Abstracted Sunflowers in Harvest Still Life
Painting on canvas (likely cotton or linen) • Attributed to Marc Singer (American, active in Tuscaloosa, Alabama)
Style & Movement
Abstract Expressionism / Contemporary Expressionist Still Life
Medium & Technique
Oil or heavy-body acrylic on canvas; executed with high impasto brushwork, gestural palette knife application, and wet-on-wet blending.
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st century (circa 1980–2010)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 48 x 60 inches (landscape format). Large-scale domestic display.
Subject Description
A vibrant, large-scale floral still life featuring sun-flowers in various stages of bloom and decay. The composition includes stacked books or containers at the center, a vessel to the left, and thick, energetic greenery. The work uses a primary palette of ochre, cadmium yellow, and burnt orange to evoke a harvest narrative.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good. The paint film appears stable with no obvious signs of flaking or extensive cracking visible from the digital image.
Estimated Market Value
$1,500 – $3,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$800 – $1,200 USD
Provenance History
Acquired directly from the artist or a regional gallery in the Southeast United States; currently held in a private collection in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Art Historical Significance
A strong example of regional American Expressionism that bridges the gap between traditional still-life subjects and modern gestural abstraction. It reflects the influence of Post-Impressionist masters like Van Gogh interpreted through the lens of mid-century abstract movements.
Notable Features
Heavy, sculptural use of paint (impasto) that gives the work substantial tactile quality. The use of a simple wooden floater/strip frame emphasizes the modern aesthetic and allows the canvas edges to breathe.
Condition Issues
Possible surface dust accumulation and minor oxidation of the varnish (if present) over time. Tension ripples may occur at the corners of large canvases of this size.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional surface cleaning to remove dust; maintain in a climate-controlled environment with UV-filtered lighting. Avoid placement directly above active fireplaces where heat and soot can damage the heavy impasto.
Collector Notes
Marc Singer, Tuscaloosa Al