Society of Six: California Colorists

If you like lots of bright, spontaneous color in your paintings this is the book for you. I learned an appreciation for this group via  The Group of Seven . But the Society of Six is brighter and looser-more like high chroma Fauves. Normally I like a book with lots of large illustrations, and this book has many, but it isn't as important with most of the paintings. Although the Six used bright color they painted thinner and the paintings reproduce well at any size. Some of my favorite paintings were a few of the small illustrations by August Gay.Unlike many art books the text was readable and I found the stories and histories generally interesting. The chapters are logically divided. I found the history of how the painters coped with the depression especially interesting. I am glad these painters are represented in a large book of this quality.

Ms. Boas has put together an exceptional book on the Society of Six Painters. It is generously illustrated with carefully chosen examples, most in full color. Close ups, with full bleeds, lead each chapter and will take your breath away. In addition, the book contains many black and white images of the artists working and hanging out.I'd say roughly half of the book is on Selden Gile and why not? He was likely the most prolific and arguably the best of the group. Ms. Boas describes how the group got together and how they were influenced by European artists, a few California painters as well as Bellows and others. One gets some idea of the personality (even drinking habits!) of each of "the six" as well as their camaraderie, working methods, palettes and materials. On page 97, there is a reprint of the group's manifesto (primarily Clapp's handiwork). It may be the best description of "what makes a painting good" that I have ever come across. In addition, the book is littered with quotes and excerpts from letters. One thing I particularly enjoyed were the many quotes by Diebenkorn and Thiebaud describing the Society's work. I highly recommend this book.

This is the third copy I have purchased. I gave it this time as a gift to someone who has begun a collection of Plein Aire paintings, but was not aware of the history in the Bay Area.

A really nice coffee table book of an important but little known artist community in San Francisco Bay area.

Great bookHighly stylized & unique palettesFor landscape painters it’s a great research tool...paperback so left right in your studio, it’s inspirational

A 'Must have' if you have any interest in Impressionism / Post Impressionism / Plein air painting. It will inspire.

Great art. Great history. An extremely well presented review of an exciting era in American art. It is rare to have an art book deliver so well on both levels. Sometimes this group of painters was referred to as "Joyists". A good description of their love of the California landscape and its portrayal. This book is a great gift from Nancy Boas.

A beautiful book. I have purchased numerous copies