User:Paxtonfl/Florence sinclair

Florence Grieb Sinclair - American Watercolor Artist; June 6, 1893 - November 6, 1981 born in New York City and raised in Elizabeth, New Jersey. She was the daughter of Alfred & Nettie Grieb. Her father was an inventor for Singer Sewing Co. responsible for several innovations to the sewing machine. Florence's innate talent for drawing and painting were discovered at a young age and her parents encouraged her by ensuring she was given art classes and private instruction. She attended Pratt Institute graduating in 1914 and went on to become a high school art teacher first in Jersey City, New Jersey and later in her hometown of Elizabeth, New Jersey. One of her most talented students was Miles G. Batt, who later became a prominent watercolorist. At the outbreak of WWI, Florence joined the U.S. Army as an officer and was sent to Europe. She remained in England and France throughout the war. Upon returning to the United States, Florence was married to Russell Sinclair from 1919 - 1922 and divorced. She never remarried and was childless. Florence Sinclair painted primarily watercolors there are however, several pastels and oils in her body of work. Her paintings focus on landscapes, florals and portraits with some whimsical subject matter on occasion. Over the years, she maintained homes in Elizabeth, New Jersey; West Palm Beach, Florida and along the east coast of Maine and many of her paintings reflect her view of the coastline of Florida or the dense woods of Maine. Florence painted prolifically throughout the 1920's - early 1970's. Most of her work is signed in pencil, Florence G. Sinclair or F.G. Sinclair. There are exceptions to this, several of her works are unsigned. During her lifetime, Florence occasionally displayed and sold her paintings at art exhibitions. The vast majority of her artwork she held on to and bequeathed to her cousin and his wife, Charles & Yoland Grieb whose family retains most of the collection.