Mountains at North Adams, Mass., circa 1930 by Milo O'Leary
Mountains at North Adams, Mass., circa 1930 by Milo O'Leary
Milo O'Leary (American, 1902-1986)
Signed: Milo O'Leary, (lower, right & M. O'Leary, (in pencil on board verso)
" Mountains at North Adams, Mass. ", circa 1930
(titled in pencil on board verso)
Oil on canvas laid on batten board
13 11/16" x 17 1/2"
Housed in a 2 1/8" carved period frame in gold metal leaf
Overall Size: 17 1/2" x 21"
Depth: 1 1/2"
In very good condition. Ready to be hung and enjoyed.
This piece and all others I have listed is available for free local pick up at my gallery in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Understanding the Painting:
The painting looks across the mountainous landscape surrounding North Adams, Massachusetts, with a winding road drawing the eye toward distant blue-purple ridges. Brilliant autumn foliage fills the foreground, contrasting with the cooler mountains beyond and creating a strong sense of depth. O'Leary emphasizes color and atmosphere over precise detail, capturing the expansive character of the Berkshires during the autumn season.
About the Artist:
Milo O’Leary (1902-1986) was an American painter associated with the Detroit and Rochester, Michigan art communities, best known for his landscape paintings. Born in Detroit in 1902, O’Leary maintained strong ties to southeastern Michigan throughout his life, while also studying in France following World War II.
O’Leary was an active participant in Detroit’s artistic community during the early decades of his career. He was elected an associate member of the Scarab Club in 1934 and became an active member the following year. He later served for several years as the organization’s secretary. Between 1929 and 1936, O’Leary exhibited regularly at the Detroit Institute of Arts, placing him within the established circle of Michigan artists exhibiting during the period.
Primarily a landscape painter, O’Leary worked in a representational manner, producing rural scenes, winter landscapes, and views encountered both in Michigan and abroad. Alongside his artistic career, O’Leary was employed in the Engineering Department of the Chrysler Corporation.
O’Leary lived at various times in Detroit and Rochester, Michigan, and later resided in St. Clair Shores. He died there on March 6, 1986. Today, his paintings form part of the history of Michigan regional art and the active Detroit artistic community surrounding the Scarab Club and Detroit Institute of Arts during the early and mid-20th century.