Smithsonian Archives of American Art

 
Bluemner, Oscar (b. 1867 d. 1938)
Oscar Bluemner papers, 1903-1928

Painter
Germany; N.J.,

"Painting Dairy" sketchbook and loose sketches, 1903-1928 1 v.

"Painting diaries," 1911-1936, amounting to a fairly complete record of work done during this period, including many sketches, color schemes, and information about his materials and techniques. The entries, although not daily, are extensive and extremely detailed. He writes of his philosophy of art, aesthetics, critics, his ideas on color and composition, influences on his thoughts, the role of the artist, the need for the artist to remain independent and uninfluenced by criticism, the work of other artists, contemporary art, exhibitions, etc.

300 loose sketches in watercolor, ink, pastel, and pencil are primarily of rural landscapes and trees. One group of ca. 75 sketches document a trip in 1912 to Italy, and Venice in particular. Many loose sketches, including those that accompany Bluemner's painting diaries, reflect his thought processes regarding composition and color for paintings.

Microfilm reel(s): N737 and 338-344

RESTRICTED

Location of Originals: Reel N737: Originals returned to lender, Graham Gallery, New York, N.Y., after microfilming.