Joe Duncan Gleason (1881-1959)
In 1926, Duncan Gleason was engaged by MGM studios to work on the production design for Cecil B. Demille’s silent film “Yankee Clipper.” His research took him abroad the 1875 Maine built downeaster BOHEMIA recently saved from the ship breakers. Joe Duncan Gleason was born in Watsonville, CA in 1881. Raised in Los Angeles, Gleason began drawing at an early age and by 14 was employed by the Union Engraving Company. His first art training began the the College of Fine Arts at USC under William Lees Judson. In 1899, he moved to San Francisco where he continued his studies at the Mark Hopkins Institute while working as a commercial artist for the Sunset Engraving Company. He had further study at the San Carlos Academy in Mexico City, Art institute of Chicago under Vanderpoel and the Art Students League of New York City with DuMond. After remaining in New York for about ten years, he returned to Los Angeles in 1910 and began concentrating on fine art. Although he painted portraits and landscapes, Gleason is best known for the marine and harbor scenes which were don around San Pedro harbor. He was author-illustrator of Windjammer’s, Islands of California and Islands and Ports of California. Gleason was also a fine gymnast, having won the International Championship the Roman Flying Rings eleven times. In his later he worked in the art departments of MGM and Warner Brothers studios.
Joe Duncan Gleason (1881-1959)
Bohemia, From Sketch made while under sail
30 x 40 – Framed 37 x 47
Joe Duncan Gleason
Bohemia, From Sketch Made – While Under Sail
30 x 40
Artwork
Joe Duncan Gleason
Bohemia, From Sketch Made – While Under Sail
30 x 40
