Elmer Wachtel: A California Impressionist Early Life and Education Born: January 21, 1864, in Baltimore, Maryland. In 1882, Wachtel moved to California with his brother, settling in San Gabriel. He initially worked as a ranch hand and furniture store clerk while saving funds for art education. Self-taught beginnings: While largely self-taught, he briefly studied at the Art Students' League in New York and later at the Lambeth School of Art in London. Wachtel also pursued a musical career, playing violin for the Philharmonic Orchestra of Los Angeles. Artistic Development and Styl…