George William Whitaker (1840-1916). "Landscape with Rocks", 1899. Oil on canvas. Signed and dated, lower left. Dimensions: 22" x 38". Housed in original frame: 32" x 48". George Whitaker’s landscapes envelop the viewer into the world of old New England. His paintings have a dark palette that captures the awe of nature, while containing a balance with elements of light. Often the sky is a clear blue and there are patches of light peaking out throughout the middle and background, inviting the viewers to move their eyes around the painting. He places the paint thickly down on the canvas, with strong lines that lead the eye to the spots of light, while adding texture to the overall piece. Whitaker places spots of color last, leaving his final statement on the canvas to be one of color within the dark. Born in Fall River, Massachusetts, Whitaker was orphaned at the age of two and taken in by his maternal relatives. His uncle taught him draughtsmanship and engraving in New York City, allowing him to join the family business. This move to New York proved pivotal for Whitaker. In New York, Whitaker felt pulled to the world of fine arts, meeting artists Alexander Wyant and George Inness, who noticed his talent. Through their influence, Whitaker went to study art in France at the Julian Academy under the artist De Paal. While in France, Whitaker was influenced by the Barbican School of art, which focused on rural subjects and darker palettes, a trend which remained evident in his art. Returning from France to Providence, RI, Whitaker recognized the need to nurture art in Providence. In 1880, along with E.M. Bannister and Charles Walter Stetson, Whitaker founded the Providence Art Club. He also became the first oil painting teacher at the Rhode Island School of Design, teaching (1882-1885), bringing his knowledge of European art to the budding artists of the city. Whitaker also continued to produce paintings of the nature around him, keeping the dark tonality of his earlier work.Whitaker’s legacy is not only in his breathtaking landscapes, but also in his desire to spread the arts in Rhode Island. He not only founded the Providence Art Club, but also chose to teach art to young artists. As “Dean of Rhode Island Artists,” Whitaker proved to be a strong proponent for arts in America and in Providence.

Fair. Would benefit from professional cleaning.

36 x 48 in

7 lb