Guy Carleton Wiggins was an American impressionist painter, celebrated for his evocative depictions of New York City's snowy streets and the serene landscapes of New England. Born on February 23, 1883, in Brooklyn, New York, Wiggins was the son of Carleton Wiggins, a landscape artist who was deeply influenced by the Barbizon School and had studied under George Inness in France. This artistic lineage provided Guy Wiggins with a rich foundation in the arts from an early age. Wiggins' early education took place in Brooklyn, where he attended the Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute and later the Art Students League of New York. His formal art education was completed at the National Academy of Design, where he was mentored by prominent artists William Merritt Chase and Robert Henri. These teachers were instrumental in shaping his artistic style and philosophy. Despite initially intending to pursue architectural draftsmanship, Wiggins' passion for painting prevailed, and he soon dedicated himself to the craft. His talent was recognized early on when, at the age of 20, his painting "Winter, Fifth Avenue" was acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, making him one of the youngest artists to have work included in the museum's permanent collection. Throughout his career, Wiggins painted in an Impressionistic style, characterized by loose brushwork, vibrant colors, and a keen attention to light and atmosphere. He was particularly drawn to the bustling streets of New York City, capturing the essence of the city's landmarks and skyscrapers on blustery winter days. These cityscapes, often painted from the windows of his friends' Manhattan offices, became some of his most notable works. In addition to his urban scenes, Wiggins frequently traveled the New England countryside, painting the landscape vistas—streams, fields, and woodlands—across the various seasons. He became one of the youngest members of the Old Lyme artist colony in Connecticut, painting alongside his father as well as other notable artists such as Childe Hassam and Frank Vincent DuMond. Wiggins' artistic contributions extended beyond his own creations. As a teacher of art, he inspired a generation of young painters and was among the first to develop the technique of lecturing and painting simultaneously before public audiences. He began teaching art in Essex, Connecticut, in 1937, and also served as the president of the Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts. His memberships included the National Academy of Design, the New Haven Paint and Clay Club, and the Lyme Art Association. Throughout his life, Wiggins received numerous awards and distinctions, including the prestigious Norman Wait Harris Bronze Medal from the Art Institute of Chicago in 1917. His work is represented in many American museum collections, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Wiggins' personal life was as rich as his professional one. He married Dorothy Stuart Johnson, with whom he had two sons, Carleton Wiggins and Guy Arthur Wiggins, and a daughter, Dorothy Gibson. Later in life, he married Dolores Gaxton, and the couple resided in Old Lyme, Connecticut, wintering in St. Augustine, Florida. Guy Carleton Wiggins passed away on April 25, 1962, while on vacation in St. Augustine, Florida. His legacy continues through his paintings, which remain iconic images of early twentieth-century America. His son, Guy Arthur Wiggins (1920-2020), also became a painter, continuing the family tradition into the next generation. Wiggins' work has been featured in numerous exhibitions and continues to be sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts. His paintings not only capture the visual splendor of his subjects but also evoke the spirit and atmosphere of the times, making him a pivotal figure in the story of American Impressionism.

Guy-Carleton Wiggins Quotes and Sales of Works

Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current market values.

If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the artist, contact us immediately.

If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the works:

Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back, and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work and any kind of available documentation (purchase receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme professionalism.

If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us and let us know your request. We will inform you about the available works. We also offer the possibility to subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, through which you will be informed at the beginning of each month about the latest acquisitions of the art gallery.

You can send us pictures of the work:

• by mail –>  [email protected]
• by WhatsApp –> +39 3205747749