Alonzo Hauser Desert Landscape Watercolor — Signed, Framed 
Alonzo Hauser Signed Watercolor Desert Landscape, Framed
This original watercolor on paper by Alonzo Hauser (1909–1988) presents a captivating Southwestern desert landscape. The composition features striking rock formations in warm, earthy tones, contrasted against a soft blue sky and distant rolling hills. Hauser’s delicate washes and fine brushwork create a sense of depth and tranquility, characteristic of his artistic style.
Though best known as a sculptor, Hauser was also a prolific painter, producing thousands of drawings and watercolors throughout his five-decade career. His works are housed in prestigious collections, including the Walker Art Center and the Minnesota Museum of American Art. This piece exemplifies his mastery of composition and appreciation for natural landscapes.
The painting is signed in the lower right corner and comes in a beveled wood frame with a brown mat and protective glass covering. A wonderful acquisition for collectors of Southwestern art or those seeking a serene and evocative piece.
Artist Biography:
Alonzo Hauser was a celebrated American artist known for his extensive contributions to sculpture, painting, and art education. Born in Wisconsin, he trained at the Layton School of Art and later studied under renowned sculptor William Zorach in New York City. Hauser’s career spanned public art commissions during the New Deal era and decades as an influential educator at institutions such as Macalester College and the University of Minnesota.
His body of work includes over 500 sculptures and 3,500 drawings and paintings, many of which are housed in esteemed collections. Hauser’s artistic legacy is defined by his ability to capture movement, form, and the natural world with a refined yet expressive touch.
Condition:
- Overall Good Condition
- Top left and right corners of the artwork show some discoloration
- Frame has minor scuffing consistent with age
Dimensions:
- Overall (Framed): 18.75" X 22.75"
- Visible Artwork: 9.5" X 13.5"
Artist Bio:
Alonzo Hauser was an American artist and educator celebrated for his contributions to both sculpture and painting. Born in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Hauser displayed an early talent for the arts and pursued formal training at the Layton School of Art in Milwaukee from 1927 to 1929. Under the mentorship of artists like Walter Quirt and Girilamo Piccoli, Hauser honed his skills, particularly in sculpture, which would become a hallmark of his career.
In 1930, Hauser moved to New York City to apprentice as a stone carver with Amedio Merli. He further refined his artistic voice by studying in France and at the Art Students League of New York under renowned sculptor William Zorach. During the Great Depression, Hauser contributed to several public art projects under the Works Progress Administration (WPA), creating sculptures and murals that remain a testament to his artistic legacy.
In 1945, Hauser became the founding director of the Art Department at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, shaping the institution’s arts curriculum and mentoring future generations of artists. Over the years, he also taught at Carleton College, the Layton School of Art, and the University of Minnesota’s School of Architecture. His works are held in esteemed collections, including the Walker Art Center, the Minnesota Museum of American Art, and the Minnesota Historical Society.
While primarily known for his figurative sculptures, Hauser was also an accomplished painter, often capturing the landscapes of the American Midwest and Southwest. His watercolors, such as the desert scene featured here, demonstrate his keen eye for natural forms, earthy color palettes, and a harmonious sense of composition.
Alonzo Hauser’s legacy endures as a versatile and influential figure in 20th-century American art, leaving behind a body of work that bridges both sculpture and painting with a distinct sense of craftsmanship and aesthetic sensitivity.