Music in the Wind
Limited Edition Print on paper • Bev Doolittle
Style & Movement
Contemporary Western Art / Camouflage Realism
Medium & Technique
Offset lithograph or photomechanical print after an original watercolor painting; features high-detail realistic rendering with camouflage elements
Creation Period
circa 1997
Dimensions & Format
Horizontal panoramic format; approximate image size 9 x 36 inches, framed to approximately 18 x 45 inches
Subject Description
The scene depicts a Native American woman in a long white dress walking through a rocky, forested mountain landscape. The composition is a wide panoramic view. In signature Doolittle style, 'hidden' elements are integrated into the landscape; specifically, bluebirds in the sky and foliage that suggest a musical or spiritual presence within the wind and nature.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the print appears well-preserved within its frame under UV-protective glazing, though it is currently resting on a floor which poses a risk of accidental damage.
Estimated Market Value
$400 - $800 USD (dependent on edition number and presence of a hand-signed signature)
Auction Estimate
$250 - $500 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired from a commercial art gallery or authorized dealer specializing in Western art prints; contains an identification plaque on the matting.
Art Historical Significance
Bev Doolittle is one of the most commercially successful artists in the 'Camouflage Realism' genre. 'Music in the Wind' is a prime example of her ability to blend narrative Western themes with hidden optical illusions, a style that gained immense popularity in the North American print market during the 1980s and 90s.
Notable Features
Features a classic 1990s-style triple-matting and a wooden frame with a brass identification plaque; the artist's signature is printed in the lower right corner, though many editions were also hand-signed in pencil.
Condition Issues
No immediate visible damage like foxing or fading; however, long-term exposure to light can cause the pigments in offset lithographs to shift toward blue/magenta tones.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep away from direct sunlight; ensure the backing is acid-free to prevent mat-burn; hang in a temperature-controlled environment; avoid leaning against walls on carpeted floors to prevent moisture wicking.
Collector Notes
Bev Doolittle