America's Distinguished Artists

a national registry of historic artists

Deceased American artists and artisans of note who created representational art are indexed in this catalogue by last name in alphabetical order. There are references to Resource Library texts and those from other sites. Click on letters below to access the alphabetical index.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

 

Jaa-Jaz

Jea-Joh

Joi-Jzz

 

Harvey Joiner from Resource Library essay (not solely dedicated to this artist by a named author) also see Harvey Joiner from The Johnson Collection

Francis Coates Jones from Resource Library article (not solely dedicated to this artist) also see Francis Coates Jones from Wikipedia

Hugh Bolton Jones from Resource Library article (not solely dedicated to this artist) also see Hugh Bolton Jones from Wikipedia

 

(above: Hugh Bolton Jones, Grand Ca~non [sic] of the Colorado, View from the Hance Trail, c. 1890-91, wood engraving on off-white wove paper, Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, Gift of Gilbert White Rose and Henry Martin Rose, II. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons*)

 

Joe Jones from Resource Library article (not solely dedicated to this artist) also see Joe Jones from Wikipedia

John Paul Jones from Resource Library article (not solely dedicated to this artist) also see John Paul Jones from Laguna Art Museum

Lois Mailou Jones from Resource Library article (dedicated solely to this artist) also see Loïs Mailou Jones from Wikipedia

Louis E. Jones from Resource Library article (not solely dedicated to this artist) also see Louis E. Jones from SM Living

Nell Choate Jones from Resource Library essay (not solely dedicated to this artist by a named author) also see Nell Choate Jones from New Georgia Encyclopedia

Shields Landon Jones from Resource Library article (not solely dedicated to this artist) also see Shields Landon (S.L) Jones from Smithsonian American Art Museum

Thomas Dow Jones from Resource Library article (not solely dedicated to this artist) also see Thomas Dow Jones from Wikipedia

 

Carl Henrik Jonnevold from Resource Library article (not solely dedicated to this artist) also see Carl Henrik Jonnevold  from Sullivan Goss, an American Gallery

Raymond Jonson from Resource Library essay (not solely dedicated to this artist by a named author) also see Raymond Jonson from Wikipedia

 

Paintings by Raymond Jonson

 

David W. Jordan from Resource Library biography dedicated to this artist by a named author

Christian A. Jörgensen from Resource Library biography dedicated to this artist by a named author, also see Christian August Jorgensen from California art research archive

 

(above: Christian August Jorgensen, Asistencia de San Antonio de Pala, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons**)

 

Christian Jorgensen, a Danish-American artist, is renowned for his landscape paintings that capture the rugged beauty of the American West. Born in Copenhagen in 1860, Jorgensen emigrated to the United States in his youth, where he became deeply inspired by the vast and untamed landscapes of his adopted homeland. His works primarily focused on the natural splendor of California and other parts of the western United States, depicting scenes that were both grand and intimate.
 
Jorgensen's painting career flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a period when the American West was still largely unspoiled by industrialization and urban development. This era of exploration and expansion influenced many artists, but Jorgensen's work stands out due to his keen eye for detail and his ability to convey the profound beauty of the wilderness. He often painted landscapes featuring mountains, rivers, forests, and coastal scenes, bringing to life the varied and dramatic topography of the western United States.
 
One of the key reasons Jorgensen painted these landscapes was to document and celebrate the natural beauty of the American West. During his time, the notion of manifest destiny and the westward expansion was a dominant theme in American culture. Jorgensen's paintings served as a visual record of the regions that were being explored and settled, capturing their pristine state before significant human alteration. His works provided viewers, many of whom lived in urban areas far removed from such natural settings, with a glimpse into the majesty and grandeur of the western landscapes.
 
Jorgensen was also motivated by a deep personal connection to nature. His paintings reflect a profound appreciation for the natural world, showcasing not only its beauty but also its power and majesty. This connection is evident in the way he meticulously rendered the intricate details of his subjects, from the texture of tree bark to the play of light on water surfaces. His landscapes are not merely pictures of places but are imbued with a sense of reverence and awe that speaks to his personal experience and love for the wilderness.
 
In addition to his artistic goals, Jorgensen's work also had a practical aspect. His paintings were popular among collectors and patrons who admired the romanticized vision of the West. These works found a ready market among those who desired to own a piece of the exotic and picturesque American frontier. Jorgensen's ability to blend artistic skill with commercial appeal ensured that his work remained in demand, allowing him to sustain his career and continue his explorations.
 
Moreover, Jorgensen's paintings played a role in the broader cultural movement of American Romanticism, which emphasized the sublime beauty of nature and its ability to evoke emotional and spiritual responses. His works contributed to the romantic idealization of the American West as a land of opportunity and natural wonder, a place where the untamed beauty of nature could be experienced and revered.
 
