In Memory of Milford Zornes

Thank you to Hal and Marie Baker for the donation of these items.

​Milford Zornes was recognized as a leader in the California Style watercolor movement which began in the early 1930’s. Zornes’ style differed from the traditional use of watercolors in which color was added to detailed pencil drawings. His work is characterized by the application of transparent washes of color to large sheets of paper, allowing the white to show through and define shapes. Zornes’ paintings are represented in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Corcoran Gallery of Art, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the Library of Congress Collection. You too can own a Milford Zornes masterpiece.

To learn more about Milford Zornes, visit Sasse Museum of Art | Milford Zornes WWI

​NOTE: Hal Baker, the son-in-law of Milford Zornes donated the items for this sale and requested that donations received from their sales be split between the MVAL Scholarship Fund and a fund for MVAL artists who lost property during the 2025 Altadena fires.

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Items available in the auction

Painting - Across the Batten Kill, Vermont

A full sheet watercolor painting that Milford Zornes did in Arlington, Vermont. At one time he did annual workshops there. This piece is beautifully matted and framed. Starting bid $1500. Donated by Hal Baker, ​the son-in-law of Milford Zornes.

Pen and Ink Drawing - Barn in Utah

This piece is a 3/4 sheet pen and ink drawing of a barn in Mt. Carmel, Utah. Pat and Milford bought the Maynard Dixon home and studio in Mt Carmel, Utah and moved there in 1966. Many workshops were conducted in the area. ​This piece is beautifully matted and framed. Starting bid $750. Donated by Hal Baker, ​the son-in-law of Milford Zornes.

BOOK - Happiness Is Warm Color in the Shade

This book describes the childhood of noted California artist Milford Zornes in the Panhandle of Oklahoma in 1908, his move to Boise, Idaho and finally San Fernando, California. Milford eventually studies with artist Millard Sheets, becomes involved with the California Scene Painters, works with the WPA during the Depression, then became an art professor at Otis Art Institute, all in the 1930's and very early 1940's.In 1943 Milford was drafted into the Army/Air Force as an official military artist, serving in China, Burma and India. In 1945 he returns to California to greet his wife Pat and new daughter. He becomes an Art Professor at Pomona College and in 1951 he goes to Greenland for most of the next four years. In 1955, he returns to Claremont, California and becomes the Art Director for the Padua Theater. 

​In 1966, Pat and Milford buy the Maynard Dixon home and studio in Utah, built by famous Western artist Maynard Dixon. He spent the next few decades offering workshops there, all over the United States and in Europe. In 1998, they move back to Claremont full time. For his 100th birthday, he did a 2 hour demonstration at the Pasadena Museum of California Art in front of 250 people even though he was under Hospice care. He would die three weeks later. The book looks at his passion and focus for his art from a young age, his loss of vision and his efforts to continue to paint. He couldn't imagine life without painting. In the Los Angeles Times obituary he was described as probably the most prolific watercolorists in the United States. In addition to all his paintings he left a legacy of inspiring other artists through his mentorship. Milford had been recognized as a National Academician by his peers, an honor Milford held in high regard.

This book was written and donated by Hal Baker, the son-in-law of Milford Zornes. Starting bid $25.