Coral Reef with Tropical Fish
Original painting on canvas • G. Richard Skettle (American artist, potentially local/regional specialty)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Realism / Maritime Art
Medium & Technique
Oil or acrylic on canvas using wet-on-wet blending and fine brushwork for detail
Creation Period
1987 (signed and dated lower right)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 40 x 30 inches; Portrait orientation
Subject Description
An underwater scene featuring various tropical fish including a Moorish Idol, an Angelfish, and others swimming amongst diverse coral structures and dark rock outcroppings. The composition uses a vertical format to emphasize depth and the play of light through deep blue water.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; surface appears clean with vibrant colors and tight canvas tension.
Estimated Market Value
$400 - $800
Auction Estimate
$300 - $500
Provenance History
Likely acquired directly from the artist or through a regional gallery in the late 1980s; private collection.
Art Historical Significance
Represents 20th-century decorative realism with a focus on marine biology, contributing to the genre of wildlife and environmental art popular in the 1980s.
Notable Features
Signed 'G. Richard Skettle © 1987' in the lower right corner; includes a slim metallic 'floater' style frame typical of mid-to-late 20th-century presentation.
Condition Issues
No visible cracking, fading, or mechanical damage; minor dust accumulation on the frame edges.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in a climate-controlled environment away from direct UV light to prevent color fading; light dusting with a soft brush.