FRANZ BISCHOFF (1864-1929)
11. Sand Dunes and Rocky Coast
Oil on canvas
Signed lower right
24 x 34 inches
33 x 42
framed
Provenance:
Private Collection, California
Sand Dunes and Rocky Coast, dated 1924 was painted on what is called one the most beautiful beaches in the world, near China Cove at Point Lobos in Carmel, California. Bischoff was so inspired by California’s scenery that he gave up his lucrative business in Dearborn Michigan producing ceramics and teaching china decorating. Moving to Los Angeles in 1906 and by 1908 completing his dream home and studio on the Arroyo Seco in Pasadena. Both the critics and the public immediately applauded his success as an easel painter.
While living in California, Franz Bischoff continued with floral painting and ceramic work, but his focus changed: he began devoting most of his time to the painting of landscapes. Inspired by the California scenery, Bischoff painted farms, villages, fishing wharves, and coastal seascapes. He was known to have a deep respect for nature, and he painted in the plein air style.
In 1912, he traveled to Europe, studying the Old Masters and the French Impressionists. Influenced by the Fauvists and Expressionists, he returned to California with a changed style. His work was no longer soft and muted; it became bold in color. This is obvious in Sand Dunes and Rocky Coast. The Fauves (which, in French, means “Wild Beasts”) used forceful colors to draw the eye. It is evident in this painting that the Fauves had some influence on Bischoff, as he uses fearless fields of deep blue in the ocean and strong red accents in the rocky cliffs.
Toward the end of his life, Bischoff traveled to the Sierra Mountains, the coast of Northern California, and the Zion National Park in Utah. Franz Bischoff’s paintings are recognized today for their exquisite layering of color and masterful composition. Both his watercolors and his oils are highly sought after for their lasting splendor.
Works held: The Fleischer Collection, Arizona;
The Irvine Museum; Laguna Art Museum; Gardena California High School; The
Oakland Museum; Terra Museum, Evanston, Illinois.
The Redfern Gallery
1540 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 T: (949) 497-3356 F: (949) 497-1324 mail@redferngallery.com
at the Montage Resort and Spa
30801 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 T: (949) 715-6193