Elmer Wachtel (1864 - 1929). Elmer Wachtel, an American painter, lived and worked in Southern California. Several of his works are held by the Huntington Library. His painting California Coast sold for $169,000 at Bonhams in 2020. Born in Baltimore in 1864, Wachtel moved to California in 1882. He married the artist Marion Kavanagh in 1904. Known for his California landscapes, Wachtel was largely self-taught, with brief studies in New York and London. He died suddenly in Mexico in 1929. He was known for his impressionistic style, characterized by loose brushstrokes, vibrant colors, and a focus on capturing the fleeting effects of light. In addition to landscapes, he also painted portraits, still lifes, and cityscapes. Wachtel's work was recognized during his lifetime, and he exhibited at prestigious galleries and museums across the United States. He is considered one of the leading figures of the California Impressionist movement, and his paintings continue to be admired for their beauty and technical skill.