Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 9

Chikara "Don" Oka
Mid Century Alaskan Winter Aleutian Islands Landscape

1944

About the Item

Gorgeous watercolor landscape of Alaska's Aleutian Islands by Chikara "Don" Oka (American, 1920-2015). Signed and dated "Don '44" lower right. Notation on verso, Don C. Oka for Don Chikara Oka. Unframed. Presented in mat. Image 14"L x 21"W. During World War II, Oka painted beautiful watercolors of the Alaskan wilderness. In the 1920s, his parents operated a migrant labor hotel in Castroville, a farm town in central California. Chikara Oka "Don" was born on January 5, 1920, in Watsonville, California. He was the third of seven sons born to Shutaro Oka and Ariyo Itano. His older brothers were Isao, Masao; his younger brothers, Takeo, Teiji, Terumasa (Ted) and Hidekazu (Danny). From the age of five to seventeen, he lived in Japan, living with an aunt until 1932, then with his father who returned to Japan after Ariyo's death. Wanting to become a successful farmer, Chikara remained in Japan until 1937 to attend Takamatsu Agricultural High School. Upon graduation, he returned at the age of seventeen to the United States, traveling alone from Kobe to Castroville, California, where he began seasonal work harvesting lettuce and cutting grass for $0.35 an hour. Back then, 35 cents was enought to pay for a movie and a hamburger. Despite being older, Don attended 8th grade at the local grammar school to learn English, studying through breaks, lunch and even after school. During winter, he traveled down to Los Angeles with Masao, attending Belmont High School during the week and working at a produce market on weekends. At the suggestion of one of his teachers, who felt he had an artistic sense, Don applied to and was accepted to the Otis Art Institute where he began his art studies in 1941. Three months later, on December 7, 1941, the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor by Imperial forces took place. On February 16, 1942, Don enlisted in the United States Army at the Presidio. After infantry training at Camp Robinson in Arkansas, he was assigned duty at Camp Crowder, Missouri and then Camp Carson, Colorado. While in Colorado, Don interviewed and tested for a position with the Military Intelligence Service, resulting in a move to Camp Savage, Minnesota, to attend MIS language school and training. The MIS soldiers served with every major unit and headqurters in the Army, Navy and Air Force, ciphering codes and cryptographs and serving as interpreters and translators in interrogation of enemy prisoners. Don himself served tours of duty in the Joint Intelligence Center – Pacific Ocean Area (aka JICPOA), the Aleutians Islands, the South Pacific, Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima. He always said he made US history by being the puniest gunnery sargeant ever at 5'7" and 117 pounds, soaking wet! Despite his modesty, the work performed by the MIS was credited with reducing the Allied war casualties and shortening the war by two years, an honorable service. Don was a quiet, peaceful man who disliked the war and was devasted by the loss of his brothers, Takeo and Teiji who served on the side of Japan. However, when he was called to duty, he willingly served his country to the best of his ability. After his discharge in 1945, he had to have five ribs removed and spent the next seven years rehabilitating from service-related tuberculosis in Arizona. During those years, he drew upon his artistic talent to occupy his time, drawing cartoons depicting his daily life. In 1952, he won the Cartoon Contest for Hospitalized Veterans, sponsored by the National Cartoonist Society. Not well enough to travel, he was unable to attend the awards ceremony in New York, so he was sent a special award consisting of a collection of famous cartoon characters, including "Nancy", "Popeye", "Snuffy" and "Steve Canyon" drawn and autographed by the famous cartoonists of the time. Grampa treasured the framed award, especially the drawing of Steve Canyon by artist Milton Caniff. There was not a moment in his life that he did not proudly display it. After his discharge from the hospital, Don returned to LosAngeles, where he attended Chouinard Art Institute on the GI Bill and subsequently went to work as a graphic designer. In 1960, he married Wakako Susa, the love of his life who would be his campanion for the next 46 years. By marrying Wakako, he also gained a step-daughter, Yukiko, a son, Isao and grandaughter, Michi. His second granddaughter, Naomi, came along the folowing year. In 1966, he started his own successful design studio on the corner of Hollywood and La Brea Boulevard, sharing office space with his good friends, Jack and Harry Harrington, where he designed poster, logos, flyers and other advertising and promotional materials for the next 32 years. He loved his work and the many friends he made in the arts and advertising fields over the years. In addition to his work, he enjoyed going to the race track regularly with Wakako, sometimes taking his two granddaughters. He enjoyed it so much that he became the proud owner of a number of race horses over the years. After he reitred from the graphic design business, the races were an almost daily activity.
  • Creator:
    Chikara "Don" Oka (1920 - 2015)
  • Creation Year:
    1944
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 24 in (60.96 cm)Width: 30 in (76.2 cm)Depth: 0.25 in (6.35 mm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    Soquel, CA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: JT-D3141stDibs: LU5426282212
More From This SellerView All
  • Vision in Lavender Landscape by Noel Howard
    By Noel Howard
    Located in Soquel, CA
    Abstracted landscape by California artist Noel Howard (American, 20th Century). Layers of watercolor create a dreamlike landscape, as if the scene is just slightly out of focus. Ther...
    Category

