Sailing into the Squall (Descriptive title relative to subject)
Painting on linen, framed • Kathy Corey, a Key West-based artist known for maritime and local life scenes.
Style & Movement
Contemporary Realism with Impressionistic influences, highly characteristic of the Key West Regionalist school.
Medium & Technique
Oil on linen. Employs wet-on-wet technique, impasto highlights for wave crests, and atmospheric scumbling in the sky to create a sense of movement and stormy depth.
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st Century (Contemporary)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 18 inches (visual estimate); Portrait format.
Subject Description
A first-person perspective from the deck of a sailboat looking toward the bow. The composition is bisected diagonally: the right side is dominated by a sweeping white sail and the vessel's deck, while the left showcases a turbulent teal-green ocean under a heavy, dramatic sky filled with indigo and grey cumulus clouds.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good. The paint layer appears stable with no visible craquelure; the linen support remains taut.
Estimated Market Value
$500 - $1,200 (Subject to specific artist demand in regional Florida markets).
Auction Estimate
$300 - $600.
Provenance History
Likely acquired directly from a Key West gallery or studio; private collection. No visible exhibition labels on the front.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the vibrant local art scene of Key West, focusing on the intimate relationship between the resident and the sea. While a regional artist, Corey's work captures the specific atmospheric light and maritime culture of the Florida Straits.
Notable Features
The use of an 'on-board' perspective creates an immersive experience for the viewer. The contrast between the rigid geometric lines of the yacht and the fluid, chaotic textures of the sea and clouds highlights the artist's ability to balance technical structure with expressive brushwork.
Condition Issues
Minor dust accumulation on the surface; slight scuffing on the plain wooden frame. No major conservation concerns are evident.
Conservation Recommendations
Periodic dusting with a soft brush, display away from direct UV sunlight to prevent pigment fading, and maintenance in a climate-controlled environment to prevent linen expansion/contraction.
Collector Notes
Key West Artist Kathy Corey oil on linen