CARLOS LOPEZ, (CUBAN/AMERICAN 1908-1953) OIL ON CANVAS, 1946, H 36", W 48" U.S.COAST GUARD CUTTER MACKINAW:Signed lower left. French frame. Shown at J.L. Hudson. Carlos Lopez was a professor of art at the University of Michigan from 1945 to 1953. He received considerable notoriety for his work in murals as well as in watercolors and oils. His paintings are a permanent part of the following collections: Detroit Institute of Art, Whitney Museum of American Art, Standard Oil Company Art Collection, Abbott Laboratories Collection and numerous others. He was the first Cuban born American to reach such prominent status. Michigan on canvas was commissioned by the J. L. Hudson company through American Associated Artists. Ten artists ( including Carlos Lopez ) were asked to create art representing life in Michigan. There were 100 paintings accepted and the collection toured Michigan universities and museums for ten years. Carlos Lopez had 16 paintings chosen including the painting of the Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw. In 1958 the exhibition ended and the artwork was donated to universities, libraries, museums and municipalities throughout the state. The J. L.Hudson company gifted the painting of the Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw to one of their top executives, who was in charge of their shows and exhibits and who was instrumental in organizing the Michigan on Canvas show. Mr Lopez specialized in executing scenes of winter in Michigan and this painting is regarded as one of his finest works depicting this genre.