Edgar Payne Original Laguna Beach Surf Waves & Rocks Antique CA Plein Air Impressionist Oil Painting
Original, vintage oil on canvas painting of the Laguna Beach breaks and surf, by California Plein Air impressionist, Edgar Alwin Payne, (1883-1947).
Edgar Payne was a prominent American artist primarily recognized as California's most accomplished plein air landscape painters of the early 20th century. He was particularly famous for his majestic depictions of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Laguna Beach breaks, and the American Southwest.
Born in Washburn, Missouri, Payne left home at the age of 14, with the goal of becoming an artist. He was largely self- taught, supporting himself by painting houses, signs, stage scenery, and murals for homes and theaters. He briefly stidied at the Art Institute of Chicago, and traveled extensively throughout the U.S., Mexico, and Europe in search of new subjects.
Payne was an influential figure in the California art community. He was instrumental in founding the Laguna Beach Art Association, (now the Laguna Beach Art Museum), and served as its first president. He was also a member of many other prestigious art clubs, including the California Art Club, and the Salmagundi Club in New York.
In 1941, Edgar Payne authored the comprehensive and widely respected instructional book, Composition of Outdoor Painting, which continues to be a popular guide for artists today. His works are held in the permanent collections of numerous museums, including the Art Institute of Chicago, the National Muswum if Art in Washington, D.C., and the Orange County Museum of Art.
A very lovely painting. The painting's palette and moody atmosphere, as well as the subject, are part of a series Edgar Payne painted of the breaks rocks and coast in Laguna Beach, California. The painting is in good and stable overall condition. There were two very tiny, (less than 1/8 of an inch), chips in the middle of the painting, that have had overpaint for correction, and there is some craquelure, (not deep), as shown. This could be corrected with a nice thicker layer of professional varnish; (this would also be recommended for long-term preservation, from sunlight). There are no other restorations; other than this, the painting is completely original. Edgar Alwin Payne original seascape oil painting alone measures approximately 19"X25". In original, antique, wood carved Arts and Crafts Era Newcomb Macklin frame; the painting measures approximately 28"X 22". The painting is signed, lower center, along the very bottom edge; (emphasized inside of the black rectangular annotation box). It is estimated this painting was done around 1909-1910; (the painting is very old). Painting still retains the old nails holding the back of the canvas, to the original wooden stretcher frame.
The painting contains the wonderful, highly distinctive broken brushstrokes of the artist; surf flowing over Southern California Rocks, with some shadows reflected in evening shadows. His painting technique is amazing and masterful; almost bordering on realism with his sweeping lines, and confident, masterful approach. Appearing very real; this rare quality in impressionism elevates this painting far beyond the standard of a simple Plein Air. The colors are brilliant; the light effects are extraordinary. The location appears to be the rocks and surf, in Laguna Beach. Edgar Payne had a framing shop in Laguna Beach and spent his free time painting the California coast. He was profoundly moved by the quality of California light; in his paintings, striving for the perfection of the exquisite natural beauty of how the light fell on the mountains and water. This body of work, reflecting the artist's dedicated, and endless pursuit of perfection, in capturing this light effect in his paintings, would become the cornerstone of California Impressionism, and set a high standard for California Plein Air Painting, for decades to come. It is no wonder the artist is one of the most beloved, and gifted artists, in the history of California.
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