Frank Cuprien

George Hurrell
Frank Cuprien
Gelatin silver print, 1926
10 x 8 inches
Gift of Jennings T. Bird
1950.024.007

Frank Cuprien built his home and studio in Laguna Beach, situated on a bluff above the ocean, in 1912. Cuprien referred to it as “My Citadel of Inspiration,” and could often be seen at his easel looking out to sea. He earned a national reputation as a painter of “opalescent marines,” paintings that captured the iridescent quality of sunlight or moonlight as reflected on calm seas. He was a founding member of the Laguna Beach Art Association, to which he bequeathed his entire estate.