Paul Lauritz (Norwegian-American 1889-1975) 'Stream at the Bottom of the Mountain' oil on canvas Signed l/l 25 x 21 1/2in (63 x 53cm) Framed: 33in. x 29in. ( 84 x 74cm) Paul Lauritz developed a fascination for desert landscapes, and he and his wife did much exploring and extended camping in the deserts of the Mohave, Colorado, and Arizona. At first, Paul Lauritz did Plein air painting but discovered that he got a stronger light on the canvas by completing the work in his studio. He used gigantic brushes, pre-war French bristles and even used them to achieve minute strokes. He also used palette knives and his hand to achieve a textural effect and generally simple, primary colors. Lauritz was active in the California art scene as a member of the Los Angeles Municipal Art Commission and President of the California Art Club.