Shown at the gallery’s 1991 exhibit, Dead Low Tide is a striking example by the artist in which the effervescent colors in the sky are wonderfully reflected in the calm water. The strokes of dark teal, light blue, and mauve found in the single wave breaking on shore disrupt the expanse of the pastel pink and greens throughout the rest of the scene, and the vibrant, almost Fauvist rendering reveals Hopkinson’s bold approach to capturing the world around him. His daughter Ibby described him as “a Nature worshiper. He never ceased to marvel at Nature’s creativity and abounding beauty. Attempting to record this in paint was both his delight and an expression of reverence.”

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Hopkinson’s experimentations in color theory resulted in a modern, fauvist style of painting, drastically different from the earlier portraits, but of an equally notable quality. While Hopkinson received mixed reviews of these works, his efforts were rewarded with medals at the National Academy of Design, the Saint Louis Exposition, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the Art Institute of Chicago. Enjoying a remarkably long and successful career, Hopkinson continuously challenged himself as an artist. The resulting body of work is both refreshing in its daring and familiar in its praise of natural beauty.

Provenance:

Private collection, descended through the artist’s family

With Vose Galleries, Boston, inventory number CH-42A, July 1991

To private collection, Darien, Connecticut, October 1991 to present

Labels:

1. Hopkinson estate stamp
2. Quester Gallery, Stonington, CT / CHARLES HOPKINSON / (American, 1869 – 1962) / “Dead Low Tide” / Oil on canvas / 17 x 29 ½ inches
3. (handwritten sticker) QVG-4930

Exhibitions:

Charles S. Hopkinson, N. A.: Moods and Moments, Vose Galleries, Boston, October 2 – December, 1991