Sailboat in Choppy Waters
Original painting on paper or board, likely matted and framed • Al Nixon (signed lower right)
Style & Movement
Mid-century American Folk Art / Marine Realism
Medium & Technique
Pastel or gouache/mixed media; utilizes scumbling for wave textures and fine lines for the rigging
Creation Period
1972 (as indicated by the artist signature)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 11 x 14 inches (image size); horizontal landscape format
Subject Description
A gaff-rigged sailboat with tan sails navigating dark, choppy teal waters under a heavy, charcoal-grey sky. Figures are visible on deck, and the composition focuses on the tension between the vessel and the sea.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; visible surface abrasions and potential moisture damage
Estimated Market Value
$100 - $300 USD
Auction Estimate
$50 - $150 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely a private collection acquisition as evidenced by the blue 'Lot' or 'Price' tag at the top left of the frame
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of 20th-century amateur or regional marine art; significant as a dated piece of maritime hobbyist work from the 1970s.
Notable Features
Prominent signature and date 'AL NIXON 72' in the lower right corner; distinctive thick application of pigment on the sails.
Condition Issues
White speckling suggesting pigment loss or mold; surface scuffs in the sky area; slight yellowing of the surrounding mat.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional cleaning of the glass; check for acid-free matting; keep away from direct sunlight to prevent further fading of the organic pigments.