Hank Pitcher, ‘Wilderness, Gaviota Coast,’ estimated at $4,000-$6,000. Image courtesy of John Moran Auctioneers
LOS ANGELES — On Tuesday, August 1, starting at 10 am Pacific time, John Moran Auctioneers will present California Living — an auction that encompasses the California aesthetic through a selection of exceptional art and design. Included in the sale are works from Loyola Marymount University and the Jonathan Art Foundation of Los Angeles, as well as property from important Los Angeles collectors and estates. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.
Leading the sale is a great collection of Hank Pitcher works. Pitcher (b. 1949-) is an American contemporary artist known for his paintings of coastal landscapes and California culture. “I know it intimately through surfing and painting here over half a century,” he said of the entire Santa Barbara coastline. “I think that knowing or having an idea about a place is important to making an authentic statement about it.” One of the standouts is Wilderness, Gaviota Coast from 2016, estimated at $4,000-$6,000.
Grant Wood, ‘Approaching Storm,’ estimated at $5,000-$7,000. Image courtesy of John Moran Auctioneers
There will also be a 1940 Grant Wood lithograph, Approaching Storm, estimated at $5,000-$7,000. Wood (1891-1942) was an American painter and representative of Regionalism, most recognized for his paintings depicting the rural American Midwest. One of his most well-known works is his 1930 painting American Gothic, which has become an iconic example of early 20th-century American art.
Another artist who really captures the beautiful California coast is William Dorsey (1942-2019), whose paintings are reminiscent of the California Impressionists through his use of atmospheric perspective and depth. Best known for his California landscape paintings, his work California Wildflowers Along The Coast has an estimate of $3,000-$5,000.
Loved for their use of bright and bold colors are the well-known artists Josh Agle (a.k.a. SHAG) and Peter Max. While still in college, studying graphic design at California State University, Long Beach, SHAG (b. 1962-) achieved success as an illustrator working with magazines such as Forbes, Time and Entertainment Weekly. Eventually, he designed projects for the Walt Disney Company. He is now widely recognized for his distinctive style that captures the essence of Mid-century Modernism and retro pop culture. His works An Excellent Tailor and Red Wahine, both created in 2004, will be on offer with estimates between $3,000-$6,000.
Peter Max (b. 1937-) is known for drawing on the colorful visual arts and culture of the 1960s in his work, particularly that of psychedelic art and pop art. He has been the official artist for many major events, including the 1994 World Cup, the Grammy Awards, the Super Bowl and the 2000 World Series. This sale will offer four of his works, the favorite being Umbrella Man, which is estimated at $2,000-$4,000.
Jose Domingo Batz polychromed carved wood folk art walking stick, estimated at $2,000-$3,000. Image courtesy of John Moran Auctioneers
In the category of decorative art, one of the most interesting pieces is an 1885 polychromed carved wood folk art walking stick by Jose Domingo Batz (1857-1936). With an estimate of $2,000-$3,000, this intricately carved wooden walking stick sports hundreds of different animal and human figures, each with a carefully painted label and polychrome decoration.
Then there’s the unique mixed media work Robert Mouat made with painted wood, paper and string set in a wood and plate glass case titled Mark Twain Remembrance and estimated at $1,000-$1,500. Mouat (1920-2007) was born in Scotland and served in the British Royal Navy. After retiring as a full commander in 1946, he started building many scale reproductions for industry and the arts as well as warships for the BBC and other television productions. He also produced working models for boat builders.
Collectors are sure to take notice of the 1970s Egyptian Revival-style Bastet cat sculpture, estimated at $700-$900, and the five lots of Paolo Soleri wind bells with estimates ranging between $500-$800.
The selection of furniture in the August 1 sale captures the coveted California aesthetic expressed by designers such as Ray and Charles Eames, Herman Miller, Daniel M. Hale and Kingsley Bate. There will be a variety of Japanese tansu chests, lamps, cabinets and planters, as well as multiple lots of Stickley Brothers furniture, including a Quaint oak settee. For more than 120 years, Stickley has produced American premium hardwood furniture and fine upholstery. Of particular note is a quarter-sawn fumed oak slat back settee, circa 1903-1916 and estimated at $800-$1,200, which is designed with three concave back panels over a light brown leather upholstered seat.
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