Mischa KallisFigures on a Pier, Circa 1950

Description

‘Figures on a Pier’ - an original impressionist oil on canvas by Mischa Kallis (1903-1987) exudes the feeling of hope; … more ‘Figures on a Pier’ - an original impressionist oil on canvas by Mischa Kallis (1903-1987) exudes the feeling of hope; calm washes over the viewer upon first glance. This piece focuses on the simple joy to be found within the mundane, and explores the quiet melancholy that can only be found on the water. Although the faces of the fishermen depicted are obstructed, one gets the sense that they are content. The bright yellows and reds of the fishermen’s clothes contrast brilliantly against the wistful blues of the background. Kallis’ use of shape adds a dream-like surrealism to the piece. ‘Figures on a Pier’ is truly a piece that demands to be experienced, not simply viewed - perfect for those with a discerning eye.

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. less