The Runners
Original painting on paper, likely a drawing with mixed media • Luann Defore Atchison (signed 'Luann Defore Atchison/89' in the lower right)
Style & Movement
Contemporary illustrative realism with elements of Neo-Futurism; characterized by the 'shattering' of the background to depict velocity
Medium & Technique
Watercolor and gouache on paper; utilizes a faceted, kaleidoscopic technique to suggest motion and energy, reminiscent of Futurist principles
Creation Period
Late 20th century, specifically 1989 (based on the signature date '89')
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 20 x 16 inches; Portrait format within a rectangular frame
Subject Description
A male and female jogger are depicted mid-stride. The man wears a blue t-shirt and orange shorts, while the woman wears a purple hoodie and blue skirt. The background is composed of geometric, prismatic shards that mirror the colors of the runners, symbolizing kinetic energy and the displacement of air/space during physical activity.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the colors appear vibrant with no immediate signs of fading from UV exposure
Estimated Market Value
$200 - $500 USD
Auction Estimate
$150 - $300 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired directly from the artist or a local gallery exhibition in the late 1980s; lacks public auction history
Art Historical Significance
The piece reflects the 1980s fitness boom and represents the work of a regional American illustrator or fine artist exploring the intersection of sports and abstract geometric forms. It serves as a study in capturing dynamic movement through static media.
Notable Features
Distinctive use of overlapping transparent layers to create a sense of 'echoed' movement; signed and dated clearly by the artist in the lower right corner
Condition Issues
Slight potential for paper buckling along the top edge; minor glare from the glass suggests it may not be museum-grade anti-reflective glazing
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the work is mounted using acid-free matting; check for a vapor barrier if the frame is hung on an exterior wall; keep out of direct sunlight to prevent watercolor pigments from fugitive fading