Backyard View with House and Trees
Painting on canvas or board • Mary Swann
Style & Movement
Contemporary American Realism / Impressionistic Regionalism
Medium & Technique
Oil or acrylic on support; executed with broad, gestural brushstrokes and a wet-on-wet technique characteristic of plein air painting
Creation Period
1986
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 18 inches; Vertical Portrait format
Subject Description
A suburban or rural residential scene featuring a multi-story house partially obscured by large, leafy trees. The composition includes a shaded lawn in the foreground with dappled sunlight, a small garden bed to the right, and the suggestion of a vehicle parked near the house's porch.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; the paint layer appears stable, though there is visible minor wear along the edges of the support
Estimated Market Value
$300 - $600 USD
Auction Estimate
$200 - $400 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired directly from the artist or through a regional gallery/art fair in the mid-1980s. Private collection.
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of late 20th-century residential landscape painting. It reflects a movement toward capturing the 'everyday' American experience with a focused interest in natural lighting and atmospheric effects.
Notable Features
Bold use of high-contrast lighting to define the house's architecture; distinctive 'choppy' brushwork in the foliage and lawn that indicates a rapid, observational execution.
Condition Issues
Visible scuffing and minor paint loss along the top and bottom edges; slight darkening of the varnish layer; possible surface dust accumulation.
Conservation Recommendations
Surface cleaning of atmospheric pollutants; framing under UV-protective glass with an acid-free mat or floating frame to protect vulnerable edges.
Collector Notes
Mary swann 1986