Alpenglow Reflections is a luminous 24×36 original oil painting by American artist and illustrator Bruce R. Baker, capturing a dramatic mountain lake at sunset with fiery clouds mirrored across still water and a solitary boat drifting in silhouette. Acquired in New York City, this work showcases Baker’s talent for color blending, realistic landscape painting, sunset skies, reflective water, and tranquil wilderness vistas, making it ideal for collectors of American regional art, Adirondack and Catskill landscapes, and atmospheric contemporary realism.
This evocative oil painting presents a panoramic mountain lake at dusk. A dark band of jagged peaks cuts across the horizon, rendered in deep aubergine and charcoal tones. Above them, the sky erupts into swirling ribbons of orange, gold, rose, and violet—cloud formations that twist and spiral across the canvas, evoking the last intense blaze of sunset.
The water below echoes the drama of the sky. Baker uses smooth horizontal strokes and subtle glazing to reflect the fiery colors, allowing oranges and reds to melt into cooler purples and blues near the foreground. Near the center-right, a small rowboat floats quietly, its dark silhouette anchoring the scene and giving the viewer a point of emotional entry into the landscape.
On the far right, a band of pale light suggests the last glow on the horizon, adding depth and a sense of distance. The painting’s surface is relatively smooth, with controlled brushwork that prioritizes soft transitions and atmospheric depth rather than heavy texture. The signature “Baker” appears in warm reddish-brown at the lower right, accompanied by a looped monogram.
The inspiration behind Alpenglow Reflections aligns closely with Bruce Baker’s known interest in landscape, light, and color harmonies. Trained as both an artist and art educator, Baker often explored how subtle shifts in value and hue could create a “stimulating visual experience,” here using the mirrored sky and water to create an immersive sense of quiet drama and contemplation.
Bruce R. Baker (1937–2020) was an American artist, illustrator, and art educator born in Syracuse, New York, to Morse Roy and Gladys Irene (Hilton) Baker. He earned a B.S. in Art Education from New Paltz College (SUNY New Paltz) in 1959 and an M.S. in Art Education from Syracuse University in 1966.
From 1962–1964, Baker served in the U.S. Army as a military illustrator at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, an experience that sharpened his technical drawing skills and introduced him to professional illustration workflows. After his service he embarked on a long teaching career as a Certified New York State art teacher, working in Catskill Public Schools (1959–62), Cortland City Schools (1964–66), and the Marcellus Central School District (1966–1992). He became a beloved educator, remembered by generations of students for his encouragement and his practical instruction in drawing, painting, and design.
Alongside teaching, Baker maintained an active career as a professional artist and illustrator. His work was shown in group exhibitions at Artists Central NY–Munson-Williams-Procter Institute in Utica (1969) and repeatedly at the New York State Fair in Syracuse (1973–75, 2004–2007), where he received numerous awards: Honorable Mentions for sculpture (1962–64, 1975, 2004), First Prize for graphics (2004), First Prize for wood and pastel (2006), and additional Honorable Mention for graphics (2007).
He also exhibited in Cooperstown, NY (1974 and 2012) and at the Everson Biennial in Syracuse (2006), and he contributed as a painter to projects for Leopold F. Landsberger in New York City (1979–86). As an illustrator he worked with Firestone Publishing Corporation in Florida (1982–2001), Spartacus/Centurian in Reno (1983–2008), and Quadriga Art, Inc. in New York City (1993–2012), providing images for religious, educational, and commercial publications.
Baker’s art is noted for its careful color blending, atmospheric lighting, and accessible realism across media ranging from painting and graphics to wood and sculpture. His works reside in private collections and galleries throughout the United States, and he is remembered as both a dedicated teacher and a versatile professional artist whose career bridged studio practice, illustration, and public exhibition.
Bruce R. Baker (American, 1937–2020), “Alpenglow Reflections,” oil on canvas, 24×36 in., signed Baker with monogram lower right. Dramatic mountain lake sunset with vivid sky reflections and solitary boat; acquired in New York City.
CERTIFICATE OF VALUE & AUTHENTICATION
Artist: Bruce R. Baker (American, 1937–2020)
Title: Alpenglow Reflections
Date: c. 1970s–1990s (mid- to late-20th century)
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 24 × 36 inches
Signature: “Baker” with monogram, lower right
Subject: Mountain lake at sunset with dramatic sky and solitary boat
Origin: Acquired in New York City
Authenticity Basis:
– Signature consistent with other known works by Bruce R. Baker.
– Style, subject, and handling of color aligned with his documented focus on landscape and atmospheric color blending.
Condition: Very good; minor age-appropriate surface wear; no major losses or repairs observed.
