Studies by Carl Rungius

Last week my wife and I celebrated our 46th anniversary in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. It was a wonderful time to stay in Jackson Hole and visit Yellowstone and Teton National Parks. The weather was brisk, but beautiful. But the best part was there was hardly anyone there. The National Parks were nearly empty. What a contrast to the crowds and snarled traffic we experienced years ago during summer.

After visiting the parks, I spent time visiting the many galleries in Jackson Hole, and also the incomparable National Museum of Wildlife Art. I lingered over and studied the magnificent collection of Carl Rungius paintings on display. On of my favorite exhibits were the 30+ field studies by Rungius. Outdoor painting was important to him. His outdoor paintings are truly studies. He was NOT painting for some pretentious Plein Air event. I think he would have been horrified by the sportification of outdoor painting. I doubt he would have considered “Plein air” as a style nor “the new golf.” Rungius’ outdoor paintings truly informed his larger paintings. They are a fascinating glimpse into his thought processes and intentions in painting.