Kenneth Stubbs
(American artist, 1907-1967)

photograph of the artist
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In Transitional Period

Recent work by Kenneth Stubbs, on view at the Whyte Gallery through November 30, indicates that he is going through a transitional period. His paintings of 1947 and '48, mostly abstractions, constitute a logical evolution from his earlier work. Profound quietude characterized that whereas the abstractions have a strong sense of movement.

Ever since I have been acquainted with Mr. Stubbs' work, he has apparently been testing the validity of a 19th century French master's famous remark, that he could paint human flesh with ditch mud if he were allowed to choose the other tones. Mr. Stubbs' figures are painted mostly in muddy browns, but look all right because of his choice of surrounding colors. He has introduced fresher and purer colors into his abstractions, but is still essentially faithful to the same browns and blues.

One painting of this year, entitled "Home Work," apparently a self-portrait in his studio, is simplified naturalism in a higher key than any of his other work. I hope he will explore this path. He also shows two engaging landscapes, in water color and two pen drawings.

A native of Georgia, Mr. Stubbs has lived in Washington for some years. He studied at the Corcoran School of Art and later in Provincetown, Mass. under E. Ambrose Webster. Mr. Stubbs is now an instructor at the Corcoran School in antique and life classes. He had a one-man show at the Corcoran Gallery in 1940 and exhibits regularly with professional artists' groups.

Florence S. Berryman, Washington Star, November 21, 1948, page C2