Barse Miller (American, 1904-1973) mid century abstract watercolor on paper. Signed lower right. Titled “Western Island - Calm” Winter Harbor, Maine. Dated 1962. Measures 15.5” x 19.5” framed, and 8” x 11” for the art alone. Te painting is in excellent condition. The frame is matted in a textured linen and is in very good condition with minor wear.
New York City born Barse Miller studied at the National Academy of Design at the age of 11. At age 16 he was sent to the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (PAFA). He studied under Hugh Breckenridge (1870-1937) and Henry Snell (1858-1943), both of whom had a huge influence on his style of painting. The PAFA twice awarded him traveling scholarships to Paris, where he was much impressed by the work of the French impressionists, in particular Edgar Degas (1834-1917) and Henri Matisse (1860-1954). In 1923 Miller exhibited at the Salon d’Automne. On his return to the United States he settled in California. Here he became one of Southern California’s most important artists, contributing significantly to the development of the California watercolor school. His work is held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
