Artist-Retained Antique Plein-Air Oil by Sarah Elizabeth “Sadie” Truax (1872–1959)

An original signed antique plein-air oil on canvas by early California artist Sarah Elizabeth “Sadie” Truax (1872–1959), depicting a Southern California coastal landscape. Truax studied at the Art Institute of Chicago before establishing her own studio on Fairmount Avenue in East San Diego around 1912. She served as Secretary-Treasurer of the San Diego Art Guild for more than 20 years and taught landscape painting alongside renowned California artist Charles Reiffel. She exhibited at the Panama-California International Exposition (1916), the California Pacific International Exposition (1935), and the Golden Gate International Exposition (1939). Plein-air painting was central to Truax’s work. Family history recalls that she and Charles Reiffel frequently painted outdoors together throughout San Diego in addition to teaching landscape painting through the San Diego Art Guild. Their close friendship is reflected in a Charles Reiffel miniature personally inscribed to Sadie that remained in our family’s collection for many years. Family tradition also identifies Sadie as the seated painter in Reiffel’s Summer Session at Ballast Point (1930). Provenance This painting remained in Sarah Elizabeth “Sadie” Truax’s personal collection until her death in 1959. Following her passing, my grandmother helped settle Sadie Truax’s estate. Family members were invited to select paintings and personal belongings. As a teenager, my mother selected this painting along with several others, and it remained displayed in our family home for decades before passing to me. Our family continues to own additional original works by Sarah Elizabeth “Sadie” Truax, including oil paintings, drawings, miniatures, and ceramics. Details • Original signed oil on canvas • Antique (early 20th century) • Painted en plein air • Approx. 28” × 24” framed • Family provenance Family tradition has long identified this painting as depicting the La Jolla coastline, although the exact location has not been independently verified. Additional information is available upon request. Serious collector inquiries are welcome. $8500 OBO