Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Fernand Verhaegen
Theo van Doesburg
John Fabian Carlson (USA 1874–1945)
John Fabian Carlson (1874–1945) was a Swedish-American painter known for his impressionistic and tonalist landscapes. Born in Sweden, he immigrated to the United States as a child and later became a key figure in American landscape painting.
Early Life & Education
Carlson studied at the Art Students League in New York, where he was influenced by the American Impressionist tradition and tonalism. He later studied under Birge Harrison at the Woodstock Art Colony, a major center for American Impressionism.
Career & Style
Carlson is best known for his winter landscapes, particularly his depictions of snow-covered forests and countryside scenes. His work is characterized by a soft, atmospheric quality, with a focus on tonal harmony rather than fine detail. He often used a muted palette with subtle gradations of color and light, capturing the quiet beauty of nature.
He was also an influential teacher and wrote Carlson’s Guide to Landscape Painting, a widely respected book on the subject that is still in use today.
Legacy
- Carlson was a member of the National Academy of Design.
- He won numerous awards, including from the Art Institute of Chicago and the National Academy of Design.
- His work is featured in major collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art.