Bird of Paradise Study
Painting on canvas • Kathy Corey (Key West artist)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Floristic Expressionism with Influence of Tropical Modernism
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas; features expressive brushwork, alla prima application, and subtle blending (sfumato) in the background with impasto highlights on the floral petals.
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st Century (Contemporary)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 20 x 20 inches or 24 x 24 inches; Square format
Subject Description
A close-up, cropped composition of Strelitzia reginae (Bird of Paradise flowers). The work uses a vibrant palette of oranges and blues contrasted against a muted, iridescent violet and grey background. The focus is on the architectural form of the tropical plant, emphasizing its sharp angles and organic rhythms.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; the paint film appears stable with vibrant pigment retention and no visible signs of craquelure or canvas sagging.
Estimated Market Value
$1,200 - $2,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$800 - $1,500 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired directly from the artist or through a Key West gallery (such as Gingerbread Square Gallery where Corey has historically exhibited).
Art Historical Significance
Represents the regional 'Key West School' of tropical art, characterized by high-key color palettes and local botanical subjects. Kathy Corey is a recognized figure in the Florida Keys art scene known for her ability to translate tropical light into color fields.
Notable Features
Distinctive use of complementary color theory (orange vs. blue/violet); energetic 'broken' brushstrokes that give the botanical subject a sense of movement; high-quality canvas weave visible through the paint layer.
Condition Issues
Minimal surface dust; small pinpoint inclusions likely from the studio environment during the drying process.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in a climate-controlled environment with UV-filtered glazing if framed; avoid direct sunlight to prevent future pigment fading of the delicate purples.
Collector Notes
Key west Artist Kathy Corey oil on canvas