Brutalist Midcentury Painting Rocky Desert Landscape Seascape by Edmund Franklin Ward

Description

Fantastic mid-century abstract rugged rocky landscape painting on artist board by New York artist Edmund Franklin Ward (1892-1990). Painting is … more Fantastic mid-century abstract rugged rocky landscape painting on artist board by New York artist Edmund Franklin Ward (1892-1990). Painting is in the classic Brutalist style and has a moody, almost architectural "painted desert" Southwestern feel with native flora growing in the crevices of the sharp standing rocks with crashing surf beyond the edge of the cliff. The piece appears to be a combination of glossier oil paint on the right-facing sides of the rocks, as well as matte oil or acrylic paint in the other areas of the work creating an interesting depth and contrast within the scheme. There are several places where the artist's perspective lines are slightly visible under the paint, as well as an illegible notation along the bottom edge at right.

Ward studied at the Art Students League, and enjoyed a prolific career as a painter as well as being a leading illustrator for many popular American magazines of the day. Official Estate stamp on verso as well as a small label marked "1,200" which may have been an original gallery price, or an appraisal done by Ward's estate in the 1990s. We currently have several other works acquired from Ward's estate available through our Chairish shop, "Home Lab". less