Karl Nordström

Biography

Karl Nordström was raised on the island of Tjörn and studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in his youth. He became acquainted with students who would later join the Artists' Association. By 1880, Nordström had relocated to Paris. This was one of several periods of upheaval he experienced, with trips to France continuing until 1888, including stays at the artists' colony in Gréz-sur-Loing. In Sweden, he resided temporarily in Varberg, where he became part of the Varberg School, a group that included Richard Bergh and Nils Kreuger. From 1896 to 1920, he held the position of chairman of the Artists' Association. Nordström is recognized primarily as a landscape painter, particularly for his depictions of the west coast. His early work is characterized by the plein air style typical of the era, in which he worked with bright colors and motifs in daylight. Around 1890, Nordström began to take an interest in twilight and used a muted color palette. His art is closely related to Symbolism, particularly his charcoal drawings. The Thiel Collection has 25 artworks by Nordström.