Abbott Fuller Graves
1859 – 1936
Abbott Fuller Graves was a renowned specialist in decorative open-air garden
paintings and floral still lifes. His use of thick, impasto brushstrokes, bright colours
and natural light, most evident in his later garden paintings, shows the influence of
European impressionism.
Born in Weymouth, Massachusetts in 1859, Graves studied both in New England
and abroad.
Although already considered one of the best flower painters in Boston, Graves
traveled to Paris and Italy in 1884 to continue his studies. After returning to Boston
in 1885, he became an instructor at the Cowles Art School. In 1887, Graves
returned to Paris to study figure painting at the Academie Julien. There he studied
under Croman, Laurens and Gervais until 1891.
After 1891, the majority of Grave’s works depict gardens and floral landscapes.
Often these oils, pastels and watercolours include female figures. Some portray
exotic gardens of Spain and South America. The bright sunlight and bold use of
colour and paint, as well as the subject matter of the garden paintings, reflect the
influence of European impressionism on Grave’s work.
Throughout his career, Graves continued his travels between New England and
Paris. In 1891, he opened his own art school in Boston. The school moved to
Kennebunk, Maine and closed in 1902. From 1902 to 1905, Graves was employed as
a commercial illustrator for magazines in Paris. When Graves died in 1936, he had
achieved wide acclaim as a specialist in garden painting, both in New England and
Paris.
Member: National Academy (Associate), 1926, Boston Art Club; Salmagundi Club,
1909; Paris Artists Association (hon.); Allied Artists Association; National Arts
Club, NYC; North Shore Arts Association; among others.
His work is in the collection of: National Arts Club, NY; Portland Art Museum,
ME.