Label
Richard Wilt
1915 – 1981
Beach Scene Lake Michigan
1947 | oil on canvas
Notes: Richard Wilt, accompanied by his wife, Ellen, taught at the Ox-Bow Summer School of Painting in Saugatuck during the summer of 1947, the same year he would go on to become a professor of painting at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where he made his home. During his time at Ox-Bow, Wilt pondered the thought processes that might have been part of “being Picasso”. Here he explores “Cubism” with a couple enjoying a day at Oval Beach.
The work is from Wilt’s time at Ox-Bow, here in Saugatuck. It may be unfinished, indicated by the “dip” in the horizon line to the right and the fact that he did not sign the canvas.
The Saugatuck area has long been famous for the light play of rays against sand and water. Here, Wilt captures the intense heat of sun on sand contrasted against the bright blue as sunlight dances on the water. Wilt also accentuates the human qualities of the figures by drawing in knuckles and toes. The female seems to be somewhat sunburned as she turns away, her head covered with a towel. The male figure almost struts in his stylish suit! Both seem to be preoccupied with activity on the beach rather than Lake Michigan.
Collection: Saugatuck Douglas History Center
Gift of: Ellen Bonar Wilt (In memory of Richard Wilt)
Accession: 2012.62.01Label
From “Seasons at the Lakeshore” at the History Center 2024-2025
Richard Wilt
1915-1981
The Bathers
1947 | oil on canvas
Richard Wilt, accompanied by his wife, Ellen, taught at the Ox-Bow Summer School of Painting in Saugatuck during the summer of 1947, the same year he would go on to become a professor of painting at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
The painting is from Wilt’s time at Ox-Bow. Here he explores “Cubism” with a couple enjoying a day at Oval Beach.
The Saugatuck area has long been famous for the play of light against sand and water. Here, Wilt captures the intense heat of the sun on sand contrasted against the bright blue as sunlight dances on the water.
SDHC Collection
Gift of Ellen Bonar Wilt (In memory of Richard Wilt)
Accession number 2012.62.01
