Laura Peternellie van Pappelendam (1883–1974) was an influential artist and educator whose vibrant landscapes and deep commitment to teaching left a lasting imprint on the American art scene. Born in Keokuk, Iowa, Laura pursued her passion for art with relentless determination, overcoming early doubts about her capability due to her diminutive stature and proving her resilience and talent to all who doubted her.

 

In 1904, at the age of 21, Laura moved to Chicago to attend the Art Institute of Chicago, marking the beginning of what would be a nearly lifelong association with the institution. There, she not only honed her skills under the tutelage of prominent artists like Diego Rivera, George Bellows, and Joaquín Sorolla, but also embraced an ethos that would guide her entire career. "I was determined to make my own way," she once confided.

 

Laura's educational journey at the Art Institute extended beyond her student years into a distinguished teaching career that spanned from 1909 to 1959. Her approach to teaching was deeply influenced by her belief in the power of positive reinforcement and encouragement, making her a beloved figure among her students. "Her warm-heartedness overflowed to everybody," remembered Paula (Renison) Gerard.

 

Beyond her teaching, Laura was an accomplished painter, known especially for her impressionist landscapes that captured the essence of places from Santa Fe to Mexico and beyond. Her work was regularly featured in national exhibitions alongside contemporaries like Georgia O’Keeffe and John Singer Sargent. Her technique was distinctive; she often left bits of canvas showing through the paint, a method that lent a unique transparency and vibrancy to her work. "She did a really loose technique, which is pretty identifiable, and I think that’s probably what made her a popular artist at the time, because her style was kind of unique," noted Tom Seabold, former executive director of the Keokuk Art Center.

 

Laura's travels played a crucial role in her artistic development. She was particularly drawn to the American Southwest, where she immersed herself in the local landscapes and cultures. Her experiences in Santa Fe were transformative, infusing her work with bold, expressive colors that mirrored the spirited environments she painted. "It is the possibility I see in existing relations that gets me wild to work," she once said, revealing her artistic philosophy.

 

Despite her extensive travels and achievements, Laura's heart remained firmly tied to her roots in Keokuk, where she is remembered for her artistic contributions and profound impact on generations of artists and educators. Laura Van Pappelendam's legacy continues to inspire through her paintings and the memories of those she taught and touched with her spirited approach to life and art.

 

Laura Van Pappelendam passed away on her 91st birthday in Norwalk, California, leaving behind a legacy rich in color, education, and inspiration. Her final resting place in Oakland Cemetery, Keokuk, is a testament to the life of a woman who used her brush to touch the sky and her words to encourage others to do the same. Her nieces and the broader art community continue to celebrate her life and work, ensuring that her vibrant spirit and artistic contributions are not forgotten.

 

Sources

1. The Daily Gate City article from March 27, 1969, which shared insights from the publication "Alumnus" of the School of The Art Institute of Chicago, including a tribute from Paula (Renison) Gerard.

2. Tri-States Public Radio detailing her life, interactions with prominent artists, and her teaching career. https://www.tspr.org/local/2022-02-10/celebrating-the-life-and-work-of-keokuk-born-artist-laura-van-pappelendam

3. A detailed history from the Keokuk, Iowa Historians, a Facebook group which covered her personal background, educational and professional milestones, and her distinctive artistic style.

4. Additional details were integrated from the article on the Schwartz Collection website, which provided a comprehensive overview of her career and her impact on the art world. https://schwartzcollection.com/artist/laura-van-pappelendam/