S.C. YUAN (1911-1974)

As one of the most coveted artists represented in our gallery, S.C. Yuan has been acknowledged as one of the Monterey Peninsula’s most respected artists of his time. Yuan’s ability to blend both Chinese and western traditions on canvas continues to endear both the casual observer as well as passionate art collectors. Exhibited nationally in his lifetime, his artistic legacy today has garnered an international audience.

S.C. Yuan (1911-1974)

Back
View Artist Biography
S.C. Yuan - "Point Lobos from Highlands Inn" - Oil on canvas - 22" x 28" - Signed lower left: Wellington S.C. Yuan <br>Directly from the estate of Robert James Ramsey, Sr. owner of the <br> <br>After the war, Yuan returned to eastern China and by 1947 was living in Shanghai. Long a city of foreign concessions, Shanghai had a very western and cosmopolitan air. Here, as was often the custom, Yuan adopted an English name. He chose the name Wellington because he greatly admired the Chinese diplomat, Wellington Koo, who was Ambassador to the United States at the time. <br> <br>Provenance: <br>Directly from the estate of Robert James Ramsey, Sr. <br>"Yuan painted this painting from the driveway of the Highlands Inn, when he worked there as a cook. Yuan gave this painting to Robert James Ramsey, Sr., who at that time owned the Inn". <br> <br>Exhibited: <br>"Coastal Views: California and the Pacific Northwest" <br>organized by the Whatcom Museum, Bellingham, Washington, June 24 - October 29, 2023. <br> <br>Illustrated in the catalogue published in conjunction with the exhibition, page 19. Cover of post card announcement: "Members' Summer Exhibition Preview at the Whatcom". <br> <br>Exhibition label on reverse: CAA/1994 retrospective. Illustrated in accompanying book, page 188, plate 65. <br> <br>Yuan settled on the Monterey Peninsula in 1952 where he met, befriended and was influenced by artist Armin Hansen. <br> <br>During his lifetime he was honored with several one-man shows in San Francisco, Boston, and New York, where he showed his traditional as well as his more abstract works. Whenever he entered his paintings in juried shows, he won prizes and top honors. With profound dedication and discipline he created a legacy of paintings rich in beauty and tranquility.
S.C. Yuan
"Point Lobos from Highlands Inn"
1952