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January 9th, 2011 is the 120th anniversary of Fred Whitaker’s birth, in Providence, Rhode Island. His career in art—as a designer, painter and teacher—spanned more than 70 years and close to two thousand paintings. His passion for art and artists knew no bounds, nor did his generosity.
“I’m just a guy who can’t say no. I doubt that any other artist has been guilty of so many involvements, and I am sure that I have sat on more exhibition juries than any other American painter.”
He was chairman of the watercolor jury at the National Academy of Art and in 1949 he was elected president of the American Watercolor Society. Wherever he lived, East Coast or West, he established arts organizations that served both art and artists, established and otherwise.
Fred Whitaker’s work was varied and spirited. His passions—from industry and landscape to the birds, the bees and the human body—took light, shape and form through his passion for watercolor.
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THE PIGEONS CALL IT HOME, 1969
by Frederic Whitaker
Watercolor on paper, 24 x 22 inches
Collection of the Whitaker Foundation |
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TREE-TOP HOME, 1967
by Frederic Whitaker
Watercolor on paper, 22 x 30 inches
Private Collection |
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FREE LUNCH, 1969
by Frederic Whitaker
Watercolor on paper, 30 x 22 inches
Collection of the Whitaker Foundation |
SPECIAL GUEST, late 1940s
by Frederic Whitaker
Watercolor on paper, 22 x 16 inches
Collection of the Whitaker Foundation |
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In the early days of WWII Fred was fascinated with the smoke and fire of the steel industry in Pennsylvania, so he drove from Rhode Island and set up his "easel” on street corners to paint the scene. After moving around the area and studying varied locations, he settled down to work. A policeman approached Fred, and after lengthy questioning, took him to the police station where he was suspected of being a spy. They finally allowed him to complete his painting, Basic Industry. |
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BASIC INDUSTRY, 1941
by Frederic Whitaker
Watercolor on paper, 16 x 20 inches
Collection of the Whitaker Foundation |
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Frederic Whitaker married the painter, Eileen Monaghan, in 1950. They traveled and painted extensively throughout Europe, Mexico, and Guatemala and eventually settled in La Jolla, California, where Fred resided until his death in 1980. |
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TOOLS OF THE TRADE, 1969
by Frederic Whitaker
Watercolor on paper, 22 x 30 inches
Collection of the Whitaker Foundation |
FREDERIC WHITAKER
January 9, 1981 - March 9, 1980
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For more information about the work and lives of Frederic Whitaker and Eileen Monaghan Whitaker
and their foundation, please visit: www.whitakerwatercolors.org.
Visit our online store to view our fine selection of Whitaker prints.
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