William J. Schaldach (America, 1896-1982)
Gambel’s Quail, 1963
Watercolor on paper
Signed “Wm J Schaldach” lower right. Signed, dated, titled, and dedicated by artist on old frame backing too.
Paper size: 16 x 13 in.
Provenance: The artist Ethel and John Green Private Collection, Oregon, by descent

WILLIAM J. SCHALDACH (AMERICAN, 1896-1982)

Born in Elkhart, Indiana, William Schaldach was passionate about angling and wildfowling from a young age. After a stint in the Navy, Schaldach moved to New York in 1919, selling fishing tackle during the day and attending the Art Students League in the evening. He studied under John Sloan and George Bridgman, from whom he learned drypoint, etching, and aquatint.

Schaldach began writing and illustrating for Forest and Stream magazine in the early 1920s. He was made associate editor when the magazine merged with Field & Stream in 1930 and soon became managing editor, working there until the late 1930s. He also contributed over the years to such magazines as Esquire, American Forests, and Outdoor Life.

Beginning in 1937, Schaldach wrote and illustrated a series of books on hunting and fishing. The first was a compilation of his prints, drawings, and watercolors, entitled Fish by Schaldach. It was followed by Coverts & Casts (1943), Currents & Eddies (1944), Upland Gunning (1946), and The Wind on Your Cheek (1972.) He also illustrated the books of several other outdoors writers.

Schaldach was a member of the Salmagundi Club, Society of American Etchers, and the Independent Society of Printmakers. He participated in various exhibitions, including the National Academy of Design, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Chicago Society of Etchers, Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1939 New York Worlds Fair, and the American Watercolor Society.

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