Friday, May 15, 2015

"The Unpretentious Garden"
Gari Julius Melchers, 1905
American Impressionist Artist
Telfair Museum of Art, Savannah, GA

at the turn of the century, Melchers entered a phase in which he emphasized vibrant color, natural lighting, looser brushwork and decorative pattern. This modified Impressionist style provided a vehicle for his new interest in the subject of modern women and children portrayed in beautiful interiors and gardens: At Home, (Winged Victory); The Unpretentious Garden, The Open Door and The Christening).  Interestingly, the pronounced gaiety of his work in this period coincides with his recent marriage to a young American art student, Corinne Mackall.  

Gari Melchers to his fiancé, Corrine Mackell:
Hopskin Smith (the American painter) once said, ‘it takes two to paint a picture, one to paint it, and the other to hit him over the head with a club when it’s time to stop’ and in the future, you will have to be that other fellow.”

Adapted from the University of Mary Washington website.


Gari Julius Melchers
Unknown Title
1909