George William Whitaker (1840-1916). "Path on Bridgham Farm", 1900. Oil on canvas. Signed & dated lower left. Inscribed in artist's hand "Path on Bridgham Farm-- Early Spring, 1900" on stretcher bar. Dimensions: 36" x 26". Housed in original frame: 40" x 30". This Spring landscape is identified as being a pathway on the historic property of Bridgham Farm where the original farm house was built in 1767. Bridgham Farm is now protected by the East Providence Land Conservation Trust. Whitaker’s legacy is not only in his breathtaking landscapes, but also in his desire to keep the arts alive in Rhode Island. He helped establish the Providence Art School and 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. George William Whitaker’s landscapes envelop the viewer into the world of 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, George William Whitaker was orphaned at the age of two and taken in by his maternal relatives. His uncles taught him draughtsman ship 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, as artists Alexander Wyant and George Inness 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.

Good

40 x 30 in

6 lb