oil on canvas, 12 x 16 in.
Graceful Swan by Frank Moore
Frank Montague Moore was an English painter and muralist who made a lasting impact on the art scenes of Hawaii and California in the early 20th century.
Born in Taunton, England, in 1877, Moore began his artistic journey at the Liverpool School of Art and the Royal Institute. In 1903, he crossed the Atlantic to the United States, finding his stride in the vibrant art scene of New York under the tutelage of Henry Ward Ranger.
By 1922, Moore found himself drawn to the scenic beauty of Hawaii, setting up his Cross Roads Studio in Honolulu. Here, he not only crafted his own works but also curated exhibitions showcasing a diverse array of artistic expressions, including master prints from Europe.
Appreciating Moore’s cosmopolitan perspective, the Cooke family, avid supporters of the arts in Honolulu, appointed him as the first director of the Honolulu Museum of Art in 1925. Renamed the Honolulu Academy of the Arts under his guidance, the institution aimed not only to display art but also to serve as an educational hub. Despite his departure in 1927, just before the completion of the Academy building, Moore’s influence lingered.
In addition to his administrative duties, Moore’s canvas came alive with vibrant hues and mesmerizing moonlit scenes. His mastery over color and captivating moonlit seascapes, seen in murals for the Blaisdell Hotel in Honolulu, showcased his artistic prowess. Thematic paintings exhibited in Maui in 1923 revealed Moore’s enduring fascination with the island’s charm.
In 1928, Moore embraced a new chapter in California. Commissioned to create scenes of California for the Huntington Hotel in Pasadena, he seamlessly blended his artistic vision with the picturesque landscapes. Working in Pasadena and San Francisco, Moore eventually relocated to the scenic embrace of Carmel, specializing in capturing the rugged beauty of the Monterey Peninsula coast.
Frank Montague Moore’s artistic journey concluded with this death in Carmel in 1967, leaving behind a legacy that echoes in the vibrant strokes of his paintings and the moonlit scenes he so ardently celebrated.
