Trees at Dusk, c. 1924
- Pastel
- 11" x 15", artwork
- 20.125" x 24" x 1.5", framed
- Historic
$6,500
Provenance
On consignment with American Legacy Fine Arts, Pasadena, California; From a private collection, Los Angeles, California; Previously with Morseburg Galleries, Los Angeles; Acquired directly from Mrs. Lucile Lukits and The Lukits Estate
Description
Trees at Dusk is a luminous plein air pastel by Theodore N. Lukits that captures the meditative hush of twilight. A grove of silhouetted trees stands quietly against a fading sky, its tones gently transitioning from golden light to dusky purples and blues. With refined and expressive strokes, Lukits conveys not only the atmospheric beauty of the California landscape at day's end but also a sense of poetic stillness. Likely painted near the artist’s Los Angeles studio, the composition reflects Lukits’ reverence for nature and his deep engagement with the plein air tradition.
Historical Significance
Created during the early 1920s, this work reflects Lukits' transition from a classically trained portraitist to a leading figure in California’s plein air movement. A key educator and painter of the early 20th century, Lukits blended academic discipline with Impressionist ideals—emphasizing the fleeting effects of light and the emotive qualities of landscape. His plein air pastels, painted directly from nature, were central to both his artistic output and his teaching practice. Trees at Dusk exemplifies the aesthetics of California Impressionism, which flourished during this period and sought to capture the state's dramatic and varied natural beauty in real time.
Framing
Presented in a hand-carved 22-karat gold leaf frame, the artwork is further elevated by its elegant presentation. The craftsmanship and materials of the frame reflect the period style and harmonize with the subtle tonalities of the painting, enhancing its refined aesthetic.
Condition
Excellent original condition. The pastel remains vibrant and stable with no signs of restoration, fading, or surface damage. Protected with museum-quality glazing, ensuring its preservation for generations to come.
Exhibited
“Theodore N. Lukits (1897-1992): An Aesthetic Realist and Peter Adams and Tim Solliday: Continuing the Lukits Legacy” at Palos Verdes Art Center, Palos Verdes, California, January 14 – March 6, 2016
