His work from this period, particularly that created during the 1950s and early 1960s, is looser and less controlled than that produced in the 1970s-80s – reflecting, quite naturally, the artist as a younger man. Yet there is often a rawer energy, a vibrancy, apparent in work from this period, not only discernible in the looser style but also, at times, in his use of color.
I will continue to add to this gallery, as well as the others in this blog, as time and work allow.
All images and content are copyright © 2009 by Jamie E. Ambrose
Hennington Lake (original title 'Hennington’s Lake'). Watercolor. Signed; 1950s/early 60s. Dimensions: approx. 23 x 23 inches/58.5cm x 58.5cm. I cannot recall ever being taken to Hennington Lake, but this painting was certainly part of my childhood landscape, and seemed always to have hung on the living room wall of our house at 107 North 23rd Avenue – which means it has to have been painted in the 1950s or very early '60s. Some viewers have found it dark and slightly sinister, but I have always loved its broody nature. The dark shadow at its centre, past the boats, still draws me in like a secret.
Railyard. Watercolor. Signed; 1950s/early 60s. Dimensions: approx. 22 x 30 inches/56cm x 76cm. Colors and style suggest this to have been painted in Hattiesburg, most likely during the mid-late 1950s.
Back Streets, Hattiesburg. Watercolor. Unsigned; 1950s/early 60s. Dimensions: approx. 22 x 32 inches/56cm x 81cm.
Camp Shelby(?). Watercolor. Signed; 1950s/early 60s. Dimensions: approx. 22 x 30 inches/56cm x 76cm. Camp Shelby is a best guess; I know my father mentioned painting out there, but have not yet been able to confirm that this is what is depicted here.
Shoreline. Watercolor. Signed; 1950s. Dimensions: approx. 26 x 15 inches/66cm x 38cm.
Hattiesburg. Ink. Unsigned; 1950s/early 60s. Dimensions: approx. 18.75 x 24 inches/47.5 x 61cm.
1 comment:
I was a student of Mr. Ambrose from 1957 (lessons at the civic center) through 1963 at The University of Southern Mississippi. I enrolled in every class provided by the art department as we painted Hattiesburg so to speak I always wanted one of his paintings for a keepsake but was never able to talk him out of one (he was selling them on the side) well in the past year 2013 while viewing a condo that was for sale I found one of his pieces in the former residences decor and was able to purchase it from her children. So after all these years I got my painting.
Post a Comment