Sea Oats
Limited edition print on textured paper • Bob Owens (signed 'Bob Owens '90' in bottom right)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Coastal Realism / Wildlife Art
Medium & Technique
Screenprint or lithograph from a pen and ink original; features high-contrast stippling and line work to create textures of sand dunes and foliage.
Creation Period
1990
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 16 inches (sight); Portrait orientation in a rectangular format.
Subject Description
A coastal landscape featuring a silhouette of a bird in flight over sand dunes, with prominent sea oats in the foreground. The composition uses negative space to define the shape of the dunes.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; the print appears stable within the frame, though the frame shows some edge wear and scuffs.
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150
Auction Estimate
$30 - $80
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a commercial gallery or art fair catering to coastal/regional decor. Small edition number (29/40) suggests limited local distribution.
Art Historical Significance
Representative of regional American coastal art from the late 20th century, focusing on naturalistic themes and accessible aesthetic appeal common in Atlantic or Gulf Coast art communities.
Notable Features
Hand-signed by the artist in pencil; numbered 29/40; titled 'Sea Oats' in bottom left. The textured paper provides a tactile quality that contrasts with the flat black ink.
Condition Issues
Visible scuffing and minor wood loss on the bottom edge of the frame. Possible light mat burn or yellowing of the paper edges hidden by the matting.
Conservation Recommendations
Upgrade to acid-free matting and UV-protective glass to prevent future yellowing. Reframing or touching up the wood frame with a finish marker would improve display quality.