Maurice Braun Original Vintage Antique San Diego California Plein Air Impressionism Mountain and Foothills Landscape American Fine Art Oil Painting
Maurice Braun original vintage impressionist landscape near a mountain and hills in San Diego, California. The painting's paint is all original to the painting and is in very good condition; there is a very light surface mark upper right. The landscape is beautifully rendered, with vibrant layers of impressionistic brushstrokes. The painting's measurements, sans frame, are approximately 14.3” X 18.2”. The painting is signed in the lower center with the artist's initials, "MB".
Maurice Braun was an American artist renowned for his Impressionist landscapes depicting the beauty of southern California. Born in Hungary on October 1, 1877, Maurice's journey to artistic greatness began when his family immigrated to the United States and settled in New York City when he was just four years old. His early passion for art led him to the National Academy of Design, where he honed his skills in the French tradition under the guidance of notable instructors such as Francis C. Jones, George W. Maynard, and Edgar M. Ward.
In 1901, Braun had the privilege of training with the esteemed American painter William Merritt Chase. This experience solidified his position as a figure and portrait painter in the bustling art scene of New York City. However, in 1909, he made a bold decision to venture westward, drawn by the allure of California's breathtaking landscapes. It was in this new environment that Braun found his true artistic voice.
Braun's mastery of capturing the essence of nature and light through his brushstrokes earned him well-deserved recognition and acclaim throughout his career. His landscapes of California's diverse scenery, from its lush valleys to its majestic coastlines, conveyed a sense of tranquility and beauty that captivated viewers.
On November 7, 1941, Maurice Braun passed away in San Diego, California, leaving behind a legacy of artistic excellence. His contributions to the art world were not only celebrated during his lifetime but continue to be revered today.
Braun's remarkable talent and dedication were acknowledged through numerous awards and memberships. He received the Hallgarten Prize from the National Academy of Design in 1900. He received the prestigious Gold Medal at the Panama-California Exposition in San Diego from 1915 to 1916. He was also a member of esteemed organizations such as the Salmagundi Club, Laguna Beach Art Association, and San Diego Fine Arts Association.
Today, Braun's artworks can be found in prominent galleries and public collections across the United States, including the Steven Stern Fine Arts in Beverly Hills, California, the Maurice Braun Gallery in California, the Houston Museum in Texas, the Laguna Art Museum in California, the Irvine Museum in Irvine, California, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the San Diego History Center, the San Diego Museum of Art, the Redfern Gallery in Laguna Beach, California, the William A. Karges Fine Art gallery, the K. Nathan Gallery in La Jolla, California, and the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette.
Maurice Braun's artistic journey from his humble beginnings in Hungary to his significant impact on the American art scene is a testament to his talent, passion, and dedication. His impressionistic landscapes continue to inspire and transport viewers into the serene beauty of Southern California's natural wonders.