In conclusion, Christian Jorgensen painted the landscapes of the American West to document and celebrate their natural beauty, driven by a personal connection to nature and a desire to share this with a broader audience. His works not only captured the grandeur of these landscapes but also contributed to the cultural narrative of the American West as a place of sublime beauty and boundless potential. Through his art, Jorgensen provided a visual testament to the unspoiled wilderness of his time, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and captivate viewers.
 
The above brief essay was generated by AI and edited in July, 2024.

 

Lewis Josselyn from Resource Library biography dedicated to this artist by a named author

Matthew Harris Jouett from Resource Library essay (not solely dedicated to this artist by a named author) also see Matthew Harris Jouett from Wikipedia

Amédée Joullin from Resource Library essay (not solely dedicated to this artist by a named author) also see Amédée Joullin from Wikipedia

Alice Judson from Resource Library article (not solely dedicated to this artist) also see Alice Judson from Wikipedia

Charles C. Judson from Resource Library biography dedicated to this artist by a named author

Sylvia Shaw Judson from Resource Library essay (not solely dedicated to this artist by a named author) also see Sylvia Shaw Judson from Wikipedia

 

(above: Sylvia Shaw Judson, Bird Girl, Jepson Museum, Savannah, GA, 1936, bronze, Photo: Judson McCranie, public domain via Wikimedia Commons**)

 

William Lees Judson from Resource Library essay (not solely dedicated to this artist by a named author) also see Judson Studios from Wikipedia

 

(above: William Lees Judson, Avalon Beach in California, From the estate of Jared Joseph Gardner. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons*)

 

William Lees Judson (1842-1928) was an influential figure in American art, particularly in the Southern California art scene. His work as a painter, educator, and founder of the Los Angeles College of Fine Arts has left a lasting legacy. Judson's paintings primarily featured landscapes and scenes that reflected his deep appreciation for nature and his surroundings. His artistic journey and motivations were shaped by his personal experiences, the natural beauty of California, and his desire to foster an artistic community.
 
Born in Manchester, England, Judson immigrated to the United States at a young age, settling in Ohio before moving to California in the late 19th century. His early experiences in the American Midwest exposed him to the vast and varied landscapes of the region, which would later influence his artistic vision. Trained initially as a stained-glass artist, Judson's transition to painting allowed him to explore a different medium through which to express his fascination with light and color.
 
One of the defining characteristics of Judson's work was his focus on the natural beauty of the California landscape. After relocating to Los Angeles in 1893, he became captivated by the region's unique scenery, from the rugged mountains to the serene coastline. His paintings often depicted the rolling hills, majestic trees, and vibrant flora of Southern California. Through his use of color and light, Judson sought to capture the essence of these landscapes, conveying a sense of tranquility and reverence for the natural world.
 
Judson's involvement in the California Art Club and his role as the dean of the College of Fine Arts at the University of Southern California were pivotal in his career. These positions allowed him to influence a generation of artists and promote the development of a distinct Californian art style. He emphasized the importance of plein air painting, encouraging artists to work outdoors to capture the changing light and atmospheric conditions directly from nature. This approach aligned with the broader Impressionist movement, which sought to depict the fleeting effects of light and color.
 
Judson's motivation for painting extended beyond a simple love of nature; he saw his work as a way to inspire others to appreciate and protect the environment. His paintings often highlighted the pristine beauty of the California landscape at a time when rapid urbanization and development threatened its integrity. By showcasing the natural splendor of the region, Judson hoped to instill a sense of stewardship and responsibility in his viewers.
 
In addition to his landscapes, Judson also painted scenes that reflected the cultural and historical aspects of California. His works included depictions of missions, adobe structures, and other elements of the region's heritage. Through these paintings, he aimed to preserve and celebrate the rich history of California, bridging the gap between its past and present.
Judson's contributions to the arts extended beyond his own paintings. As an educator and mentor, he played a crucial role in nurturing the talents of young artists and fostering a vibrant artistic community in Southern California. His efforts helped establish Los Angeles as a significant cultural center, attracting artists from across the country.
 
In conclusion, William Lees Judson's paintings are a testament to his deep connection to nature and his commitment to promoting the arts. His focus on the California landscape, combined with his efforts as an educator and advocate, made him a central figure in the development of the Southern California art scene. Judson's legacy endures through his captivating depictions of nature's beauty and his lasting impact on the artistic community.
 
The above brief essay was generated by AI and edited in July, 2024.

 

Mervin Jules from Resource Library article (not solely dedicated to this artist) also see Mervin Jules from Smithsonian American Art Museum

Billy Justema from Resource Library essay (not solely dedicated to this artist by a named author) also see Billy Justema from Wikipedia

 

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