Entitled Abstract Boats, this 1979 oil on masonite of a SF Bay harbor abstracted is by California Regionalist painter Freeman Sargent (1912-1990). Sargent painted primarily in the California Regionalist style (with strong parallels to W.P.A. muralists and the work of Thomas Hart Benton) often capturing local scenes of the SF Bay, the Filbert Steps, Coit Tower, Monterey Bay, UC Berkeley, Stanford and Marin. He also produced avant-garde abstract pieces and experimental mixed media works. Sargent was interested in all forms of arts and crafts and studied with master ceramicist, Marguerite Wildenhain, at Pond Farm Pottery in Guerneville.
Sargent was a good friend and painting partner of the renowned American Impressionist, Abel Warshawsky. He was a member of the Carmel Art Association and exhibited at the SF Museum of Modern Art, The Legion of Honor, the de Young Museum and the Lucien Labaudt Gallery.
He earned his B.A. degree from U.C. Berkeley, his M.A. from Stanford and studied at the California School of Fine Art after serving in WWII. He was a resident of Berkeley in the 1930s and active in the local art and theater scenes. Following service in the Navy during WWII, he studied at the California School of Fine Art and CCAC. He lived in SF, Monterey, Germany and Richmond, CA.
1979 Oil on Masonite 23"x25.5" framed, 20"x16" unframed
Excellent vintage condition. Signed on the lower right. Signed, dated and titled on the back. "SF Bay" written on the back. Framed in a vintage wood frame with scooped edges and gold center.