Description and review of the Granville Redmond exhibit showing at the Crocker Art Museum through May 17, 2020.
The Eloquent Palette, an exhibit of the works of American impressionist painter Granville Redmond (1871-1935), is well-worth seeing.
Prior to its opening I attended the Member Preview of the exhibit. A good-sized crowd was in attendance, attracted by the opportunity to view over 80 of his works. Notably, it was also his first solo exhibition in more than 30 years.
SacramentoRevealed.com – All Things Sacramento (from a personal perspective)
Redmond is best known for his California landscapes featuring wildflowers – in particular California golden poppies, the state flower. Indeed, many of his early 20th century paintings are of rolling hills and/or meadows showcasing a riot of colorful blooms.
I happen to be partial to California landscapes, and his paintings of wildflowers greatly appeal to me. They are, quite simply, paintings one could look at every day and never tire of. That to my mind is the best kind of art!
I found some of his most intriguing works, however, to be those of his darker paintings that depicted natural elements such as:
- A stormy sky
- Clouds on a sunny day
- Clouds on an overcast day
- A gently lapping ocean tide
- Wind-whipped surf
- Sheets of falling rain
- A drizzle of rain
- A foggy day/evening
- A hazy day/evening
- Moonlight reflecting on water
- Moonlight on the landscape below
- Wind-lashed trees
- The setting sun
You have to see his work to fully appreciate his genius. I was blown away by his depiction in one painting of a very heavy rainfall – best described as “sheets” of rain.
While in the main exhibit room I also had the opportunity to look over the Granville Redmond Exhibition Catalogue – a hefty volume of his work and life. Check it out when you are there.
Granville Redmond – The Artist
The Crocker Art Museum has done a laudable job with the exhibit. The exhibition both beautifully displays the artwork and provides the public with a glimpse into his life.
The walls of the exhibit include descriptions of the painting being viewed, as well as interesting facts and quotes about the artist. One such interesting fact was his friendship with Charlie Chaplin. A photo on display shows the two of them together in Redmond’s studio.
Deaf since in the age of 2 ½ from scarlet fever, Redmond helped Chaplin with his pantomime techniques. In turn, Chaplin provided Redmond with studio space. Not only did Chaplin purchase numerous paintings from Redmond, he additionally helped promote sale of Redmond’s work to other actors, directors, etc.
Granville Redmond – The Actor
Redmond’s friendship with the Chaplin also led to opportunities for him to play bit parts in the movies of the time. The IMBd webpage for Redmond revealed credited performances in You’d Be Surprised (1926) and A Regular Fellow (1925). The remainder of his listed performances are uncredited.
More Than One Visit Required
I will definitely be visiting the exhibit at least one more time. The crowd during the Member Preview more often than not precluded me from taking my time to view and read about each painting.
Luckily, admission is free for members of the Crocker Art Museum.
Comments on the Eloquent Palette Exhibit?
What would you add to my description?
Granville Redmond “Eloquent Palette” Exhibit Snapshot:
- Crocker Art Museum
- 216 O Street, Sacramento, CA
- (916) 808-7000
- Hours: Closed Monday and Major Holidays; Tuesday – Wednesday (10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.); Thursday (10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.); Friday – Sunday (10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
- Redmond Exhibit: January 26, 2020 – May 17, 2020
- Parking: metered parking in near vicinity; bike racks in Crocker Park; parking lots and varied modes of public transportation nearby
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