    1970s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

    Materials

    Paper, Watercolor

  • Bonnieux Village Luberon France
    Located in Soquel, CA
    Bonnieux Village Luberon France Bright and expressive white line woodcut in watercolor of Bonnieux Village Luberon France by Marilyn Heyman Marilyn H. Heilprin, (American, 1926-2020). Heilprin is an author, poet and artist from Bethesda, Maryland. Signed lower right "Marilyn Heilprin, titled lower left "Bonnieux WC 3 (watercolor #3). Marilyn Heilprin was born in New York City and has a B.A. from Smith College (1948) and M.A. in international relations from The American University (1963). A former research associate, writer and editor for federal agencies and private publishers, she attended writing workshops at Breadloaf, The American University, and Writers' Center in Bethesda, MD. She has published poems in literary journals and was a finalist in the Maryland State Poetry and Literary Society chapbook contests. She co-authored Leo Saal's memoir "Crossings: A Life in Russia and Germany in the First Half of the 20th Century." Feb. 2020, Marilyn Heilprin, 93, a retired editor, writer and researcher who created one of the earliest compendiums of international statistics and organizations. Image, 9"H x 12"W Sheet, 14.5"H x 16.5"W Frame, 15.25"H 17"W x .5"D Mrs. Heilprin, a former resident of Bethesda, Md., was born Marilyn Heyman in New York City. In the 1950s, she was a researcher and writer on handbooks about Mongolia, Finland, Germany, Austria, Lebanon, Syria and Israel for the Washington-area branch of the Human Relations Area Files, a nonprofit formed by several universities. The "Provincetown Print", a white-line woodcut print. Rather than creating separate woodblocks for each color, one block was made and painted. Small groves between the elements of the design created the white line. Because the artists often used soft colors, they sometimes have the appearance of a watercolor painting. Marilyn Heilprin, Ruth Cahnmann, George Chung, Susana deQuadros, Susan Due Pearcy, Leo Saal and Ann Zahn...
    Category

    Early 2000s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

    Materials

    Woodcut, Watercolor, Laid Paper

  • Shops in Aptos Village on Soquel Drive, Aptos, California - Watercolor
    By Jon Blanchette
    Located in Soquel, CA
    Beautiful mid century watercolor of stores in Aptos, California by listed artist Jon Blanchette (American, 1908-1987). Three stores sit side-by-side: a liquor store, a general store, and a pharmacy on the Old Aptos Village Boardwalk". They are brightly colored - green, yellow, and blue. In the background, there is a blue sky, green trees, and representations of the Aptos hills. Circa 1960 Signed "Jon Blanchette" lower right. Information about location and previous owner is on verso. Acquired with a collection of the artist's work. Art size: 9"H x 12"W Jon Blanchette was born in Somerset, England on March 29, 1908. He immigrated to Battle Creek, Michigan in 1918. Artistically inclined at age six, he later studied at the Pittsburgh Art...
    Category

    Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

    Materials

    Postcard, Watercolor, Permanent Marker

  • Trout Gulch Road Design Proposal, Aptos CA - Watercolor on Heavy Cardstock
    By Jon Blanchette
    Located in Soquel, CA
    Beautiful mid century watercolor of a design proposal for the village Fair Antiques "Apple Barn" in Aptos, California by listed artist Jon Blanchette (American, 1908-1987). Circa 1960 Signed "Jon Blanchette" lower right. Information about location and previous owner is on verso. Acquired with a collection of the artist's work. Art size: 9"H x 12"W Jon Blanchette was born in Somerset, England on March 29, 1908. He immigrated to Battle Creek, Michigan in 1918. Artistically inclined at age six, he later studied at the Pittsburgh Art...
    Category

    Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

    Materials

    Watercolor, Postcard, Permanent Marker

  • Double Sided Beach/Purple Mountains abstracted Landscape
    By Doris Warner
    Located in Soquel, CA
    Double-sided watercolor of California beach with distant purple mountains by listed artist Doris Ann Warner (American, 1925-2010). On verso is a rough abstract watercolor with blocke...
    Category

    1970s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

    Materials

    Paper, Watercolor

  • Carriage Outside the St Charles Saloon - Columbia CA - Monochrome Watercolor
    Located in Soquel, CA
    Delicate watercolor of a carriage in front of two buildings by an unknown artist (20th Century). A carriage sits in front of two buildings, with bare trees framing the scene. This pi...
    Category

    Late 20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

    Materials

    Watercolor, Archival Paper

You May Also Like
  • Mount Monadnock
    By Frank Weston Benson
    Located in Milford, NH
    An exceptional watercolor of Mount Monadnock snow capped in winter in New Hampshire by American artist Frank Weston Benson (1862-1951). Benson was born in Salem, Massachusetts and went on to study in Boston at the Museum School of Fine Arts and later with Julian Lefebvre and Gustave Boulanger at the Academie Julian in Paris. Benson was well known for his impressionist landscapes and seascapes, and etchings of hunting scenes. Watercolor on paper, signed lower left F.W. Benson with inscription “To Mrs Bush,” titled on Vose Galleries...
    Category

    Early 20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Drawings and Waterco...

