Figure in Yellow Swimsuit
Painting on linen support • Kathy Corey
Style & Movement
Contemporary Realism / Key West School; displays elements of Tropical Post-Modernism with a focus on light and local coastal lifestyle.
Medium & Technique
Oil on linen; characterized by soft-focus blending, visible brushwork in the highlights of the swimsuit, and a vibrant, saturated color palette.
Creation Period
Late 20th to Early 21st Century (Contemporary)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 24 x 30 inches; Portrait format.
Subject Description
A close-up, cropped figurative study of a woman from the neck down to the upper thigh. She wears a high-cut yellow one-piece swimsuit against a background of vibrant blue sea and sky. The composition emphasizes the play of sunlight and the athletic form of the subject.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the paint layer appears stable with no immediate signs of flaking or delamination.
Estimated Market Value
$1,200 - $2,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$800 - $1,500 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired directly from the artist or a Florida-based gallery; typical of the Key West art market and regional private collections.
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of regional American art from Key West. Kathy Corey’s work is noted for its celebration of local light and leisure culture, often focusing on figures and tropical landscapes that define the Florida Keys aesthetic.
Notable Features
The tight, photographic cropping of the subject creates an intimate and modern feel, moving away from traditional portraiture into more abstract figurative zones.
Condition Issues
Minor surface dust and slight edge wear consistent with age and previous framing; no significant cracking or loss is visible in the provided image.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep in a climate-controlled environment away from direct UV exposure to prevent fading of the bright yellows and blues. A contemporary float frame would suit the modern aesthetic.
Collector Notes
Key west Artist Kathy Corey oil on linen