Stan Hywet Hall and Garden Magazine - Spring/Summer 2008 - (Page 12)

f e at u r e : 50 years of grandeur G ertrude Penfield Seiberling began painting in earnest when she was in her sixties. Between 1930 and 1940, she created more than 100 paintings that captured the evolution of her surrounding landscape. The Great Depression dominated the 1930s, and many artists during that time focused on a regionalist style, capturing as best as they could the impact of the economic situation of the day. In 1930, Gertrude began taking painting classes with noted Akron artists Harvey Griffiths and Roy Wilhelm. She also studied under Cleveland artists William Eastman, Elmer Novotny, William Sommer and Paul Travis, as well as nationally known Emile Gruppe. Those she studied under influenced her style and techniques. Gertrude never intended on becoming a nationally known artist, but her creativity and passion catapulted her into being one of the best-known Akron artists of her day. A Period of Perspective:The Art of Gertrude Penfield Seiberling, is a selection of artwork she created during this uncertain yet exciting time. Gertrude had many places to pull inspiration from: The ever-changing rural and urban landscape that surrounded her, her extensive travels, including the Seiberling summer home at Cedar Lodge near Hessel, Michigan, and her favorite muse, the grounds of Stan Hywet. Her paintings have been used as a resource to assist those that conserve and restore the grounds. They have provided historic appearance, exact location, colors and other details that have been lost over the years with black and white photography. All of Gertrude’s paintings are in need of continued conservation and care. In some cases, the care needed is urgent and imperative to conserving her collection for future generations. Gertrude’s raw talent provides a glimpse into her vision of events, trends and life at Stan Hywet, as well as a memento of the property’s timeless beauty. erspective a period of Paintings aid in Stan Hywet’s restoration 12 • stan hywet hall & gardens magazine

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Stan Hywet Hall and Garden Magazine - Spring/Summer 2008

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