Warren A. Newcombe (1894-1960)
American School
BROWN’S RANCH, 1932
(#2222)
21 x 30 inches / unframed
Oil on canvas
Signed lower left: “Newcombe 1932”
Inscribed on verso of canvas by the artist:
“Warren Newcombe / Sept. 1932”
Signed and titled on upper stretcher bar:
“Warren Newcombe/Brown’s Ranch, Calif.”
Typed on upper stretcher bar on the right:
“2. Landscape with Wind-mill.”
Provenance: Warren A. Newcombe, The Artist
Estate of Hazel L. Newcombe, wife of the artist
Thence by descent through the family of the artist
Adamson-Duvannes Galleries, Los Angeles, California
Exhibitions: Pasadena Art Institute, Solo Exhibition,
Pasadena, California, December 1932
Palace of the Legion of Honor, Solo Exhibition,
San Francisco, California 1933
Los Angeles Art Association, Three Man Show,
Los Angeles, California, January 1938
Tennessean Clarence Brown (1890-1987) reigned as one of MGM’s top directors in the early 1930’s, and directed some of Hollywood’s greatest stars, including Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford, Clark Gable, Mickey Rooney, Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy.
Looking for a ranch at which he could spread his wings, Brown purchased the lush King Gillette Ranch out in Calabasas. He enjoyed his little slice of paradise, helping preserve its unique character. A bucolic wonderland far from the city, Calabasas lured the Hollywood elite westward for rural rest and relaxation.
Clarence Brown actually worked his property, doing everything from repairing the barbecue, trimming trees, changing locks, planting crops, making repairs, checking his horses and chickens, and flew in and out on his private airplane.
He often hosted MGM cast parties and elaborate 4th of July celebrations, and occasionally even employed his ranch as a shooting location.