Bidspirit auction | David Hagerbaumer (1921-2014) American

David Hagerbaumer (1921-2014) American - David Hagerbaumer (1921-2014) Watercolor on paper depicting woodcock in flight, signed lower left and dated 1967, piece measures 16.5 x 21 and 25 x 30 inches w/ frame. David Hagerbaumer was born in Quincy, Illinois, on January 31, 1921. His father, George, owned a 40-acre farm from which he managed to eke out a living for his family. Although his father wasn't much of a sport hunter, he did hunt to put food on the table. When Dave was eight years old, George took him duck hunting on Turtle Lake, and Dave shot his first duck, a mallard drake. Instantly, a bond formed between young Dave and waterfowl that has not diminished over the years.After the war Dave enrolled in San Diego State College while simultaneously working as staff artist and assistant ornithologist at the Carson City Museum. At the same time he and his cousin started a small duck decoy business. Dave carved the heads by hand and his cousin turned the bodies out on a lathe. It was more a labor of love than money and ultimately they just went out of business. But they did make good decoys.The year 1951 was famous for the Korean ”Police Action, ” and Sgt. Hagerbaumer was recalled to active duty. Lady Luck smiled on him this time, and he did his tour as an artist in G-2 creating propaganda posters and making maps.A civilian again, Dave traveled the outdoor art mart circuit in the San Diego and La Jolla area. He'd paint during the week and sell at the marts on weekends. He made a fair living at it, but his reputation was very local.Enter Ralph Terrell of Crossroads of Sports. Ralph recognized talent when he saw it, and he was a good promoter. Through the Crossroads catalogs and their Manhattan gallery, Dave's paintings were presented to most of the sporting art collectors of the day. His career skyrocketed and demand for his paintings became nationwide. Condition: The absence of a condition report does not imply an object is free of defects. All items may have normal signs of age and wear commensurate with their age; these issues will likely not be mentioned in the condition report. Please contact the auction house before the auction with any condition questions. Questions about condition will not be answered after purchase. Condition reports are provided as a courtesy, and we are not responsible for any errors or omissions. Important note on frames: Frames are not guaranteed to be in the same condition as they are in the item photograph. Due to handling and shipping, many frames, especially antique ones, are prone to losses. If you have questions about the condition of a frame, please contact us prior to the auction.