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Arthur grover rider

(1886 - 1975)

American Impressionist artist A.G. Rider is best known for his marine paintings featuring sailboats on the coasts of Spain and Southern California. He was born in Chicago in 1885 and studied in Europe at the Académies de la Grande-Chaumiére and Colarossi. He also earned a living painting for opera companies in Chicago and London. During his time in Europe he spent nine summers painting in Spain, where he met Joaquin Sorolla, who had a major influence on his work. While in Spain, Rider's paintings were exhibited at the court of Valencia.

After making trips to California in the 1920's he eventually settled in Southern California and first showed with the Laguna Beach Art Association in 1930. He was very popular as a painter for Hollywood studios and created background scenes for the movies Ben Hur and the Wizard of Oz. He also produced murals for the Century of Progress Exposition in Chicago in 1933 and the Golden Gate International Exposition in 1939.

Arthur Grover Rider's classic California Impressionist works feature loose brushstrokes and close attention to lighting and atmospheric effects. He was also known as a superb colorist and many of his canvases are filled with warm sunlight. His quintessential marine and fishing boat scenes often include large billowing sails, intricate reflections in the surface of the water and crashing waves. He also painted still lifes and city scenes, and was especially interested in depicting the fountains, bells, and architectural elements of Mission San Juan Capistrano and religious buildings and adobes in Mexico. Rider died in Pasadena in 1975.

For additional information, visit:

Wikipedia
Laguna Art Museum
Smithsoniam American Art Museum - Art Inventories Catalogue