Lily Pond at Sunset
Painting on paper, spiral-bound sketchbook format • Signed 'Stepka' (lower center)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Folk Art / Naive Art with Impressionist influence
Medium & Technique
Gouache or acrylic on paper; utilizes layering, opaque application, and stylized linear detailing for water ripples
Creation Period
2023 (based on '23' signature notation)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 9 x 12 inches (standard sketchbook size), vertical portrait orientation
Subject Description
A vertical landscape composition featuring a central pond filled with water lilies and lily pads. The scene is illuminated by a low sun or full moon reflected in the water, framed by tall marsh grasses and distant trees under a pale sky. The imagery evokes the serenity of Giverny through a simplified, illustrative lens.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; primary observation shows structural integrity of the paper and vibrant pigment saturation
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $250 USD (based on current market for emerging contemporary folk art and illustrative studies)
Auction Estimate
$75 - $150 USD
Provenance History
Contemporary private creation; likely held by the artist or a private collector since 2023
Art Historical Significance
Represents the enduring influence of Claude Monet's Nymphéas series on contemporary amateur and folk art. It demonstrates a personal interpretation of light and reflection, prioritizing pattern and color over traditional perspective.
Notable Features
Prominent artist signature 'Stepka 23' at the bottom center; distinctive 'sawtooth' reflection patterns in the water; stylized, graphic approach to natural flora.
Condition Issues
Minor paint loss/chipping at the bottom left corner where the paper meets the binding; slight curling of paper edges due to wet medium application on sketchbook-grade stock.
Conservation Recommendations
Mounting and framing under UV-protective glass with acid-free matting to prevent further edge wear and light-induced fading. Avoid high-humidity environments to prevent paper buckling.