Clarence Hinkle Original California Group of Eight Modernist Progressive Avante-Garde Vintage Oil Painting Governor's Mansion Sacramento California

Original California vintage antique oil painting of the governor's mansion in Sacramento, California, by noted California Group of Eight modernist progressive artist, Clarence Hinkle (1880-1960). The painting is an oil on Winsor and Newton artist's canvas board, is in very good original condition, and measures approximately 17 3/4" X 23 3/4", without frame. In frame, the painting measures approximately 30.5" X 24.5". The painting is signed in the paint, in the lower left corner, with the notation "Sacramento" and a second signature in black. The subject is of the governor's mansion in Sacramento, California, a city where the artist spent some time. 

Clarence Hinkle (1880–1960) – American Modernist and California Painter

Clarence Keiser Hinkle was an influential American painter and art educator, known for his bold use of color and modernist approach to painting. Born on June 19, 1880, in Auburn, California, Hinkle displayed artistic talent from an early age, which led him to pursue formal art training.

As a child, he suffered a severe head injury after being kicked by a horse, leaving a lasting scar on his forehead—a physical mark that remained with him throughout his life. Despite this, he dedicated himself to the arts and received extensive training from some of the most renowned artists and institutions of his time.

Education and Early Career

Hinkle began his studies at the Crocker Art Gallery School in Sacramento under William F. Jackson (1850–1936). He later continued his education at the San Francisco Art Association, where he studied with Arthur F. Mathews (1860–1945), before moving to New York City to train under William Merritt Chase (1849–1916) and John Twachtman (1853–1902) at the Art Students League.

In 1904, he enrolled at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia, where his talent was quickly recognized. He was awarded the prestigious Cresson Traveling Scholarship in 1906, allowing him to spend six years studying in Europe, particularly in Holland and France. During this time, he was heavily influenced by Post-Impressionism and Pointillism, styles that would later shape his unique artistic voice.

Upon returning to the U.S. in 1913, he settled in San Francisco, where he began exhibiting in local shows. His early works, characterized by rich color palettes and dynamic brushwork, reflected the modernist trends emerging in Europe. Over time, his style evolved, incorporating elements of Cubism and abstraction, making him one of the more audacious and avant-garde painters of his era.

Teaching and the Group of Eight

In 1917, Hinkle moved to Los Angeles, where he became a respected instructor at the Los Angeles School of Art and Design. During his time there, he met Mabel Hunter Bain, a young art and photography student from Canada. The two married on June 8, 1921, in Los Angeles.

That same year, the Los Angeles School of Art and Design closed, but Hinkle quickly found a new role at the newly established Chouinard School of Art, where he became one of its first instructors. Also in 1921, he became a founding member of the Group of Eight, an influential collective of modernist and progressive artists in California. This group, which included Mabel Alvarez, Henri De Kruif, John Hubbard Rich, Donna Schuster, E. Roscoe Shrader, Edouard Vysekal, and Luvena Buchanan Vysekal, championed modern art movements and actively exhibited together. The Group of Eight reached its peak in 1927 with an exhibition at the Los Angeles Museum of History, Science, and Art before dissolving the following year.

Later Years in Laguna Beach and Santa Barbara

In 1930, Hinkle visited Rockport, Massachusetts, where he painted several harbor scenes before returning to California. By the early 1930s, he had settled in Laguna Beach, continuing his teaching career in Los Angeles while actively engaging in the local art scene.

In 1935, he moved to Santa Barbara, where he built a home overlooking the harbor. He spent his remaining years painting, exhibiting, and mentoring young artists. Throughout his career, Hinkle remained committed to pushing artistic boundaries, blending traditional techniques with modernist influences, making him a pioneering figure in California’s evolving art scene.

Clarence Hinkle passed away on July 20, 1960, at the age of 80. He was laid to rest in Santa Barbara Cemetery, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of California’s most respected modernist painters. His works, now held in museums and private collections, continue to be celebrated for their innovative spirit and artistic boldness.

Legacy

• Recognized as a key figure in early 20th-century California modernism.
• Founding member of the Group of Eight, advocating for modernist art in Los Angeles.
• His works are housed in major museums, including the Laguna Art Museum and Santa Barbara Museum of Art.
• Remembered for his progressive teaching methods and influence on younger artists.

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