Artwork copyright Hugh Webb. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Hugh Webb. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Baroque Oak, 2000

Hugh Webb
American (born 1940)

Location: Peninsula College, Port Angeles

About the Artwork

Artist Hugh Webb created the painting Baroque Oak by layering paint over a gold leaf background. Ancient oak trees found on Sauvie Island inspired this piece. Sauvie Island is located between the Columbia River and Multnomah Channel above Portland, Oregon. He notes, "In the winter, walking along, one is struck by the complexity of oak tree branches as they are dramatically contrasted against the sky. Add to that the coatings of moss saturated with moisture which produce a subtle but intensely rich visual experience and you have a natural for a painting."

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

About the Artist

Webb earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Utah and a Master of Fine Arts degree (1969) from the University of Oregon. He has taught at Eastern Washington University in Cheney, Spokane Falls Community College, and Portland Community College in Oregon.