A Celebration of Plein Air Painting by Grosvenor Dynasty

A veritable “grove” of Grosvenors exhibited their plein air artworks at Arnold Art recently, all created by four members of the family, an artistic dynasty headed by the esteemed painter and author Richard Grosvenor. The show was called “Early Sunday Mornings”, presumably when the landscape paintings were done, and proved that certain talents do indeed run in families.

Painters and brothers Rick and John Grosvenor

Richard Grosvenor, born in France, earned a BFA from Harvard, and was appointed head of the Art Department of St Georges School in Newport, Rhode Island, in l953. In 1974, Grosvenor, a true Renaissance man, designed and built his new home. This creative endeavor was followed by the creation of his own boat and most recently his own airplane. In October of 1999, St Georges School named their new arts facility in honor of their beloved past instructor.

Mr. Grosvenor was taught landscape painting during his Groton years. His subject matter includes urban and rural landscapes, architectural studies and an extensive portfolio of New England coastal scenes. His watercolors and oils have been purchased by institutions throughout the United States and are in numerous private collections. Son John and daughter Holly are both practicing architects.

Triptych of the Mount Hope Bridge by Richard Grosvenor

At the packed opening reception, more like a happening than a viewing, fans and friends of the venerated painter, his two sons, John Grosvenor and Richard Grosvenor, and daughter Holly Grosvenor, were admiring and discussing the canvases. Also attending was a third generation of the Grosvenor clan, grandaughter Amanda, and grandsons Sherwoode and Andrew, children of Rick and Terry Grosvenor. Family matriarch Margo Grosvenor moved proudly among the guests, who included Mary Ellen (Mrs. John) Grosvenor, Bill Hatfield, Betsy West and her daughter, Beth Kisielius, author Bing West, , Dominique Alfandre, Emlen and Liz Drayton, Lisa Stubbs and owner of Arnold Art, Judy McNeely.