    Materials

    Paper, Watercolor

  • Mount Monadnock
    By Gifford Beal
    Located in Milford, NH
    A fine monochromatic watercolor landscape painting of Mount Monadnock in New Hampshire by American artist Gifford Beal (1879-1956). Beal was born in New York City and studied for man...
    Category

    Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

    Materials

    Paper, Watercolor

  • Blooming Flower Pots, Watercolor and Gouache over Pencil on White Paper, Framed
    Located in Houston, TX
    Blooming Flower Pots is a Watercolor and Gouache over Pencil on White Paper .It is framed and ready to be shipped. One artists described Santoli's paintings as "Now that is a world class oil painting! Realistic casual brush work. The best I have seen. Delicious !! " Artist Statement: I simply love painting and my goal is to capture sunlight and color so that viewers can enjoy it as well. Eric...
    Category

    2010s American Impressionist Still-life Paintings

    Materials

    Paper, Watercolor

  • Canal at Indian Mound Road
    By Ben Fenske
    Located in Sag Harbor, NY
    Painted during the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida. A black and white depiction of a canal, is barely recognizable, due to Fenske's wild brushstrokes and lack...
    Category

    21st Century and Contemporary American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

    Materials

    Gouache, Paper

  • Homestead, Regional American Landscape by Pennsylvania Impressionist
    By Harry Leith-Ross
    Located in Doylestown, PA
    "Homestead" is a regional, American landscape by Pennsylvania Impressionist and New Hope School painter Harry Leith-Ross. The painting is a 14" x 19" watercolor on paper, signed "Lei...
    Category

    1940s American Impressionist Figurative Paintings

    Materials

    Watercolor, Archival Paper

  • "Old Adobe Village, New Mexico" Alice Schille, Taos Pueblo, Female Impressionist
    By Alice Schille
    Located in New York, NY
    Alice Schille Old Adobe Village, New Mexico Signed lower right Watercolor on paper 5 x 6 inches Provenance: Estate of the artist Keny and Johnson Gallery, Columbus, Ohio Santa Fe East Galleries, Santa Fe, New Mexico Private Collection, California A painter in watercolor and oil, Alice Schille was a prolific artist using modernist styles of Post-Impressionism, Pointillism and Fauvism. Her subjects included portraits of women and children, landscapes with and without figures, a series of scenes of New York City. New Mexico, and Gloucester, Massachusetts. Her paintings also reflected her widespread international travels in Europe, North Africa, Russia, the Middle East, Mexico, and Guatemala. Although personally very shy, Schille possessed unusual courage and strength of will, which was reflected in both her independent lifestyle and in her work, as she continually worked to master new modes of painting throughout her career. A German critic once referred to Schille as "this daredevil disciple of art who is interested in anything and afraid of nothing." Alice Schille was born in Columbus, Ohio to a family supported by her father's success in manufacturing. She was raised in Columbus, and by the time she was age six, she determined to be an artist. She graduated at the top of her class from Central High School in 1887, studied from 1891 to 1893 at the Columbus Art School, and returned there as a teacher from 1902 to 1948. Going to New York City as a young woman, she enrolled in the Art Students League from 1897 to 1899 and then the New York School of Art with William Merritt Chase and Kenyon Cox. (Some years later, she attended Chase's Shinnecock Summer School on Long Island). From 1903 to 1904, Alice Schille was in Paris at the Academie Colarosi, and also studied privately with Raphael Collin, Rene Prinet, Gustave Courtois and Chase, who was then in Europe. In 1904, five of her paintings were accepted for exhibition at Societe Nationale des Beaux Arts, and from that time on her work was included regularly in important American annual exhibitions including the Pennsylvania Academy, the Corcoran Gallery, American Watercolor Society, Boston Art Club, and the 1987 inaugural exhibition of the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington DC. Between 1905 and 1914, Alice Schille painted in Europe, and during the summers of 1916 to 1918, worked in New York and Gloucester. In 1919, she was in New Mexico. On this trip, her first to the Southwest, she spent a summer in Taos and Santa Fe and painted scenes including the Taos Pueblo, Canyon Road and local Hispanic and Indian figures. Reportedly the Ranchos de Taos Church was one of her favorite subjects. Many of these New Mexico paintings were hung at annual exhibitions of the Philadelphia Water Color Club. Between 1920 and 1940, she traveled frequently in the summers, returning to New Mexico and going to Central America and Africa. In 1922, she began her first series of North-African watercolors...
    Category

    1920s American Impressionist Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

    Materials

    Paper, Watercolor

Recently Viewed

View All