Frank Cuprien | |
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| Born | Frank William Cuprien (1871-08-23)August 23, 1871 |
| Died | June 21, 1948(1948-06-21) (aged 76) |
| Occupation | Painter |
| Known for | Impressionist marine landscapes |
Frank William Cuprien (August 23, 1871 – June 21, 1948) was an Americanplein-airpainter of the Californiaimpressionism movement, noted for marine scenes and opalescent seascapes. As a leading member of theLaguna Beach, California art colony, Cuprien became known as the "Dean of Laguna Artists."[1]
Cuprien, born inBrooklyn, New York, studied both art and music. He took his art training at theArt Students League of New York and theCooper Union Institute.[2] He then studied landscape painting underCarl Philipp Weber in Philadelphia. During an 11-year residency in Europe, Cuprien studied art in Rome, withKarl Raupp in Munich, and at theAcademie Julian in Paris.[1][3][4]
Cuprien was also formally trained in voice and classical piano, attending the royal conservatory inMunich (Hochschule für Musik und Theater München) and graduating from the royal conservatory ofLeipzig (Hochschule für Musik und Theater Leipzig) in 1905.[3][4]
After returning to the United States from Europe, Cuprien spent 5 years teaching art atBaylor University in Texas. In 1912, he became enamored with the coastline of Southern California and briefly lived onCatalina Island before moving permanently toLaguna Beach, California. Cuprien moved into a rustic studio on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and named it "The Viking." Cuprien became an integral member of the artist community in Laguna Beach where he helped establish the Laguna Beach Art Association and its art gallery. His home was a gathering place for fellow artists, and served as a site for exhibitions and Cuprien's piano recitals. Cuprien became known as the "Dean of Laguna artists."[5][6]
In 1948, Cuprien died after suffering a stroke.[2] In his will, he left his estate to the Laguna Beach Art Association and requested that he be buried in his blue painter's smock.[7] The street Cuprien Way in Laguna Beach was later named in his honor.[8]
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