David McCosh and The Promise of Oregon: Paintings and Drawings of Oregon and the Northwest (1934-73)

Karin Clarke Gallery
Eugene, OR thru Feb 26, 2005

The work of David McCosh (1903-81) is on loan from the University of Oregon Foundation for this special exhibit. McCosh was a gifted teacher at the University for over 30 years and an influential artist best known for his later work in Eugene. He came to Oregon from the Midwest after being exposed to the art scenes of Chicago, New York, and Europe. McCosh discovered a rich source of energy and inspiration in the lush Oregon landscape.

“The Promise of Oregon”, curated by Roger Saydack, follows the evolution of McCosh’s work from 1934 when he moved to Eugene until 1973, shortly after he retired. Responding to his incidental surroundings, McCosh’s early works highlight the first years in Oregon when he painted with a fresh vision. He always sought the extraordinary and unpredictable in his subjects. Rarely-viewed paintings from McCosh’s sabbatical on the primitive beaches of Cohasset, Washington, mark the dramatic effect of the Northwest landscape on his style.

The exhibit also includes street scenes and local landscapes in Eugene. A selection of McCosh’s later work depicts dense underbrush painted with a vigor reminiscent of Mark Tobey. His early influences included Cézanne as well as the American Regionalist painter Grant Wood.

Allyn Cantor

Allyn Cantor