The Journal of San Diego History
SAN DIEGO HISTORICAL SOCIETY QUARTERLY
Summer 2001, Volume 47, Number 3
Gregg Hennessey, Editor


View from Shirley and DeWitts Addition
Frank Heath
American, 1857-1921
Oil on Canvas, 1888
Signed LR: F.L. Heath
Titled, inscribed, and dated on reverse
24 x 43 3/4 inches
Collection of the San Diego History Center, 1900.1.5


Sunset Near La Jolla
Frank Heath
American, 1857-1921
Oil on Canvas, 1885
Signed LR: F. L. Heath
18 x 28 inches
Courtesy of Estelle and Jim Milch

 


Heath, Frank L. (1857-1921)

Painter

Born in Portland, Oregon in 1857. In 1863 Heath moved with his family to Santa Cruz, California where he spent his childhood. His father, Lucien Heath, was president of the County Bank of Santa Cruz and was twice elected to the California State Legislature. The younger Heath showed artistic talent at an early age and studied art in San Francisco at the School of Design under Raymond Yelland. Following graduation from that school, he opened a studio in San Francisco where he painted and exhibited for 11 years before returning to Santa Cruz. From his studio on Beach Hill overlooking the bay, he painted many marines and landscapes and took his many students on painting excursions. This group of artists was known as the Jolly Daubers and was the forerunner of the Santa Cruz Art League, which Heath established with Margaret Rogers in 1919 and served as its first president. Heath was active in Santa Cruz until his death there on April 21, 1921. Realistically depicted, his works show the influence of Yelland. Exhibited: California State Fair, 1888; World’s Columbian Exposition, Chicago, 1893; St. Louis World’s Fair, 1903. Works held: San Diego History Center; Society of California Pioneers; Yosemite Museum; First Methodist Church, Santa Cruz; Santa Cruz Public Library. Source: The Golden Era magazine, June 1885; Art and Artists in Santa Cruz cat.; Western Woman, vol. 13, no. 4, 1949.