Bruce R. Baker (artist’s studio or primary buyer), New York State
Private Collection, New York City
Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC — Current Owner
Alpenglow Reflections is a luminous 24×36 original oil painting by American artist and illustrator Bruce R. Baker, capturing a dramatic mountain lake at sunset with fiery clouds mirrored across still water and a solitary boat drifting in silhouette. Acquired in New York City, this work showcases Baker’s talent for color blending, realistic landscape painting, sunset skies, reflective water, and tranquil wilderness vistas, making it ideal for collectors of American regional art, Adirondack and Catskill landscapes, and atmospheric contemporary realism.
This evocative oil painting presents a panoramic mountain lake at dusk. A dark band of jagged peaks cuts across the horizon, rendered in deep aubergine and charcoal tones. Above them, the sky erupts into swirling ribbons of orange, gold, rose, and violet—cloud formations that twist and spiral across the canvas, evoking the last intense blaze of sunset.
The water below echoes the drama of the sky. Baker uses smooth horizontal strokes and subtle glazing to reflect the fiery colors, allowing oranges and reds to melt into cooler purples and blues near the foreground. Near the center-right, a small rowboat floats quietly, its dark silhouette anchoring the scene and giving the viewer a point of emotional entry into the landscape.
On the far right, a band of pale light suggests the last glow on the horizon, adding depth and a sense of distance. The painting’s surface is relatively smooth, with controlled brushwork that prioritizes soft transitions and atmospheric depth rather than heavy texture. The signature “Baker” appears in warm reddish-brown at the lower right, accompanied by a looped monogram.
The inspiration behind Alpenglow Reflections aligns closely with Bruce Baker’s known interest in landscape, light, and color harmonies. Trained as both an artist and art educator, Baker often explored how subtle shifts in value and hue could create a “stimulating visual experience,” here using the mirrored sky and water to create an immersive sense of quiet drama and contemplation.
Bruce R. Baker (1937–2020) was an American artist, illustrator, and art educator born in Syracuse, New York, to Morse Roy and Gladys Irene (Hilton) Baker. He earned a B.S. in Art Education from New Paltz College (SUNY New Paltz) in 1959 and an M.S. in Art Education from Syracuse University in 1966.
From 1962–1964, Baker served in the U.S. Army as a military illustrator at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, an experience that sharpened his technical drawing skills and introduced him to professional illustration workflows. After his service he embarked on a long teaching career as a Certified New York State art teacher, working in Catskill Public Schools (1959–62), Cortland City Schools (1964–66), and the Marcellus Central School District (1966–1992). He became a beloved educator, remembered by generations of students for his encouragement and his practical instruction in drawing, painting, and design.
Alongside teaching, Baker maintained an active career as a professional artist and illustrator. His work was shown in group exhibitions at Artists Central NY–Munson-Williams-Procter Institute in Utica (1969) and repeatedly at the New York State Fair in Syracuse (1973–75, 2004–2007), where he received numerous awards: Honorable Mentions for sculpture (1962–64, 1975, 2004), First Prize for graphics (2004), First Prize for wood and pastel (2006), and additional Honorable Mention for graphics (2007).
He also exhibited in Cooperstown, NY (1974 and 2012) and at the Everson Biennial in Syracuse (2006), and he contributed as a painter to projects for Leopold F. Landsberger in New York City (1979–86). As an illustrator he worked with Firestone Publishing Corporation in Florida (1982–2001), Spartacus/Centurian in Reno (1983–2008), and Quadriga Art, Inc. in New York City (1993–2012), providing images for religious, educational, and commercial publications.
Baker’s art is noted for its careful color blending, atmospheric lighting, and accessible realism across media ranging from painting and graphics to wood and sculpture. His works reside in private collections and galleries throughout the United States, and he is remembered as both a dedicated teacher and a versatile professional artist whose career bridged studio practice, illustration, and public exhibition.
Bruce R. Baker (American, 1937–2020), “Alpenglow Reflections,” oil on canvas, 24×36 in., signed Baker with monogram lower right. Dramatic mountain lake sunset with vivid sky reflections and solitary boat; acquired in New York City.
CERTIFICATE OF VALUE & AUTHENTICATION
Artist: Bruce R. Baker (American, 1937–2020)
Title: Alpenglow Reflections
Date: c. 1970s–1990s (mid- to late-20th century)
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 24 × 36 inches
Signature: “Baker” with monogram, lower right
Subject: Mountain lake at sunset with dramatic sky and solitary boat
Origin: Acquired in New York City
Authenticity Basis:
– Signature consistent with other known works by Bruce R. Baker.
– Style, subject, and handling of color aligned with his documented focus on landscape and atmospheric color blending.
Condition: Very good; minor age-appropriate surface wear; no major losses or repairs observed.
Bruce R. Baker (artist’s studio or primary buyer), New York State
Private Collection, New York City
Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC — Current Owner
