Children on the Beach
Original work on paper, likely a pastel or mixed media drawing • Rashid (attributed based on lower right signature)
Style & Movement
Contemporary African American Realism with Impressionist influences in the light and sand texture.
Medium & Technique
Soft pastel and possibly charcoal or colored pencil on paper. The artist employs a soft-focus technique with blended pigments to achieve atmospheric perspective and realistic skin tones.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century, circa 1980-1995 based on the style of the athletic wear and sneakers.
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 18 inches; landscape format.
Subject Description
A beach scene featuring two Black children or young adults. A boy on the left in red trunks is leaning over to adjust his sneakers, while a girl on the right sits on a towel/mat wearing a white jacket. A beach bag sits behind them. The composition captures a candid, everyday moment of leisure.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The colors appear vibrant, though there is some minor evidence of age-related discoloration near the matting edges.
Estimated Market Value
$500 - $1,200
Auction Estimate
$300 - $800
Provenance History
Unknown; likely acquired from a regional gallery or private collection specializing in African American figurative art. No visible gallery labels on the front.
Art Historical Significance
Representational of the 20th-century movement documenting the Black middle-class experience and leisure life. It aligns with the tradition of artists who sought to humanize and normalize Black subjects in domestic and recreational settings.
Notable Features
Distinct signature 'Rashid' in the lower right corner. The specific detail of the 1980s-style's velcro/canvas sneakers provides a nostalgic anchor for the work's period.
Condition Issues
Possible minor foxing or acidity transfer from the non-archival matting; slight rippling of the paper support due to humidity changes over time.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend reframing using acid-free archival matting and UV-protective glass. Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent the pastel pigments from fading.
Collector Notes
Rashid