The California Style of painting flourished from the mid-1920s to the mid-1950s and gave the traditional watercolor medium a bold new look. CCMA is proud to present this exhibit of paintings from its collection, rightly called one of the best collections of California Style in the region.

 

This new representational art, defined by a large format, free broad brush strokes and strong rich colors, documented scenes and activities of everyday life on the Pacific Coast. California’s cities, industrial sites, beaches, harbors and vast open landscapes were interpreted by hundreds of artists using innovative new approaches to painting.

 

In the past few years, a renewed interest has developed in these American representational art movements, with particular emphasis on the American Scene or Regionalist art. The California Style played a key role in this movement, with national impact. Through November 17, 2019.