William Wendt

William Wendt (1865-1946) was an American landscape painter. He was called the "Dean of Southern California landscape painters."

Wendt was a founding member of the California Art Club, along with his wife Julia Bracken Wendt, and served as its president for six years.

Rationale

Wendt believed there are philosophical, metaphysical, and theological foundations as to why humankind creates Art. Art becomes a sign in itself that points ultimately towards higher realities than the art object or process manifests in and through itself, courtesy of the artist's knowledge and free-will. Art is an adoration symbol that links the reality of the artist's vision and dream-state to the principles that are nature. Wendt decades in front of nature.

William Wendt found a California at the close of the 19th century which is now lost forever due to the effects of industrialism, consumerism and population density.

Wendt believed nature was a manifestation of God, and he viewed himself as nature's faithful interpreter.

Thom Gianetto of Edenhurst Gallery, Los Angeles, is a specialist in William Wendt.

Awards

*Bronze Medal, Buffalo Exposition 1901;
*Kirchberger Prize, Chicago Art Institute, 1913;
*Silver Medal, San Francisco Exposition, 1915;
*Black Prize, California Art Club,1916;
*Ranger Purchase Prize, National Academy of Design,1926

Galleries and public collections

*William Wendt Gallery, California
*Art Institute of Chicago, Illinois;
* [http://www.lagunaartmuseum.org/ Laguna Art Museum] ;
* [http://www.irvinemuseum.org/ Irvine Museum, Irvine, California] ;
*Pasadena Art Museum, California.
*Richmond Art Museum, Indiana

Sources:

*William Wendt Gallery, California
*Literature: Hughes, E. Milton; "Artists in California, 1786-1940", 1989
*Literature: Walker, John Alan; "Documents on the Life & Art of William Wendt", 1992.
*Literature: Westphal, Ruth Lily; "Plein Air Painters of the Southland", 1996