| Art Analysis |

 Mighty Hunter

Fred Machetanz (1960), Mighty Hunter, oil on board

A Northern Adventure: The Art of Fred Machetanz (1908-2002); Introduction to the Exhibition by Kesler Woodward (tfaoi.org)

At first glance, a gentle giant is captured in the vulnerable position of sleeping; hence the oxymoron title “Mighty Hunter.” In 1960, Fred Machetanz painted this fan-favorite artwork in his home studio.

| A Brief History |

Fred Machetanz was a prominent Alaskan painter and illustrator who specialized in depictions of Alaskan scenes, people, and wildlife (Scanlon, 2023). He was one of Alaska’s most notable artists, making 50 stone lithographs between 1946 and 1989 showing life as it was then and sometimes still is in Alaska (Pemberton, 2016). Not much can be found detailing the exact history of this specific piece. I’m not sure if Machetanz created this painting from imagination or from eyesight. 

Fred’s studio was a corner of his Palmer home, “High Ridge,” which he and Sara built in 1951. Photo Courtesy The Painters Keys. (Houdek, 2023)

| Technique |

Almost always on hardboard -- sometimes on the smooth side and other times on the textured side of the board -- they are luminous images of Alaska and Alaskans. On the carefully primed hardboard surfaces, the artist began by laying in his scenes with a large bristle brush in ultramarine blue. Over a period of weeks, he then added thin layers of transparent, linseed oil-based glazes, building up surface colors and refining forms. The finished paintings glow as light penetrates and is reflected back through the many layers of glaze. Machetanz use of ultramarine as a starting color to develop his forms contrasts with traditional underpainting in earth tones, and accounts for much of the chill, Northern intensity of his work. (Asaro, 2023).

Not only is Fred Machetanz’s technique unique; the subjects of his artwork are rare and unique, especially during his lifetime.

| Analysis |

I instantly fell in love with this painting. There is a softness to this photo that makes the polar bear seem innocent, calm, and peaceful. Fred Machetanz aesthetic is very apparent in this photo. The well-defined texture of the polar bear fur and the well-cultivated style of winter scene colors distinguish this piece and captures the viewers eyes.

I find a contrast of lines in this photo. Straight & distinctive lines are used (1) to separate the horizon from the water and (2) to create elevation on the ice. The polar bear lines are curved and soft, again creating a subliminal dichotomy. The spatial form is very satisfying having one focal point located front and center. I find this painting extremely balanced. There’s a sense of sereness created by the minimalist color palette. The color simplicity is what makes it so striking. From my research online, I learned that Fred Machetanz created oil paintings on Masonite using ultramarine blue underpainting, followed by many traditional linseed oil glazes. The use of the deep blue color brought out the coldness of the Alaska Arctic, he said, and set the visual tone for his paintings (Ressler, 2002). Another contradictory notion to the painting, extremely detailed and labor some color palette that appears simplistic. The varying levels of contrast depict an element of light. It’s as if the polar bear is basking in the sun and the sun rays are glistening off the water. Detailed viewing illuminates many textures in this painting. The distinct texture of the polar bear fur, the unevenness of the ice, the clouds, and the waves in the water.

What I admire most about this painting is the color. There is a white polar bear laying on white ice with white clouds above him, yet every spec is a different color finely tuned to emphasis the sleeping hunter.

I have viewed this painting in multiple locations and hope to one day purchase it for our home. On display in the Anchorage Museum, this piece is huge! I cannot find exact dimensions but it was taller than me and way beyond my wingspan. It was framed in a thick, ornate gold frame. I have also seen this painting in a home on a much smaller scale. Both are beautiful and impactful.

“If anyone viewing my work has felt the beauty, the thrills and the fascination I have known in Alaska, then I have succeeded in what I set out to do.” 

— Fred Machetanz

 

| Works Consulted |

Asaro, Janet. “A Northern Adventure: The Art of Fred Machetanz (1908-2002).” Resource Library Magazine, The Anchorage Museum of History and Art, A Northern Adventure: The Art of Fred Machetanz (1908-2002); Introduction to the Exhibition by Kesler Woodward (tfaoi.org). Accessed Date, February 4, 2023.

Houdek, Jennifer and Oh, Leslie. “Fred Machetanz 1908-2002.” Alaskans/Pioneers, Lit Site Alaska, "If anyone viewing my work has felt the beauty, the thrills and (litsitealaska.org). Accessed Date, February 4, 2023.

Pemberton, Mary. “Museum displays rare Machetanz lithographs of Native life.” Alaska Life, Anchorage Daily News, June 30, 2016, Museum displays rare Machetanz lithographs of Native life (adn.com).

Ressler, Casey. “Valley Mourns Loss of Artist.” Fred Machetanz, UA Journey, University of Alaska, October 8, 2002, Fred Machetanz | UA Journey (alaska.edu).

Scanlon Gallery. “Fred Machetanz.” Scanlon Gallery, Fred Machetanz – Scanlon Gallery & Custom Framing. Accessed Date, February 4, 2023.