Strange Vista by Erle Loran, 1961 Mid-Century Modern Abstract Oil Painting, Kelly Wearstler Curated

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"Strange Vista" by Erle Loran was acquired from popular Los Angeles Interior Designer Kelly Wearstler, who's well known for her … Read more "Strange Vista" by Erle Loran was acquired from popular Los Angeles Interior Designer Kelly Wearstler, who's well known for her personal collection of inspirational art and objects. I can see why she curated this piece and it's been a pleasure to own.

Titled STRANGE VISTA, Erle Loran's 1961 abstract landscape is a plein air painting. The saturated hues of his primary colors are even more vivid in person. (I loved the back almost as much as the front.) I especially appreciate the juxtaposition of his conflicting color palettes.

CONSTRUCTION
The oil painting is on a very thick canvas, with a texture that feels to have a story in itself. It's been hammered onto a handmade frame with a variety of nails, roughly hewn around the frayed edges.

BIO
As a professor at UC Berkeley, abstract painter Erle Loran (1905-1999) was a pivotal member [some say leader] of the famed Berkeley School, a collective of influential artists such as Sam Francis, Dirk Diebenkorn and Jay DeFeo.

Loran was said to have been discovered in his twenties and the Paris Prize took him to study in France, where the works of Cézanne allegedly changed his life. His admiration also led to living in Cézanne's old Aix-en-Provence studio for 3 years. Later, as an art professor at UC Berkeley, he wrote the book Cézanne's Composition, referencing his own experiences in Provence.

This hangs right behind me as I work on my own photos and multimedia pieces and it's been generating some inspirational electricity. It's also been a hit on zoom calls, but I just thank people for any comments and hold the history close to the vest so the next owner can claim the bragging rights. I will be adding one more image of the front.
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