Paul Lauritz Original Vintage Antique California Plein Air Impressionism Landscape Wildflowers in Cathedral Canyon Nevada Desert American Fine Art Painting
Paul Lauritz, (1889-1975), original vintage California Plein Air impressionist painting of wildflowers in Cathedral Canyon in the Nevada desert, circa 1943. The painting is an oil on canvas, attached to a board. The painting measures approximately 24" X 14", and is unframed. The painting is in good condition. There has been a minimal amount f restoration to correct 4 very small pin dots of missing paint in the sky, and a smaller area near the sand, on the bottom. There is also a wearing of the paint along the borders of the canvas. The oil painting is signed lower center by the artist.
Paul Lauritz, a prominent artist in the Plein Air Movement, made significant artistic contributions in California. He served as the 17th President of the California Art Club from 1942 to 1943. Born in Larvik, Norway, on April 18, 1889, Lauritz grew up in a small art colony and received early artistic training from local and international artists.
At the age of 16, he journeyed to eastern Canada and found employment as a hard rock driller in a mine while residing with his sister. Progressing westward, he explored his talent as a commercial artist in Vancouver and Portland, eventually delving into landscape and portrait painting. However, the meager returns from his artistic endeavors prompted him to venture to Alaska during the Gold Rush. Although unsuccessful as a miner, he turned back to painting and formed a close friendship with fellow artist Sydney Laurence. The two artists even held a joint exhibition before Lauritz left Alaska.
In 1919, Lauritz settled in Los Angeles, where he established his studio home in the Lyceum Theatre on Spring Street. Alongside his teaching positions at the Chouinard and Otis Art Institutes, as well as his dedicated studio work, he embarked on painting excursions to various locations. These included the Sierra Nevada mountains, the coastal regions of California up to Carmel, Mexico in 1921, the Columbia River in 1924, and a return to his native Norway in 1925. During his visit to Norway, he received a commission from the King to create a painting for the royal palace.
Actively involved in the Los Angeles art community, Lauritz served on the Los Angeles Municipal Art Commission for six years. His artistic versatility allowed him to paint a wide range of subjects, including desert scenes, portraits, snowscapes, marine landscapes, and more. He continued to paint until his passing at his residence in Glendale, CA on October 31, 1975.
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