Ted Goerschner "Adirondacks Mountain Lake in Winter" (1970's)

This depiction of a mountain lake flanked by snowfields and mountains is by famed artist Theodore (Ted) Goerschner (1933 - 2012) presumably painted in late autumn, the painting displays some of Goerschner's signature "snow painting" technique. It is captivating, impressionistic, and restful at the same time.

The painting appears to have been done "alla prima," or "wet on wet." This refers to a direct style of painting where the paint is applied without letting earlier layers dry. Artists using this technique can finish paintings often in as little as a single session. Presumably, Goerschner painted this scene on-site, probably in his beloved Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York.

According to Global Gallery and its data base found on the internet, Mr. Goerschner was:

... Raised in both New Jersey and New England, Ted Goerschner’s earliest art influence was an 8th grade art teacher. She was an exchange teacher from Australia who opened the young student’s eyes to his artistic talent, and gave him the push he needed.

Goerschner’s grandfather was an artist, and he stated "...I guess it runs in the family. I never wanted to be anything else. I tried other things; they never worked."

Goerschner loved the freedom of being an artist, and the people and the places that he was able to visit. Fulfillment for him was the happiness he was able to bring to others with his special talent. The artist hoped that his work "gives joy to the viewer." He continued: "I feel art should lift up the spirit, not drag it down — TV takes care of that." Years of studies, observations, challenges, successes and lessons permeated the walls of his studio, a telling picture of an artist’s lifelong commitment to perfection - transferring nature onto canvas.

The artist attended the Art Student’s League in New York; the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Art, New Jersey; and the University of Florida in Tampa, FL. His work appears in numerous publications, has won many distinguished awards, and appears in many public and private collections, including the Holiday Inn Corporate Collection, the Mr. Kevin Costner Collection, and the Household Finance Corporate Collection.

Mr. Goershner also had a special devotion to our country. This is taken from his Obituary published by the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery:

Artist Ted Goerschner passed away December 23, 2012. Raised on the East Coast he wanted to be especially remembered for his painterly snowscapes. But there is much more to remember about Ted, the man. He was charismatic. He was the most inspirational painter and teacher of our time, repeatedly emphasizing the need to paint from life.

His honesty and joy showed in each passionate brushstroke. His innate sense of color was breath taking. Ted knew that painting was a gift that he had been given to share with others. He was a charming teacher with a great sense of humor. He often remarked how lucky he was to be doing something that he loved. Professionally, he knew that his art provided him with a good living and his strong sense of ethics made him popular with gallery owners. Ted served his faith in God by unselfishly teaching others to explore and develop their own creativity.

Other chapters in his life also served him well as an artist. While in the army Ted was selected for the Presidential honor guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery. This history explains the perfectly pressed seams in his jeans and his natural coordination and total control over his art tools. His years of boating, fishing and painting in New England prompted this remark made to his students; "If you don't understand why it stays afloat, you can't paint it." After working in construction he reminded students not to paint a house without structure because it will appear to be falling down. He taught that an artist must know how to draw or their paintings would not be believable.

His work ethics were impeccable. That, along with his discipline, organization, foundation, passion and sensitivity made him the great artist that we will miss. Each morning at 8 a.m. he arrived at his studio to paint alongside his loving wife, artist Marilyn Simandle. At the end of the day with his cigar and his dog by his side he was content, knowing that he had a spent the day working at what he loved. Ted was a lover of Jesus Christ and lived his life trying to reflect that love. Thank you Ted; you are a great loss to the art community and to our lives. You will remain in our hearts forever."

Provenance of this Painting: This work was a part of the Phyllis Spurrier Boege estate and was probably acquired in Illinois or Wisconsin during the 1970's.

Consider honoring a great American and a noted Regional Artist by acquiring this beautiful snowscape. The piece is about 12 inches wide by 9 inches high. The simple, rustic frame is about 22 inches wide and 20 inches high.