Synopses & Reviews
The artists who came and formed the tight-knit northern New Mexican artistic community that flourished between the wars and later were as diverse as the styles they developed and brought with them. Not all, of course, were painting in the modern idiom, but it is undeniable that many of the most talented and interesting of these painters were.
These diffuse elements fuse with a strong regional feeling in the art of the New Mexico modernists. The roots of this tradition lay in a centuries-old tradition of Western art, culture and myth. What is fascinating to todayandrsquo;s viewer is to note how they worked to tap into the spirit and feeling of a land which was home to human culture for centuries before the white man arrived. What is truly fascinating is to see how well they succeeded in melding this ancient place with their own modern times. This catalogue explores the styles of 12 of the most important and influential artists including Andrew Dasburg, Frank Applegate, Emil Bisttram and Cady Wells.
Synopsis
Although Frederic Remington had long attained popular recognition and financial success as a commercial artist, it was only late in his career that he transcended the rank of illustrator and began to achieve serious consideration in the world of fine arts. His early Darwinian dramas, set in clear, dry western light, evolved towards a more introspective style typified by atmospheric settings and impressionistic brushwork on canvas, and expressive surface treatments in bronze. The focus of this book is on Remington's nocturnes and bronzes, a body of work that presents a clear view of the artist's mature vision.
An essay by Melissa Webster, co-author of Frederic Remington: A Catalogue Raisonne, provides discerning insights into Remington's late production, including the details of his influences and working methods. Enhancing the text are 70 reproductions of some of Remington's most significant paintings and sculptures from private and public collections throughout the country.
Synopsis
Frederick Remingtonandrsquo;s early paintings of the West were more literal depictions than his romanticized later ones. The boldness Remington had lost in his work by eliminating hard outlines began to reinstate itself in his later works with vigorous brushwork. In his later years, he preferred to paint nocturnes because it allowed him greater freedom and depth of perspective. This commemorative catalogue focuses on Remingtonandrsquo;s nocturnes and bronzes, a body of work that provides a clear view of the artistandrsquo;s mature vision. In the years between 1905 and his death in 1909, the new direction of Remingtonandrsquo;s art finally earned him the critical recognition he had been seeking.
About the Author
Peter H. Hassrick is Director of the Petrie Institute of Western American Art, Denver Art Museum, and the author or coauthor of numerous books, including (with Linda Bantel) Forging an American Identity: The Art of William Ranney.
Table of Contents
The nocturne paintings of Frederic Remington / Melissa Webster -- Paintings plates / compiled and written by Peter Hassrick & Kellie Keto.