Charles Dornbach (1907-1969) American, Watercolor. Signed and dated 1949 lower right. The word "LOUNGE" inscribed on the back. Depicts Hawaiian beach scene, Diamondhead from Waikiki.

Provenance: American President Lines (APL).

Overall size: 37 X 31 in.

Sight size: 27 X 22 in.

#1495 .

Charles Ellis Dornbach was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1907. At the age of twelve, his family moved to San Francisco, where he was inspired by the coastline and deep Pacific waters to begin sketching. In 1935 he moved across the Bay to Belvedere, where he remained the rest of his life. In 1938 he designed exhibits for the Golden Gate International Exposition and the New York World’s Fair, and became Vice President of the Marin Society of Artists. He was commissioned to create 14 paintings depicting California history for the 1950 State Centennial. After teaching art at San Rafael High School he journeyed to Pakistan in 1957, where he developed art and science programs in Karachi, eventually becoming a consultant at American University in Washington, D.C. The remainder of his life was spent crafting lush landscapes until his passing in 1969, and his work continues to be exhibited in museums in Paris, New York, San Francisco, and Honolulu. The inscription on the back of this particular piece indicates that it hung in the lounge of one of the American President Line Passenger Liners.