Carl Sammons

Dunes on California Coast, c. 1930s

• Oil on board
• 11" x 14", artwork
• 21.75" x 25" x 1.5", framed
• Historic

$6,000

Provenance
Consigned to American Legacy Fine Arts, Pasadena, California; By descent to a private collector, Encino, California; Acquired in 1998 by a private collector, San Carlos, Palo Alto, and Oceanside, California; From the Santa Barbara Historical Society

Description
This luminous coastal landscape by Carl Sammons is a striking example of the artist’s signature plein air style, depicting the rolling coastal dunes and lush vegetation of California’s shoreline. Best known for his depictions of Carmel and Monterey, the composition and palette of this work suggest inspiration from the Monterey Peninsula dunes. Sammons’ ability to merge vibrant, clean color with a sense of atmospheric perspective is evident here in the interplay of bright, sunlit sands and the rich greens of windswept foliage. His vibrant yet naturalistic color harmonies, crisp edges, and keen sensitivity to light bring the fleeting beauty of the coastal environment to life. The hazy eucalyptus grove in the background adds a distinctive regional touch, situating the composition firmly within California’s coastal identity. Sammons’ paintings of California’s unique landscapes played a significant role in documenting the natural beauty of the state during the early 20th century.

Connection to the Monterey Art Colony
By the 1920s and 1930s, Sammons became closely associated with the Monterey art colony, an influential hub for plein air painters such as Armin Hansen (1886–1957), William Ritschel (1864–1949), and Percy Gray (1869–1952). Sammons’ participation in exhibitions and his dedication to painting outdoors alongside these notable artists contributed to his reputation as one of California’s foremost interpreters of its landscapes. The Monterey Peninsula’s sand dunes, rugged coastlines, and changing light were among his favored subjects, reflecting his deep affinity for the natural beauty of this region.

Historical Significance
Sammons’ paintings stand as a testament to the California Impressionist movement, which celebrated the state’s unique light and geography. This composition, likely painted in the 1930s, exemplifies his ability to distill the essence of place — here, the fragile beauty of California’s dune ecosystems — with both sensitivity and strength. His works are widely collected for their ability to convey both the serenity and vibrancy of the California landscape, particularly during a time when the state was emerging as a cultural center for the arts.

Frame
The painting is presented in a finely crafted, hand-carved wood frame finished in 22-karat gold leaf, designed in a museum-grade traditional California plein air style. A silk mat with a gilded inner lip provides a refined transition between the frame and the artwork.

Condition
The work is in excellent original condition. Colors remain fresh and vibrant, with no signs of fading or foxing. The archival matting and museum glass ensure preservation against UV light and environmental contaminants.

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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