The Train Yard, San Bernadino
Artist
Standish Backus Jr.
(1910 - 1989)
Date1939
MediumWatercolor on paper
Dimensions15 1/2 x 22 1/4 in. (39.4 x 56.5 cm)
ClassificationsPainting
Credit LineThe Hilbert Collection
Object numberBac-2
DescriptionPrinceton-educated Backus was born in Detroit and settled in Santa Barbara in the 1930s, where he began to work full-time as an artist. He joined the U.S. Navy during World War II, serving as a combat artist and active-duty officer, and attaining the rank of Commander.Following the war, Backus accompanied Admiral Byrd on his “Operation Deepfreeze” expedition to Antarctica (1955-56), creating paintings of this important exploration. Backus then returned to Santa Barbara, where he taught at UCSB and continued painting.
His work is in the collections of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Naval Historical Center, as well as the Hilbert Museum.
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