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Gene Kloss
(1903 - 1996)
Gene Kloss was a highly gifted and successful etcher and watercolorist who is best known for her prints that depict the timeless beauty of the Southwest and the Rocky Mountains. From sensitive portraits to sweeping landscapes, Kloss' etchings encompass a wide variety of interesting genres and themes. She is widely celebrated for her expert craftsmanship and mastery of the printmaking techniques used in the notoriously difficult mediums of etching, drypoint and aquatint.
Born in Oakland, California in 1903, she received her BA in Fine Arts from U.C. Berkeley in 1924 and thereafter studied at the California School of Fine Arts. In 1925, while on her honeymoon with her husband Philip, she established a residence in Taos, New Mexico. Throughout the majority of her career, the couple maintained dual residences in Taos and Berkeley. Between 1925 and 1981, Kloss produced over 600 etchings, primarily of the Southwest region.
Many of her prints are inspired by the artist's love for the natural beauty of the Southwest. Her intricately detailed landscapes portray the wide-open spaces and rugged mountains that define the unique and special character of this distinctive and beloved region of the United States. Her masterful interpretations of the scenery result in peaceful, quiet views that perfectly capture the tranquility and stillness of the area.
Kloss is also widely admired for her ability to express the spirit and character of the Native American people that lived in the area. Her soulful portraits and figurative works showcase her extraordinary powers of keen observation as she visually portrays her subjects' inner lives by utilizing expressions and gestures that range from thoughtful, spiritual and solemn to playful and energetic.
Kloss' work has been exhibited extensively, including exhibitions at the San Francisco Art Association, the California Society of Etchers, the Oakland Art Gallery, and others. Her work can be found in many prestigious public and private collections including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, The New York Public Library, the Library of Congress, and the Museum of New Mexico.
Additional Information:
Gene Kloss Prints at the Smithsonian American Art Museum
Western Art & Architecture Article: “Perspective”
Traditional Fine Arts Association: “Gene Kloss - A Centennial Tribute”
A Variety of Prints at the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C.
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