IMPRESSIONIST OIL ON CANVAS TITLED 'FIGURES ON A PIER' BY MISCHA KALLIS

'Figures on a Pier' by Mischa Kallis (1903-1987) sounds like a captivating original impressionist oil painting on canvas. The artwork appears to evoke a sense of hope and tranquility upon initial observation. It focuses on finding joy in the ordinary, capturing the serene melancholy often associated with waterside scenes.

The fishermen depicted, although their faces are obscured, convey a sense of contentment, perhaps derived from the simple pleasures of their environment. The vivid yellows and reds of their attire stand out vividly against the backdrop of wistful blues, creating a striking contrast that draws the viewer's attention.

Kallis' artistic approach, particularly the use of shapes, seems to lend a dream-like quality or surrealism to the piece, enhancing its emotional depth and inviting viewers to engage more deeply with the scene.

This painting seems to offer an experience beyond mere visual appreciation, prompting observers to immerse themselves in the mood and atmosphere it creates. Its blend of tranquility, contrasts, and emotive storytelling makes it an engaging piece that appeals to those who appreciate nuanced artistic expression.

Signed lower left: Mischa Kallis

Dimensions

Canvas: 35" x 27"
Frame: 36" x 28"

Mischa Kallis was born in Romania in 1903, and by the age of 10 he had begun painting. At 16 he rejected his father’s offer to join the family business as a cheesemaker and left his homeland to pursue a life of art in America; he settled in Kansas City, Missouri. In his early twenties he moved to New York and a few years later became the National Art Director for Paramount. He left Paramount for Universal Studios in 1942 and moved his family to Hollywood, California. He stayed with Universal until he retired. During his entire career he would paint almost every weekend, painting an approximate 35-40 paintings a year. Unfortunately, Mischa destroyed at least half of them. He shied away from public notoriety and primarily painted for private collectors, from whom he would receive direct requests for his work. These private collectors and their families continue to hold a majority of his paintings, unwilling to part with their beloved pieces. Mischa stopped painting around 1985 and passed away in 1987.