Retrospection: Clarence H. Steele, Mark Tobey, and Me

Clarence Steele and Don Mangus

Clarence Steele

Mark Tobey

Mark Tobey

Mark Tobey

Mark Tobey

Don Mangus

Mark Tobey

One of the paintings I grew up with was this stylized scene of a rooster and chickens behind wire, painted by Clarence H. Steele (1910-1988). It was much more "Cubistic" in approach than most of the landscapes painted by the other artists that dad knew. 

Later in life, curious, I asked dad how he came to own the Steele. He answered simply, "I saw it at an art show, liked it, and bought in on the spot."

Once dad was giving our family friend, noted watercolor painting legend Edmond "Jim" Fitzgerald a tour of his collection hanging on the walls. and when Jim saw the large canvas, he immediately piped up -- "This artist has studied with Mark Tobey." Jim was absolutely correct.

Mark Tobey: A Network of Brushstrokes

Canticle, casein on paper by Mark Tobey, 1954, private collection
 

 

From Wiki:

Mark George Tobey (1890-1976) was an American painter. His densely structured compositions, inspired by Asian calligraphy, resemble Abstract Expressionism, although the motives for his compositions differ philosophically from most Abstract Expressionist painters.

Born in Centerville, Wisconsin, he was widely recognized throughout the United States and Europe.

Along with Guy Anderson, Kenneth Callahan, Morris Graves, and William Cumming, Tobey was a founder of the Northwest School.

Senior in age and experience, he had a strong influence on the others -- friend and mentor, Tobey shared their interest in philosophy and Eastern religions.

Tobey is the most noted among the "Mystical Painters of the Northwest