Scripps College starts off this year’s exhibitions with Chasing Daylight: Philip Latimer Dike, 1927 –1943, which runs from Aug. 31 through Oct. 13. The opening reception, with live music and light refreshments, will be held on Sept. 14 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Ruth Chandler Williamson Gallery. A closing reception and watercolor demonstration will take place at the gallery on Oct. 13.
Dike contributed greatly to the California art scene of the 1930s and 1940s through his work in what would later become known as the “California Style” of watercolor painting. As the 1920s drew to a close and throughout the 1930s, Dike began to master the art of translating the effects of light and color into watercolor. In those early years, his fascination with this work led the rather shy and private artist on a journey throughout the United States and Europe.
With more than 50 paintings, the exhibition tells the story of these years in detail. Visitors will view Dike’s impressions of life in New York in the late 1920s and his studies at the Arts Students League; his work in Europe, including his time at the American Academy of Art at Fountainbleau; and his travels afterwards. Paintings created after his return from his travels overseas will also be on display, as Dike continued his exploration of light and color by recording street scenes, architecture and landscapes in Southern California and the Southwest.
The exhibition is generously supported by the Jean and Arthur Ames Endowment. Lenders to the exhibition include: Gerald Buck; Lance and Elena Calvert; E. Gene Crain; Woody and Judy Dike; Mark and Janet Hilbert; Jim Moule; Mike and Susan Verbal. Works from the Scripps permanent collection will also be displayed.
The Ruth Chandler Williamson Gallery is located at Eleventh Street and Columbia Avenue. During exhibitions, the gallery is open to the public, free of charge, Wednesday through Sunday, from 1 to 5 p.m. For more information, please contact the gallery at (909) 607-3397 or visit the website at rcwg.scrippscollege.edu.