6 Pieces of Art Every California Lover Should Own

With all the spectacular sites in California, finding art pieces that perfectly capture the essence of this great state can take a while. Sure, you could pick something at random from the department store, but you’ll need to take an artist’s eye to each painting if you want to find a truly standout piece that fits the aesthetic of the California art movement. California has seen several resurgences of popularity in the art world, including pop art in the 1950s and 60s, but the gold rush state first rose to prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

What is California Art?

Around the turn of the century, before Los Angeles became the cultural zeitgeist we know it as today, artists turned to the environment around them for inspiration. Derivative of American impressionism, artists such as Alson S. Clark, Franz Bischoff, Anna Althea Hills, William Ritschel, William Wendt, and Marion Wachtel depicted the beauty of California from North to South. They used techniques such as painting in ‘plein air’ and gathered in communities around Carmel-by-the-Sea and Laguna Beach.

Painting in ‘Plein Air’

These artists painted on easels outdoors during this distinctive art period, observing the natural landscape. Using vibrant colors they strove to capture the movement and emotion of the scene. Working outside allowed the artist to feel the full beauty of nature's terrain, including how the sunlight influenced the form and color, and the movement of the wind along the hills.

Catalina Bay by Alson S. Clark

If you’ve ever visited Santa Catalina Island, you know how beautiful it is. From the mountains that rise around the bay to the traditional architectural styles of the buildings. Alson S. Clark captured the beauty of the bay in 1920 depicting the mountains, piers, and a flurry of ships moving about the waters. The lovely, calming blues of the water and subtle greens of the plants on the mountains are intermingled with hues of yellow and orange that draw everything together.

Carmel Coast by Franz Bischoff

Franz Bischoff is a master of color. His paintings seem to pop right off the gallery wall and grab your attention. Carmel Coast has a lot of stark contrast between bright yellows and deep blues. This contrast is broken up with forest greens and rusty oranges throughout the trees and rocks. It’s a stunning piece with chunky brushstrokes that really embody the California impressionist movement.

After the Storm, Hemet, California by Anna Althea Hills

Hemet, CA may be a busy city now, but a century ago, there was much less hustle and bustle to the landscape. Anna Althea Hills captures a moment in time in her piece After the Storm, Hemet, California. Rolling hills free of man’s touch except for one lonely little house are darkened in the distance by a passing storm, while the foreground is bright with amber foliage. It’s a beautiful scene for any California art collection.

The Sea 1 (Dolphins) by William Ritschel

With so much coastline along the state, many Californians have a love for the sea. Even if you don’t live along the coast, you can help fulfill your oceanic desires with a seascape painting. Willam Ritschel’s The Sea 1 (Dolphins) depicts friendly dolphins jumping into a tumultuous sea. Deep blues blend into pale, warm hues and gray mauves.

Saddleback Mountain by William Wendt

The majestic Saddleback Mountain is an iconic natural landmark in the Santa Ana Mountains. Two peaks meet to appear like a saddle on the ridgeline. William Wendt’s Saddleback Mountain is a beautiful view of these mountains in midday, framed by trees with white bark. The hues among the trees and highlights of the mountain are warm and include a touch of pink to depict the lively yellow fields.

Long Lake, Sierra Nevada by Marion Wachtel

No California art collection would be complete without a painting showing the overwhelming beauty of a snowcapped mountain. Marion Wachtel’s Long Lake, Sierra Nevada is filled with vibrant colors that make the white snowy mountain above Long Lake pop. A few scraggly coniferous trees in the foreground give you a sense of the harsh and desolate landscape. When summer in CA is in full swing, the chill tones of the lake and mountain will give you some cool comfort.

Build Your Collection

These are just a few examples of beautiful paintings by California impressionists. Your collection would be enhanced with any works by these iconic artists. While the originals might be protected in museums and in thoroughly cultivated collections, you can find high-quality reproductions of these works online.