Alson Skinner Clark
American Impressionist (1876-1949)
"American art is in a period of re-examination. After almost a hundred years, the roots of modern American painting are coming to the forefront as a distinct and important style of its own. This process of re-evaluation reveals individual members of our historic art tradition as unique and significant figures. Alson S. Clark is one of these brilliant figures."
"Clark was the product of the American impressionist movement. A student of William Merritt Chase, he nevertheless pursued his obligatory studies in Paris and, for a time, worked under such diverse artistic beacons as James A.M. Whistler and Alphonse Mucha. Eventually, Clark settled into his mature style and established his credentials by winning several competitive awards. In 1920, he settled in Pasadena, lending his stature to the small but sterling group of Southern California Impressionists."
"With the development of modernism, Clark, as well as the rest of the American Impressionists were shunted as "dated" and their presence and contributions to American art were forgotten."
by Robert E. Peterson, taken from the book titled Alson Clark
“Mexican Adobe #2,” circa 1925. 6” x 6 1/4” lithograph
Besides being a very accomplished impressionist, Alson Clark also had interest in the graphic arts. Towards the end of his career, Clark turned to lithographs and etchings. Clark printed numerous editions of lithographs and etchings from nearly all of the places he visited, from Italy to Dalmatia to Mexico and La Jolla.
Bingham Gallery, of San Jose California, is currently selling a series of Clark lithographs, produced during his many trips to Mexico.