Charleston in My Time: The Paintings of West Fraser [Hardcover]

West Fraser (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 2001

"Through the oils of [West Fraser's] mature style . . . he has achieved a level of spontaneity in the plein air tradition that captures the essence of the lowcountry." So concludes the essay by Angela D. Mack that leads everyone from connoisseurs to those who enjoy simply the artistic images of the South Carolina lowcountry into a visual feast to stir the senses. The first book of its kind dedicated to the work of this plein air impressionist, Charleston in My Time: The Paintings of West Fraser celebrates the passion and independence West Fraser exhibits in his work, his amazing eye for natural light and landscapes, and his love of Charleston and the lowcountry.

More than two hundred beautifully reproduced color plates showcase Fraser's paintings of city landmarks, lowcountry scenes, and glimpses of life along streets and lanes, marshes and rivers. And though the paintings speak for themselves, introductory essays written by a friend and collector, Ted Phillips, and art historian Angela Mack complement the images with additional perspectives on the life of the artist. Phillips, who watched and listened over the years as Fraser perfected his artistic vision, introduces readers to the artist on personal and philosophical levels. Mack's scholarly essay presents Fraser's work "in a context of time, place, and personality," comparing and contrasting it with the Charleston Renaissance artists who came before him and others in the American landscape tradition. Both the personal and the professional views of Fraser, as along with his own words of excitement and gratitude as he explains his work, invite readers to turn each page with awe and step into the life of a beautiful city.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

West Fraser was born in Savannah, Georgia, but was raised mainly in South Carolina, on Hilton Head Island. After graduating in 1979 from the University of Georgia with a bachelor of fine arts degree, Fraser spent time in Pennsylvania and New England, building a national reputation as a maritime painter. He returned to Charleston in 1984 and lives there now with his wife, Amy, and their four daughters.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: University of South Carolina Press (October 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570033927
• ISBN-13: 978-1570033926
• Product Dimensions: 12.3 x 10.7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #461,144 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Full-page color reproductions of his paintings, December 13, 2001

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Charleston in My Time: The Paintings of West Fraser (Hardcover)

The oil paintings of artist Fraser are unique: they focus on the landmarks, scenery, and life of Charleston and its area. Charleston In My Time blends full-page color reproductions of his paintings with his own reflections on Charleston life and views of his work. Art collections with either an interest in Charleston or regional painting will find this beautiful.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An American Master, January 16, 2006

By 

Morgan (Atlanta) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Charleston in My Time: The Paintings of West Fraser (Hardcover)

After purchasing West Fraser's book, Charleston in my Time, I fell in love with his honest depiction of Charleston and the lowcountry. I took a trip to Charleston to see Mr. Fraser's paintings at Fraser Fox Fine Art and realized that his work is even more breath taking in person. I even had the pleasure of meeting him and he was so kind and gentle. He will go down in history as one of the great 20th century impressionist painters. I highly recommend taking a trip to Charleston and checking out his gallery, Fraser Fox Fine Art or see it online at www.fraserfoxfineart.com.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Work of Art, November 11, 2001

By 

Denise Reiss "Mike" (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Charleston in My Time: The Paintings of West Fraser (Hardcover)

Charleston is the most beautiful city in America, and Fraser's paintings capture its unique charms better than any photo book or travel video. The text by Ted Phillips provides a witty and comprehensive overview to Fraser's work--don't miss it!