Signed lower left: James / March / Phillips

John Moran Auctioneers, Pasadena, California, June 24, 2008, lot 89; Private collection, Studio City,, California.

James March Phillips (American, 1913-1981) A View Down California Street from Chinatown Watercolor and pencil on card 19-3/4 x 28-1/2 inches (50.2 x 72.4 cm) Signed lower left: James / March / Phillips PROVENANCE: John Moran Auctioneers, Pasadena, California, June 24, 2008, lot 89; Private collection, Studio City, California. James March Phillips was a highly regarded American watercolorist known for his masterful urban scenes and landscapes. A native of California, Phillips had a deep connection to the West Coast and frequently painted scenes of San Francisco and its surrounding areas. He was a member of several prestigious art associations, including the California Watercolor Society, where he earned recognition for his ability to bring cityscapes to life with vibrant color and attention to architectural detail. His works have been celebrated for their clarity, precision, and emotional resonance, often invoking a sense of place that is both specific and timeless. A View Down California Street from Chinatown is a vibrant and bustling watercolor that captures the dynamic energy of San Francisco. Here, Phillips brings the iconic California Street and the heart of Chinatown to life with remarkable precision and a keen sense of atmosphere. The painting showcases the distinctive cable cars navigating the steep incline of California Street, one of the city's most famous sights, framed by the unique architecture and cultural richness of Chinatown. The composition draws the viewer's eye down the rolling hill, giving a sense of motion and depth as the street opens up to the distant bay. In the foreground, the cable cars act as focal points, their bright red tones contrasting with the softer pastels of the surrounding buildings and sky. Phillips' attention to detail is evident in the various elements that populate the scene, from the architectural details of the pagoda-style rooftops to the everyday figures bustling along the sidewalks and in the street. The artist's mastery of watercolor is particularly striking in the way he handles light—sunlight casts soft shadows across the street, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Phillips' portrayal of Chinatown and the cable cars offers not only a visual snapshot of San Francisco's cultural diversity but also a nostalgic look at the city's urban landscape in the mid-20th century. His ability to capture the vibrancy and movement of the city, while paying homage to its iconic features, makes this watercolor both a celebration of San Francisco and a testament to Phillips' skill as an artist. The painting evokes a sense of time and place, where modernity meets tradition, as seen in the juxtaposition of the ancient cultural influences of Chinatown with the modern energy of city life. A View Down California Street from Chinatown is an excellent example of Phillips' ability to combine architectural detail with urban energy, creating a composition that is not only visually dynamic but also rich in narrative. His use of color, light, and perspective invites the viewer to experience the essence of San Francisco—a city steeped in history, culture, and perpetual motion. This work stands as both a tribute to the artist's love for the city and his skill in capturing its character through the fluid and expressive medium of watercolor. HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

Framed under acrylic. Faint undulation to the sheet. Hinged along all edges verso, preventing inspection of the margins recto. No other visible issues to note. Framed Dimensions 28 X 37 Inches