Yuan, Si Chen (1911-1974).

Autumn by Si Chen Yuan (1911-1974) 17" x 28.25", Oil/Canvas, Signed Est.: $5,000 - $7,000 Sold by John Moran Auctioneers for $5,225 on 2/18/2003

Born in Hangchow, China on April 4, 1911. Yuan began drawing and painting at a young age. He studied for several years with Péon Ju at the Central University in Nanking. During the Sino-Japanese War and WWII he worked as an artist in the cultural department for the Nationalists and as a liaison interpreter for the U.S. Air Force. While in Shanghai Yuan adopted the English name Wellington. With the Communists taking control of the country, he left China for Jamaica in 1949. The following year he moved to San Francisco to work as a cook at the Fairmont Hotel. In 1952 he settled on the Monterey Peninsula where he taught Mandarin Chinese at the Defense Language Institute at the Presidio. Several trips to Europe and Mexico were made while maintaining a home and studio in Carmel. Depressed over his broken marriage and lack of recognition for his work, Yuan put a bullet through his head on Sept. 6, 1974. Working in oil and watercolor, he produced still lifes, High Sierra snow scenes, European and Mexican scenes, harbor and beach scenes, and seascapes. His painting style submitted to occidental influence and varied from Impressionism to Abstractionism He is known to have used the pseudonym Zambini. Member: Carmel AA; SWA. Exh: Carmel AA, 1958, 1962, 1974, 1994 (solos); Monterey Co. Fair, 1959 (1st prize), 1966 (1st prize), 1972 (1st prize); Monterey Peninsula Museum, 1967 (1st prize), 1968 (solo); Pacific Grove Art Center, 1972 (solo).
Source:
Edan Hughes, "Artists in California, 1786-1940"
Monterey Herald, 9-7-1974 (obituary).