186

  • Southern Iowa View

  • 1986
  • James Konrad (American 1943-2011)
  • Oil on canvas
  • 91.2 x 151.8 cm., 36 x 59-3/4"
  • Augustana College Art Collection Purchase, 1986.8

Essay by Catherine Carter Goebel, Editor

This pairing of paintings represents an intentional break in chronology for an otherwise art historical book. Such thematic license seems appropriate to link two historically revered Augustana art professors, each enriching the college for over twenty years. James Konrad was born in Iowa and served as a U.S. Navy medic during the Vietnam War. He earned his B.F.A. and M.F.A. in printmaking and painting from Drake University and came to the Quad Cities as the first Artist-in-Residence at the Davenport Municipal Art Gallery (now the Figge Art Museum). His expertise in the color and chemistry of paint was furthered through his work as a color specialist and paint formulator. Jim was hired in 1989 as an assistant professor of art in Augustana's Department of Art and Art History. His expertise enabled him to teach a number of courses and media, including drawing, painting, two-dimensional design, printmaking and art education.

Konrad was a recognized artist for his strong, realist still life painting as well as his beautiful Midwest landscapes, particularly centered as with this work, on the beautiful Iowa vistas of his youth. Jim was a master in utilizing artistic materials, not only in creating artwork but also in his sensitive conservation of the works of others. This Iowa landscape reflects a complementary love of nature and artistic breadth akin to his predecessor, Olof Grafström. Jim's artistic eye and skillful touch lovingly captured the sweeping beauty of the Midwest landscape.

Konrad was also pivotal in building the pedagogical art history collection featured in this book. He and I spent numerous hours of lively, collegial conversation over the past twenty years, examining works of art from our respective perspectives, in order to determine suitability for the teaching collection. Jim had an impeccable eye for the connoisseurship of fine art which he lent to his superb conservation of paintings. He brought to life numerous works which enabled the college to build an outstanding teaching collection. He often commented on the thrill and artistic engagement of "tracing the brushstrokes of the masters" as he preserved their works. He also graciously taught art history students conservation and printmaking techniques. Konrad modeled genuine collegial art and art history collaboration within a liberal arts framework.

It is important to note in this publication, not only his talent as an artist and teacher, but also his steady contribution to Liberal Arts through the AGES. At the time of his death, he was finalizing his research on Josef Albers' Homage to the Square, which following his death, the Josef and Anni Albers Foundation kindly gifted a print from this famous series in Jim's memory (web gallery 196). The high regard of the two Augustana presidents during Jim's tenure is evidenced by the fact that this particular painting has hung in the President's Office through the administrations of both President Thomas Tredway and President Steven Bahls. Furthermore, upon his retirement, President Tredway commissioned Jim to paint his presidential portrait, now hanging in the college boardroom alongside portraits of other past presidents. Jim Konrad was a gifted artist, generous teacher and cherished colleague-he will be remembered and missed.