{"product_id":"ray-stanford-strong-west-coast-landscape-artist-volume-28-the-charles-m-russell-center-series-on-art-and-photography-of-the-american-west-9780806157702","title":"Ray Stanford Strong  West Coast Landscape Artist (Volume 28) (The Charles M. Russell Center Series on Art and Photography of the American West)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThroughout his long and prolific career  Ray Stanford Strong (19052006) strove to capture the essence of the western American landscape. An accomplished painter who achieved national fame during the New Deal era  Strong is best known for his depiction of landscapes in California and Oregon  rendered in his signature plein air style. This beautiful volume  featuring more than 100 color and black-and-white illustrations  is the first comprehensive exploration of Strongs life and artistry.  Through family papers  archives  photographs  and a two-year series of interviews conducted with the artist personally  Mark Humpal traces Strongs journey from his childhood on an Oregon berry farm to his artistically formative years in New York and San Francisco. After moving back to the West Coast  Strong produced important works for the WPA  executed major diorama projects for two world expositions  helped organize the Santa Barbara Art Institute  and served as teacher and mentor for a new generation of plein air artists. But  as Humpal emphasizes  Strong distinguished himself by resisting the drumbeat of the avant-garde. During an era when many artists were experimenting with abstract expressionism  Strong never relinquished his personal vision and adherence to a more traditional style. With his outgoing personality  he forged friendships and associations with such prominent artists as Frank Vincent DuMond  Maynard Dixon  Ansel Adams  Frank Lloyd Wright  and John Steinbeck.  Ultimately  Strong had little concern for his place in the sweep of art history. The proficiency he achieved through years of formal and informal study allowed him to craft a personal style difficult to categorize but unique and engaging. By expanding our understanding and appreciation of Strongs artistic contributions  this book offers a fitting tribute to one of Americas finest landscape artists.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45665888501813,"sku":"ByrdShop_0806157704","price":122.58,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0627\/8139\/0901\/files\/9780806157702.jpg?v=1782412867","url":"https:\/\/atxbooks.com\/products\/ray-stanford-strong-west-coast-landscape-artist-volume-28-the-charles-m-russell-center-series-on-art-and-photography-of-the-american-west-9780806157702","provider":"ATX Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}