Pacific Sunset, c. 1922
- Pastel
- 9" x 13", artwork
- 16.5" x 20.5" x 1", framed
- Historic
Not Available
Provenance
Acquired in the mid-1990s by the Jonathan Art Foundation, Los Angeles, directly from Lucile Lukits, wife of the artist (Collection inventory label no. 481 affixed); Sold through Abell Auction, Los Angeles, California; Purchased in 2024 by American Legacy Fine Arts, Pasadena, California
Description
Painted en plein air circa 1922, Pacific Sunset is a luminous example of Theodore N. Lukits’ sensitive approach to coastal California light. With soft yet radiant strokes, Lukits captures the fleeting moment of the sun dissolving into the Pacific horizon, a subject he returned to frequently while living and working near the Southern California coast. This pastel demonstrates Lukits’ remarkable ability to convey harmony, atmosphere, light, and brilliant color—here suffused with gold, rose, and lavender hues layered across the sky and water. A master of pastels, Lukits treated the medium with the same gravitas as oil, often working outdoors with a customized pastel box designed for field study.
A revered teacher and classical draftsman, Lukits was a key figure in the Southern California artistic milieu. He trained numerous important artists, including Peter Adams who would go on to lead the California Art Club into its contemporary renaissance. This work, originally held in the Jonathan Art Foundation collection, exemplifies Lukits' enduring legacy as both an artist and educator.
Frame: Presented in a simple, elegant 22-karat gold leaf frame that complements the painting’s luminous palette and period style. The original glass has been replaced with Optium Museum Acrylic®, which offers exceptional clarity, 99% UV protection, and anti-reflective properties—ensuring both enhanced visibility and long-term preservation.
Condition: Excellent
Exhibited
Scenic Route: A Half Century of California Discovery, 1900-1950, American Legacy Fine Arts, Pasadena, California, August 15 - October 11, 2025
