Lower Blue Pond
Original painting on heavy paper stock, likely a unique monotype or gouache/acrylic work on paper. • James Maas (signed lower right).
Style & Movement
Abstract Expressionism / Lyrical Abstraction; characterized by vibrant color fields and rhythmic, sweeping gestures.
Medium & Technique
Mixed media involving gouache, acrylic, or thick watercolor; applied with expressive, broad brushstrokes and layering to create a textured, gestural surface.
Creation Period
1989 (indicated by the handwritten date on the margin).
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 30 x 22 inches (standard Large format paper); Vertical portrait orientation.
Subject Description
An abstract interpretation of a landscape, specifically a 'Lower Blue Pond.' The composition features arching bands of pink, yellow, orange, and green that frame a central blue ovular form, suggesting reflection or water. The movement is energetic and upward-sweeping.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the colors remain vibrant and the paper appears flat, though there is some light reflection on the glazing in the photo.
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,500 USD based on the artist's secondary market for original works on paper.
Auction Estimate
$500 - $1,000 USD.
Provenance History
Likely acquired from a gallery or directly from the artist in the late 1980s or 1990s; currently in a private collection as evidenced by the residential framing.
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of late 20th-century American abstraction, showcasing the artist's focus on the intersection of nature and emotion through non-representational forms.
Notable Features
Includes a distinctive handwritten title 'Lower Blue Pond' in the lower left and a clear, stylistic signature of James Maas with the year 1989 in the lower right.
Condition Issues
Minor surface dust on the frame glass; potential light-induced fading over time (though not immediately apparent); edges of paper show natural hand-deckling characteristic of the medium.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the work is mounted using acid-free materials; replace standard glass with UV-filtering museum glass to prevent pigment degradation; keep away from direct sunlight.