David Howard Hitchcock: A Life in Hawaiian Art

Early Life and Family Background

• Born: May 15, 1861, in Hilo, Hawaii.
• His father, also named David Howard Hitchcock (1831–1899), was a lawyer and served in the legislature of the Hawaiian Kingdom. He generally went by D. Howard Hitchcock to distinguish himself from his father.
• His mother was Almeda Eliza Widger (1828–1895).
• Hitchcock’s family had deep roots in Hawaii, with paternal grandparents who were missionaries – Harvey Rexford Hitchcock and Rebecca Howard.
• His sister, Almeda Eliza Hitchcock Moore, became the first woman lawyer in Hawaii.

Education and Artistic Beginnings

• Hitchcock graduated from Punahou School in Honolulu.
• He attended Oberlin College in Ohio, where he was first exposed to formal art exhibitions.
• Upon returning to Hawaii, he began sketching the volcanic landscapes with watercolors.
• A pivotal moment came when French artist Jules Tavernier recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue serious artistic study.
• He furthered his training at the National Academy of Design in New York City and later at the Académie Julian in Paris (1891-1893), studying under Adolphe Bourguereau and Gabriel Joseph Ferrier.
• His work was accepted at the prestigious Paris Salon in 1893.

Artistic Development and Style

• Hitchcock became a leading member of Hawaii’s “Volcano School,” known for dramatic depictions of Hawaiian volcanic landscapes.
• His early work focused on capturing the raw power and beauty of volcanoes like Kilauea and Mauna Kea.
• He explored various islands, including Kauai (painting Waimea Canyon in 1907) and Maui, documenting their unique geological features.
• His style evolved over time, becoming more impressionistic during the late 1920s.

Major Achievements and Recognition

• He was a founder of the Kilohana Art League in Honolulu, an influential art program at the turn of the century.
• His paintings were exhibited at the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition in Seattle (1909), where he received an award.
• He held successful solo exhibitions in California, including San Francisco and Carmel-by-the-Sea.
• Hitchcock’s work was included in the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco (1915).
• He created murals for the Pan-Pacific Union in Honolulu (1919) and painted views of Hawaii for Inter-Island Steam Navigation Company steamers.
• Retrospective exhibitions were held at the Honolulu Museum of Art (1936) and at the Golden Gate International Exposition (1939) and New York World’s Fair (1939).

Historical Significance and Legacy

• Hitchcock played a crucial role in establishing an artistic identity for Hawaii.
• His paintings provide valuable visual documentation of the Hawaiian landscape during a period of significant change.
• He was also involved in bringing Boy Scouting to Hawaii around 1910, demonstrating his commitment to community service.
• Hitchcock witnessed the attack on Pearl Harbor shortly before his death on January 1, 1943, marking a poignant end to a life dedicated to capturing the beauty and spirit of Hawaii.