John Whorf
John Whorf (1903-1959) was an American painter known for his vibrant and colorful watercolor landscapes and seascapes. Born in Winthrop, Massachusetts, Whorf showed an early interest in art and attended the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston at the age of 14. He continued his studies at the National Academy of Design in New York City and later traveled to Europe to study art in Paris and Italy.
Whorf's early works were mostly oil paintings, but he later transitioned to watercolors, which became his preferred medium. He was known for his ability to capture the beauty of light and atmosphere in his paintings, often depicting the landscapes and seascapes of New England and the Caribbean with a vivid and lively palette.
In 1928, Whorf was awarded the prestigious Paige Traveling Fellowship, which allowed him to travel and study in Europe for two years. During this time, he was greatly influenced by the work of the French Impressionists and Post-Impressionists, as well as the Italian Renaissance painters.
Upon his return to the United States, Whorf settled in Provincetown, Massachusetts, where he became a member of the Provincetown Art Association and a central figure in the town's vibrant art scene. He established his studio on Commercial Street, and his work was regularly exhibited at the town's galleries and museums.
Throughout his career, Whorf received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the American Watercolor Society's Gold Medal in 1942 and the National Academy of Design's Altman Prize in 1950. His paintings were also exhibited at major museums and galleries across the country, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and the Corcoran Gallery in Washington, D.C.
Whorf's legacy continues to be celebrated today, and his works remain highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts. His unique ability to capture the beauty of nature with his lively and colorful style has earned him a place among the great American watercolorists of the 20th century.
