Landscape Study (possibly California or Coastal Scene)
Painting on canvas (likely mounted on board or panel) • Winona Price (American, 20th century). The signature "WINONA PRICE" is clearly visible in the lower right quadrant in a simple block-capital script.
Style & Movement
American Impressionism / Plein Air Landscape Tradition. The style is characterized by a high-key palette and an emphasis on capturing light through broken color.
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas; executed with visible impressionistic brushwork using a variety of short, directional strokes and dabs. A wet-on-wet technique is apparent in the blending of ochre, green, and blue tones.
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1940s-1960s)
Dimensions & Format
Small-scale cabinet painting, likely 8x10 or 9x12 inches; Landscape format.
Subject Description
A close-up view of a landscape composition, potentially featuring grassy dunes or a meadow. The focus is on the textural quality of the vegetation, using an earthy palette of yellows, muted greens, and touches of blue-grey to suggest depth and shadow.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The paint film appears stable, though there is visible surface grime and slight yellowing consistent with aged varnish.
Estimated Market Value
$200 - $500 USD
Auction Estimate
$150 - $350 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely acquired from a regional art gallery or estate in the Western United States, where the artist was active. No visible gallery labels are present in the provided image.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the regional American landscape tradition. While Price is not a widely documented major master, her work illustrates the mid-century popularity of impressionistic nature studies and the proliferation of female artists within California or Western art circles.
Notable Features
The most notable feature is the distinct, hand-painted block signature. The use of a linen-textured mat/liner within a wooden frame is typical of mid-century gallery presentations.
Condition Issues
Visible accumulation of dust in the canvas weave; minor surface abrasions; age-related yellowing of the binder/varnish layer; some frame rubbing near the gilt edge.
Conservation Recommendations
Surface cleaning by a professional conservator to remove grime; re-varnishing with a non-yellowing synthetic resin; ensure UV-protective glazing if displayed in bright light.