Reveal - A Visit to the SAM to Meet the Mountain!

Name That Painter! - Big Reveal
Before I went trapesing off to the Seattle Art Museum (SAM), I did some planning. I knew what piece I wanted to see, but I had to confirm it was on display. You see, a museum might have the piece you are seeking, BUT, that doesn't mean it's in an exhibit. It could be stored in their archives somewhere, underground, behind a trap door, in a far away attic..or?  Fortunately, at least one of two pieces by this artist were on display in the American Art Exhibit. I was super excited because the SAM is practically in my backyard! Just a little ferry trip to Seattle, a hair-raising ride through downtown, and multiple trips around several crowded blocks to secure my space in the lane to the parking garage - no problemo! Lucky for me, two very patient passengers tagged along that day to complete a job shadowing assignment from school. They kept me company, sane, and laughing. Thank you girls!

Inside the museum we were greeted by a stunning tumbling car display. Yes, real full-size cars suspended from the ceiling with flashing lights shooting out the doors and windows. Pretty incredible!

After paying our admission and holding my ticket carefully inside my pocket, I turned around and what in front of my eyes did appear? The most lovely sight; a sign indicating that it was okay to take photos INSIDE the exhibit in certain places. Ohhh g-l-o-r-y be!!

With that in mind, I made a bee-line to the American Art Exhibit, up the escalator and to the right..."Girls stay with me, ohh ummm - naked man statue ahead - don't look. Uhhh excuse me, excuse me - yes, we'll do the green man-eating bottle monster later, ahemm, over here to the right."

It only took a second to find what I came across the water for. Just a slight turn of the shoulder and there it was, a luminous snow capped mountain bursting forth from the hazy obscure cloud cover. There must be something unnerving about a lady taking notes and photos because after only minutes of finding the mountain, I could feel the security guards eyes boring holes in my direction. It turns out that I was standing a bit too close to the painting for his comfort, so I backed away. A conversation in my head went like this... "If I stand far enough away can I just lean in a little and crain my neck closer? You just don't understand...there are original guide lines left on the canvas by the artist that I HAVE to see..."

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With our attention focused on "Mount Rainier, Bay of Tacoma" (oil on canvas circa 1875) the girls and I quickly went to work making observations and taking photos. Bear in mind, our quick camera shots do not do this painting justice. We were impressed with the myriad of soft details present. Loose carefree strokes of snow on the mountain, calm water, hazy atmosphere etc; all in sync producing a fine painting. I asked the girls if they could relate the painting to an instrument what would it be? One of the girls commented that it would be a flute; I couldn't agree more. Without actually pulling out a tape measure, my rudimentary guess is that the painting itself measured 2.5' tall by 3.5' wide. An interesting note... As I mentioned before, his original guidelines are left on the painting. Can you see them above the passengers in the boat?

The painting literally kept pulling me back because I was intrigued with all the softness that appeared so loose and carefree. Upon further examination, my perspective changed, I could see the calculation in his work. The strokes were small, not exacting. yet not impressionistic, but subtle. Calculated, soft subtle warm strokes. The painting had a matte sheen to it. Through my research, I have learned that the artist applied multiple layers of translucent varnish to his paintings, which played a part in producing that glowing luminous effect.....just lovely!

There is more to learn about this artist, so I challenge you to do some of your own investigation and plan a visit to see one of his sublime paintings. Some of his journals are also posted online to read. Please share with us your thoughts, comments are welcome! What's that you say? 

Ohhh yes, the BIG reveal... Have you heard of
Sanford Robinson Gifford?
American Artist 1823-1880

Unfortunately no guesses were correct, actually, there were no guesses.
So consequently no winner.
Is anyone out there in cyber-space??? I will carry on and hope for some quesses in April. I hope, I hope, I hope. Till next time....