Burpee Sunset
Alden Mason’s artwork spans an inspired range of styles and approaches. Because Mason never stopped exploring, his paintings evolved and shifted throughout his career. Perhaps best known for his abstract oil paintings that came to be known as “Burpees,” Mason nonetheless was prolific in acrylic on canvas, on paper, and in other media. Gestural and narrative, much of Mason’s work features loose, abstracted figures, often just outlines, foreground and background melding. Mason taught painting at the University of Washington for over 30 years, while maintaining his artistic practice, painting profusely, daily.
Mason's abstract "Burpee" series from the 1970s were widely recognized for their surprising scale and color palette. Named after the seed catalogs that his family would receive in the mail, the "Burpees" were challenging to make, requiring many hours of oil paint and turpentine. Eventually Mason moved toward less harmful acrylics and watercolor. "Burpee Sunset," from 2002, looks back on the earlier series.
This piece is presented as a watercolor on acid-free matte board mounted to wood panel with outer dimensions 30.5 x 40.5 inches.
