represented.
Q What is California Impressionism? How did it evolve?
A California Plein Air Painting was extremely popular from the turn of the century to the 1930's. Artists took their canvases, boards or sketch pads out in the open air to the site to create their work rather than painting it in the studio.
At that time, many artists who were sophisticated travelers and had been well-trained in European art techniques, came to Southern California from Europe, the East coast and the Midwest seeking new adventures and the ability to express their individualism. Others came for health reasons or to take advantage of the mild weather conditions. They were also drawn to the area by the marketing of California that the developers and the rail lines used to entice people to buy land and settle here.
When these artists arrived, they were awed by the majestic mountain terrains, the vastness of the ocean scapes, the vegetation, and most of all, the unique qualities of California light. Many of these same artists were hired by the development companies and the railroads to advertise these California scenes.
Q How does California Impressionism differ from French or American Impressionism?
A California Impressionism has its roots in French Impressionism with which these artists were well-acquainted. But, at that time, being away from the center of the European activity, they were able to depict their own environment with emphasis on the changing qualities of light and unusual visual angles. The scenes incorporate palm and eucalyptus trees, California poppy fields, specific California mountain ranges and lakes. There is less urban emphasis and although there are certainly domestic scenes, the regional emphasis of the landscape remains the most prominent aspect of the movement.
Q Our exhibit features 44 different artists. Can you tell us a bit about some of your favorites?
A The most prominent California Impressionist was Guy Rose. According to AskArt.com, his highest auction price was $1,920,000 in a 2005 Sotheby auction.
But my personal favorites are Granville Redmond, Marion Wachtel and Franz Bischoff. Redmond became deaf at age 2 from scarlet fever and was unable to speak or hear. His paintings are romantic, personal, emotional.
Wachtel was one of the few women in the group and she and her husband, Elmer, are both important. She’s best known for her watercolors that always feel fresh and convey a sensual sensibility. Franz Bischoff used bold colors and firm brush marks in controlled formalist compositions. I like these strong statements that offer and contrast and variety to the depictions of landscape imagery.
Q What do you like about this art?
A These landscapes depict the artists' homes, their history, often their religious experiences. You can see it in the work and imagine the solitude, peace and respect they had for the environment, an environment that has almost disappeared for most city dwellers. I am also intrigued with this movement and its subjects as part of the overall history of California's fascinating social and psychological growth.
Q What should visitors look for when they view these paintings?
A Look for the visible brush strokes and the use of color to capture light and movement. Think about the artist who found solace and inspiration in the dramatic vistas of California.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2440 or MMoss@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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