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Lot Essay
William Griffith was one of many artists who came to California in the early 20th Century who were profoundly inspired by the unique light and spectacular landscape of the state. Griffith first came to San Diego, California from his home in Lawrence, Kansas around 1918 to recuperate from an illness. During this trip, he visited Laguna Beach and was so inspired by the spectacular scenery that he promptly resigned from his long teaching career at the University of Kansas to settle permanently in Laguna Beach and work as a professional artist.
Griffith became a charter member of the Laguna Beach Art Association and painted his most beautiful and sought after works along the California coast there. Diver's Cove #14 is a magnificent example of the artist's work and displays his mastery of the pastel medium. Griffith created a unique technique of mixing pigment, casein, milk and cheese with the pastel pigment to produce a richness of color and permanence of medium. He held a deep passion for pastels and used these vivid colors to display the freedom and vibrancy of the sparkling California beach in scenes such as Diver's Cove #14.
Griffith became a charter member of the Laguna Beach Art Association and painted his most beautiful and sought after works along the California coast there. Diver's Cove #14 is a magnificent example of the artist's work and displays his mastery of the pastel medium. Griffith created a unique technique of mixing pigment, casein, milk and cheese with the pastel pigment to produce a richness of color and permanence of medium. He held a deep passion for pastels and used these vivid colors to display the freedom and vibrancy of the sparkling California beach in scenes such as Diver's Cove #14.