Artwork copyright Frank Samuelson. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Frank Samuelson. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Red Alders, 2002

Frank Samuelson
(American, born 1949)

Location: Lower Columbia College, Longview

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

The idea for artist Frank Samuelson's vibrant painting Red Alders came to him while watching the sunset on the Raft River near the Washington Coast. He states, "I noticed the waning light changing the hue of the Alder bark to a near pinkish hue. It was kind of like looking at the forest through rose-colored glasses. The noisy Stellar Jays were flitting through the canopy of the forest, their raucous calls echoing loudly among the trees."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Lower Columbia College.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Port Townsend-based artist Frank Samuelson creates colorful and imaginative paintings and murals for pubilc spaces. The natural world is an important theme and inspiration for Samuelson who notes: "Moving and playing with form and color are just a thrill that I can’t deny myself. The essence of water is also an important piece of all puzzles I paint."

Samuelson received Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees from Central Washington University in Ellensburg. He received a Master of Fine Arts degree from Washington State University in Pullman, Eastern Washington, in 1976. He lives and works in Port Townsend, on the Olympic Peninsula in Northwest Washington.