
You may have heard the “buzz” concerning our recent purchase of a Guy Rose oil painting. The work titled Laguna Rocks, Low Tide, 1916, offers Rose’s rendition of Victoria Beach. He was the son of a prominent state senator and his family owners of a large ranch and vineyard—the town of Rosemead still bears their name. Rose has the unique opportunity to travel to Paris and train at the Academie Julien. Later he and his wife went to live in Giverny, France, affording him access to Claude Monet’s workshop and furthering his practice in the Impressionist style. It is also believed that he knew the master. Upon returning home to California, Rose brought his trained eye and natural talent to bear in illustrating the unique light and raw beauty of our western landscape. He is considered the quintessential plein air painter of Southern California landscapes. Our oil painting is a rare gem in particular, as Rose suffered from the effects of lead poisoning and had no choice but to set his oils aside for other mediums mid-career.
The Jonathan Art Foundation oversees the historic and valuable California plein air works showcased mainly at the Jonathan Town Club. Recent focus has been on reevaluating the art and initiating new acquisitions, while curating the existing collection.
Through the beneficent gift of a past JC employee, Jane Lauman, the JAF was able to purchase this work as the jewel of its collection.