Joseph Edward Knowles was born in Kendall, Montana, on June 15, 1907. He grew up in San Diego, California. At age 20 he moved north to Santa Barbara where he studied at the School of Arts (1927-1930) under Frank Morley Fletcher.
From 1930 to1960 Knowles taught art at the Cate School in Carpinteria, California. In 1934-1935 he traveled throughout Europe, further developing his artistic skills in England, France, and Italy. Upon his return, he continued to teach art at various schools and institutions including the University of California Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. In addition, he was founding co-director and president of the Santa Barbara Fine Arts Institute (1969-1972).
Much of Knowles' watercolor work is associated with what has been termed the "California School," a loose grouping of artists throughout the state that included such figures as Millard Sheets, Phil Dike, Dong Kingman, George Post, and the Santa Barbara painters Dan Lutz and Standish Backus, Jr. The California School artists, including Knowles, were known for their fresh, direct, spontaneous style of watercolor painting. Knowles and other members of the school found inspiration in nature and the built environment alike, emphasizing elements of design in their exuberant, boldly stated, colorful scenes from everyday life. While painting in a representational manner, Knowles generally avoided photographic realism, preferring subjective interpretation of his subjects. In this, as well as in his experimental approach and vigorous brushwork, he displayed a strongly modern sensibility.
ONE-MAN EXHIBITIONS
Golden Gate International Exposition (GGIE) - San Francisco, California
San Diego Fine Arts Gallery (SDMA) - San Diego, California
Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMA) - Santa Barbara, California
Cowie Galleries - Los Angeles, California
Gallery de Silva - Santa Barbara, California
Bradley Galleries - Santa Barbara, California
PERMANENT COLLECTIONS
Denver Art Museum - Denver, Colorado
Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMA) - Santa Barbara, California
San Diego Fine Arts Gallery (SDMA) - San Diego, California
Written and submitted August 2004 by Holly Gruendyke. (edited)
Tanker Yard Workers
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