Main Beach, Bathers

Artist Roger Kuntz (1926 - 1975)

Datec. 1960-69

MediumOil on canvas

Dimensions17 1/2 x 23 3/4 in. (44.5 x 60.3 cm)

ClassificationsPainting

Credit LineGift of the Hilbert Collection

Object number2019.308

DescriptionIt could be any nice beach, anywhere in the world – but Roger Kuntz painted it here in California, and imbued it with California’s iconic Mediterranean sunlight. Kuntz was born in San Antonio, TX, and his family moved to California after the death of his father. Kuntz attended Pomona College and began his formal art studies there, but that was interrupted by the U.S.’s entry into World War II. At age 18, Kuntz enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force and served as a B-24 turret gunner. Following the war he continued his education at Pomona, and then received his master of fine arts degree from the Claremont Graduate School in 1950. He garnered national recognition in the 1950’s when he received first place and a purchase award at the National Academy of Design (1952), purchase awards at the Denver Art Museum (1952 and 53), and top prizes at the Los Angeles Museum of Art (1953, 54 and 56). Kuntz would go on to become one of the most recognized painters to emerge from the Claremont schools and in the Laguna art colony.

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