A large and brooding 1960 untitled abstract Expressionist landscape oil painting on canvas by important San Francisco Bay area artist Maggie Hazell, (b. 1919-2010).
Very atmospheric and vaguely ominous scene with muted dark green ground and black-ish full eclipse-like celestial and terrestrial forms punctuated by glowing yellow and red-orange accents. Artist’s hand on handsome display throughout, with short, feathery brushstrokes interacting subtly yet dynamically with the light.
A prime example of the highly influential midcentury San Francisco school of abstract expressionism led by such artists as David Park and Hassel Smith, both of whom Maggie Hazell studied with while attending the California School of Fine Arts (renamed the San Francisco Art Institute in 1961).
Signed and dated at lower right. In original satin black lacquered wood frame. First four images show the work in natural light and most accurately represent color and tone.
Hazell’s work warranted mention in the June 1962 issue of Art Forum, with the following concise yet complimentary commentary being submitted by regular contributor Robert Olmsted:
“Maggie Hazell. New Image. Large abstract landscapes. San Francisco bay paintings are best, displaying good color sense. Decorative.” The following excerpt from her online obituary provides a nice synopsis of her career and importance within the Bay Area art scene:
“Maggie Rosen Feb. 27, 1919 June 9, 2010 Maggie Rosen, also known as Maggie Hazell-Rosen, was born in Vancouver, British Colombia and moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1947. She attended the California School of Fine Arts (now the SF Art Institute) and also studied with Hassel Smith and David Park. She was among the first abstract Expressionist painters to exhibit in the Bay Area and later gained acclaim for her exquisite life drawing and printmaking. Maggie played a prominent role in the Marin art world for many years. She was a member of the vibrant Sausalito art Community in the 1950s, Chairing the Sausalito Art Festival in 1956.”
H 38.75 in. x W 30.63 in. x D 3.25 in. Art in great vintage condition. 2.5 inch area of very minor crazing just above yellow at upper left. A few pinhead-sized spots of flecked-off surface paint. Frame with some nicks, marks, and light scuffs, and a tiny gap at top and bottom left joints.