Seated Female Nude against Seascape
Painting on canvas • Kathy Corey (Key West Artist)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Regional Realism with Impressionistic influences. The work reflects the lifestyle and aesthetic of the Florida Keys art scene, characterized by bright, coastal palettes and relaxed subject matter.
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas, utilizing soft blending and wet-on-wet techniques. The canvas texture is distinctly visible through thin paint layers, suggesting a wash-like application in the background and a more opaque, feathered application for the flesh tones.
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st Century (Contemporary)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 12 inches (Square format)
Subject Description
A side profile portrait of a female figure, cropped from the waist up. She is depicted with a modest gesture, arm crossed over her chest. The background features a simplified beach landscape with turquoise water and a cloud-filled sky. The composition emphasizes the curve of the back and the play of light on skin.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good. The paint film appears stable with no immediate signs of flaking or delamination.
Estimated Market Value
$400 - $800 USD
Auction Estimate
$300 - $600 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a local Key West gallery or directly from the artist's studio. Regional contemporary works of this nature typically stay within private collections in the Southeast United States.
Art Historical Significance
Representational of the local 'Key West Style,' which often focuses on the human form in tropical environments. While the artist is regionally known, the work contributes to the tradition of plein-air and figure studies popularized in Florida artists' colonies.
Notable Features
The distinctive use of vibrant turquoise in the background creates a strong contrast with the warm, earthy tones of the figure's skin. The visible canvas weave adds a tactile, rustic quality characteristic of local coastal art.
Condition Issues
Minor surface dust; slight stretcher bar impressions visible along the edges. No significant craquelure or pigment loss is evident.
Conservation Recommendations
Provide high-quality UV-protective glazing and a sturdy wooden frame. Maintain in a stable environment with controlled humidity (45-55%) to prevent slackness in the canvas.
Collector Notes
Key west Artist Kathy Corey oil on canvas