William Lees Judson

Arroyo Seco, Near Pasadena, c. 1900s

• Watercolor on paper
• 10.5" x 16.5", artwork
• 19.5" x 24" x 1", framed
• Historic

$5,500

Provenance
Consigned to American Legacy Fine Arts, Pasadena, California; by descent to a private collector, Encino, California; acquired by a private collector, Palo Alto, San Carlos, and Oceanside, California.

Description
In this circa 1900 watercolor, William Lees Judson depicts a tranquil bend of the Arroyo Seco, the storied wooded ravine flowing from the San Gabriel Mountains through Pasadena. Bare-limbed sycamores rise gracefully above a meandering stream, their forms described with confident, fluid brushwork and a delicate, earth-toned palette. The scene radiates stillness, echoing Judson’s sensitivity to the nuanced play of light and his reverence for nature as a spiritual subject. A rare and atmospheric example of Judson's plein air work in Southern California, this composition stands as both a document of place and a meditative study of light and form. Its restrained beauty reflects the influence of the English watercolor tradition as well as the ideals of the Arts and Crafts movement, which Judson championed throughout his career.

Historical Significance
William Lees Judson was a central figure in the early development of California art and arts education. As the founding dean of the University of Southern California’s College of Fine Arts, he fostered generations of artists and helped establish Pasadena as a key cultural center in the early 20th century. Beyond his contributions as a painter, Judson was a master stained glass artisan and co-founder of the Judson Studios, which remains in operation today.

A passionate conservationist, Judson was instrumental in efforts to protect the Arroyo Seco from industrial encroachment, including a successful campaign to prevent the construction of a large industrial plant along its banks. His activism reflected the Arts and Crafts philosophy of uniting beauty, utility, and nature, and ensured that future generations could experience the Arroyo’s natural landscape. His watercolors of the Arroyo Seco, such as this one, are particularly cherished for their quiet lyricism, historic value, and their role in documenting and advocating for the preservation of Pasadena’s natural heritage.

Framing
Presented in a simple yet elegant gilt wood frame with a wide archival mat, the frame complements the refined sensibility of the watercolor while allowing the work to remain the focal point. The muted gold tone harmonizes with the palette and aligns with the aesthetics of the early 1900s.

Condition
Excellent condition. Colors remain fresh with no evident fading. Paper is stable with no visible foxing, staining, or warping. Frame and mat are clean and well-maintained.

Exhibited
Scenic Route: A Half Century of California Discovery, 1900-1950, American Legacy Fine Arts, Pasadena, California, August 15 - October 11, 2025

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