Tiny Dancer
Painting on stretched canvas • Barry Shelor
Style & Movement
Contemporary Folk/Naive Art with elements of Abstract Expressionism
Medium & Technique
Acrylic on canvas; utilizing sgraffito-like etching in the skirt, impasto dabs for the bodice patterns, and gestural color-blocking for the background.
Creation Period
Early 21st Century (Contemporary)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 16 x 20 inches; Portrait orientation
Subject Description
The painting depicts a faceless female figure, likely a dancer, viewed from behind with her arms raised in a graceful arc. She wears a white polka-dot bodice and a flared red skirt rendered with vibrant, vertical strokes. The background is a swirling, atmospheric blend of purple, blue, and white, suggesting a stage lighting effect or a dreamlike void.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; the canvas appears taut with vibrant pigmentation and no visible structural damage.
Estimated Market Value
$100 - $300 USD
Auction Estimate
$50 - $150 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired directly from the artist or a local gallery; private collection origin indicated by the domestic setting.
Art Historical Significance
Representational of late 20th/early 21st-century American Outsider or Folk art traditions. The work emphasizes emotional resonance and texture over neoclassical anatomical accuracy, fitting within the context of Contemporary Naivism.
Notable Features
Includes a visible signature in the lower right quadrant; the textured 'scratched' effect in the red paint adds a unique tactile dimension to the skirt.
Condition Issues
None visible; minor surface dust may be present due to lack of framing.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional framing with a 'floater' frame is recommended to protect the canvas edges. Monitor UV exposure to prevent fading of the purple pigments.
Collector Notes
“Tiny Dancer” Barry Shelor Artist.