Provincetown Artists: Blanche Lazzell

Blanche Lazzell, Tulips, White Line Color Woodcut, 1920, approx. 12" x 12"

It's almost sort of summer here in New England, which means it's time to think of summer places, which for us often means Provincetown. And Provincetown means "art colony," as well as a few other things, such as the place where they have "Bear Week."

Among the most beloved artists of the art colony's early years is Blanche Lazzell, one of the most celebrated practitioners of what is called the white line wood cut. Her compositions could be a bit cubist, which was the new movement of the time. But for me, it's the "mellow-osity" of her colors that pleases most. This still life simply feels peaceful to me, which, ironically, P-town does as well. We often go out after Labor Day, and one's attention then focuses more on the tranquil harbor than on the zany, edgy street life of Commercial Street.

OTHERS IN THE P-TOWN ARTISTS SERIES

Hans Hofmann, abstract oil

Michael Mazur, Rocks and Water, monotype

Michael Mazur, Pond Edge II, oil painting

Irene Lipton, untitled oil

Mary Giammarino, impressionist oil