Lot 378: John Kelly Fitzpatrick (American/Alabama,

John Kelly Fitzpatrick (American/Alabama, 1888-1953), "Garden at Morning View, Montgomery, Alabama", oil on artist's board, signed and dated "1929" lower right, F. Weber Co. label en verso, 11 1/2 in. x 17 1/2 in., in a period frame.

Provenance: Acquired from the artist; descended in the family, Montgomery, Alabama. Exhibited in the "John Kelly Fitzpatrick Retrospective Exhibition" organized by The Montgomery Museum of Art, September 1 to November 1, 1970, listed in exhibition catalogue as no. 25. Note: In the Spring of 1926, John Kelly Fitzpatrick opened an exhibition of his paintings to the public at the "Morning View" home and garden of his friend and patron. The talented young artist had just returned from service in France during World War I and had embarked on a career as an artist. As an active member of the local art community, Fitzpatrick was instrumental in establishing the Alabama Art League, the Montgomery Museum of Art, and the Dixie Summer Art Colony. Working in the tradition of the American Scene Movement, Fitzpatrick was continually inspired by the landscape, people and lifestyle of rural Alabama. Employing lush, thick brushwork and a rich, colorful palette, he creates an enchanting view of the fountain and blooming gardens at "Morning View." Reference: Gay, Mae Belle, John Kelly Fitzpatrick Retrospective Exhibition, exhibition catalogue, The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, 1970.