John Christopher Smith (1891-1943) Rare Impressionist Painting, California

We purchased a large collection of John Christopher Smith oil paintings almost 25 years ago. At that time we offered our favorite patron, Cheri, her pick of all the works, (95% of them artist signed). 

Cheri decided this transcendental piece by Smith was her favorite. The painting was displayed in her library until her death five years ago. Finally, when the estate released this painting we snapped it immediately. We are proud to be able to offer it to you now. 

Cheri had the pairing lightly cleaned as we recommended and opted to never reline it. This option is now left open to the new owner. (The crackeleur will disappear if relined.) Now, your call.

John Christopher Smith (1891-1943) known for a clear, bright palette and bold, heavy brushstrokes. In addition to landscapes, he painted people in various recreational and industrial activities.

Born in Ireland he arrived in America about 1903. Smith studied art with Robert Henri in New York City, where he became exposed to Henri's social realist style of painting. Smith moved to Los Angeles in 1920 and became a close friend and sketching companion of Franz Bischoff with whom he painted along the coast of northern California including Monterey, Carmel and Cambria. 

He and Bischoff travelled in 1928 to Utah where they painted in Zion National Park. He also painted inArizona and New Mexico where he did Indian portraits as well as landscape. After the stock market crash of 1929, the closing of the Wilshire Galleries where he exhibited, and the death of Bischoff, he earned his living as an interior designer. In 1943, he at age fifty two died of tuberculosis.

Smith has exhibited at Wilshire Gallery (LA), 1926-28; Pasadena Art Inst., 1927, 1930; Eagle Rock Artists, 1931-32; Nicholson Gallery (Pasadena), 1932.In:Fleischer Museum (Scottsdale, AZ). 

frame: 24 1/2 x 28 1/2 in 

canvas: 19 1/2 x 23 1/2 in