Artist Biography

Mischa "Maurice" Askenazy was born near Odessa, Russia on February 22, 1888. At age four he arrived in New York City where he spent his childhood. Opting for an art career, he studied at the National Academy of Design under Jones, Volk, and Maynard; upon winning a scholarship, he traveled in France and Italy for two years. During the 1920's he averaged $50,000 per year as a portraitist to the wealthy. A portrait commission brought him to Montecito, California in 1925 and, charmed by the climate he decided to settle in Los Angeles. He painted there until his death on July 12, 1961. His works, which show the influence of Cezanne, include portraits, figure studies, still lifes, and landscapes. He exhibited at the California State Fair in Sacramento in 1924, 1930 (prize), 1931, 1936, 1954 and 1959. He also exhibited at the Pasadena Museum of Art (now the Norton Simon)in 1929; the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art; the National Academy of Design; the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 1937; the Golden Gate International Exhibition 1929; the California Art Club, 1949 and 1955; the De Young Museum, 1950, 1951 and 1955; the Laguna Beach Art Association in 1952 and 1954 (solo show). His work can be found in the Orange County Museum of Art, the Laguna Museum, the Irvine Museum and in many notable private collections. His work is reproduced in many catalogues and books on the subject of the Early California painters.

From Hughes "Artists in California"