May 1, 2008
Howard Bradford
Alicia’s grandfather died yesterday morning. Howard Bradford, 88, was an artist from Monterey, California. His artwork can be found in the permanent collections of several Museums including:
- Dallas Museum of Fine Arts
- Museum of Modern Art, NY
- New York Public Library
- Crocker Art Gallery
My point of departure as a painter is directed essentially to things around me: the sea, mountains and the landscape in general. Sometimes I bring nature into the studio.
Although I am essentially a studio painter, plein air excursions are part of trying to extract some organic intensity I experience. Distillation of personal observations into a cohesive and singular statement have been my intention for many years.
“Hanging Bird” via Galerie Plein Aire in Carmel
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I am sorry for your loss.
What a lovely photograph.
This is a lovely tribute, Michael. And what a wonderful painting–I’ll look for Bradford’s work at the DMA.
The photograph is such a moving reminder of a time and a culture now gone, isn’t it?
Wonderful images. My sympathy in your loss.
Thank you all.
The photograph is such a moving reminder of a time and a culture now gone, isn’t it?
He lived next door to and was friends with Henry Miller…a different time, a different place.
I wondered . . . was thinking about the various waves of folks who were drawn to Monterey, Big Sur, Carmel . . . back in those other times.
Michael, I feel honored to have access to his paintings at DMA and look forward to seeing them. Thank you for the tribute and my condolences.
Just today (June 2008) my sisters and I were cleaning our childhood home and we took down the paintings on all the walls. I discovered one of Howard Bradford’s original bird serigraphs. The painting hung on the wall for more than 40 years – and we did not take notice. Now that we working through the house, I am fascinated by the oversized piece. I’m sad to learn he died only months ago. My sincere condolences….
Debra, thanks for the kind words. I hope you enjoy the painting for many more years.
I have photos of Howard Bradford from 1941 with artist Elwood Decker.
Can you verify your Howard Bradford as being an artist that also spent
time with artist Elwood Decker in California.
Thank you, I hope to hear from you, Jerry Edgar.
My in-laws describe Elwood Decker as Howard’s mentor.
This (from Elwood Decker: A Path to God [Visual Works]) is certainly wonderful: “This piece was donated to the Oceano Depot Association by Elwood’s art buddy in the dunes, Howard Bradford. The reason each board in the ceiling is a different color is because Elwood said he ‘always wanted to live in a rainbow’.”
While browsing online last month, I discovered a large framed Howard Bradford Serigraph of lemons in a bowl and banannas #50/75 signed 1964, which is now proudly displayed in my dining room. I was intrigued by his work and the nice tribute which were posted online with the photo above. It sounds like maybe he was your grandfather-in-law. I am sorry for your loss. I thought that since you are a blogger, it might help for you to know that online browsing has created one more Howard Bradford fan in Philadelphia.
John, how very lovely of you to post this comment.
i bought a few of howard bradford’s paintings many years ago and never get tired of looking at them. he came into my head very strongly i guess around the time he died. i didnt know he died until just now when i for some reason googled him and got this. me and my wife went to his house once, i forget why. he showed us around very politely. i guess i wanted to look at more of his paintings or something. i feel as though he’s here now for some reason, reading this. anyway i’m sorry to hear he died. he made a lot of people better people when he was alive. jj solari
I’ve been out of town for a few days and missed these last few comments…
jj and John, thanks for posting my family and I appreciate the comments and hope you both continue to enjoy Howard’s work.
Dear all
Thank you for your kind words about my Father Howard Bradford was my teacher I work side by side printing serigraphs I now have a beautiful gallery and paint for a living. We will be having a show of his work at the Carmel Art Association in March of 2009 there will be a catolog of his works. For more information please check my web site later this year.
Thank you all
Cyndra
Very sorry to hear of your loss. All my life I have enjoyed Mr. Bradford’s works
and didn’t know it until recently. My father was an architect and must have liked Howards works because we have had two hanging in our home since
I can remember (early sixties). Again sorry to hear of your loss.
Kind regards,
Jeff Bonadurer
Portland, Oregon
Hello,
I’m a homesick native of Monterey, I read just a small amount about Howard Bradford while I was reading about Ellwood Graham and Huckleberry Hill. Any chance he designed/built the odd little house on top of Prescott?
I’d love to find out more about him ,if you can give me any direction on where to look for info I’d appreciate it. Man, if I could go back in time,
David McCornack
How wonderful that people are still finding this post and responding.
David,
If he designed/built the house on top of Prescott it’s the first I’ve heard of it but I’ll ask around when we go down to Monterey for the holidays.
I’m not really sure where to point you in terms of research. Most of what I know about Howard had been passed to me from my wife’s family.
Sheila,
I’m amazed.