Provenance
2017 Acquired by American Legacy Fine Arts, Pasadena, California; 2017 John Moran Auctioneers, Monrovia, California; c. 1996 Private Collector; c. 1995 Poulsen Galleries, Pasadena, California; c. 1995 the Artist
Artist Statement
"The combined sense of strength and tranquility is what attracted me to this scene. The rocks, cascading water, dappled sunlight, and weathered trees, all seemed to radiate energy in a harmonious way."
— Peter Adams
Description
In his unparalleled style of pulsating tones and bravura brushwork, Peter Adams magically brings a scene to life. We are instantly transported to a secluded part of southern Yosemite in the area of Wawona. Applying subtle violet-greys to the rocks and contrasting greens for moss, Adams creates a visual sense of risk while at the same time he comforts us with soft rays of light. Adams painted this scene, circa 1995, en plein air, while staying in a nearby cabin. The hike to Chilnualna Falls is arduous and cannot be reached by any vehicle. Historically, the artist Thomas Hill first created a pen and ink drawing of the falls in 1886 to illustrate the book In the Heart of the Sierras by James Hutchings and later created oil paintings. Purportedly, the name Chilnualna is translated by the Piute Indians to mean either “leaping waters” or “many rocks”.
Exhibited California Highlights, American Legacy Fine Arts, Pasadena, California, May 14 – June 27, 2021
Published California Art Club Newsletter, Winter-Spring 2021, pg. 24
