Francis Draper Jr.

FRANCIS DRAPER Santa Barbara Calif Plein Air Landscape Santa Ynez Mountains 1922

1922

Born in Boston, MA in 1861. Draper studied in Boston at the Museum of Fine Arts. He lived in Walkefield, MA before settling in Santa Barbara in 1915. He died in Santa Barbara on April 29, 1935. Draper studied at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. The school opened in 1876. He graduated in 1879 and is considered part of the first group of graduates. He is said to have studied with other Boston artist outside the School. In 1880, at 20 years old, Draper arrived at The Boston Art Club (BAC) and presented a painting that was accepted to the second (of two) juried shows of that year. He was well liked and his talent was appreciated from that first contribution. He continued to exhibit in every juried BAC show thereafter until he left Boston in 1915 to live with his brother in Santa Barbara. He was made a Member of the BAC in 1883, which was exceptional for a 23 year old. He remained a member for 35 years. Draper is known for his Impressionist and Pointillist landscapes and coastal scenes.