Whale Tail at Sunset
Painting on spiral-bound sketchbook paper • Unidentified amateur artist; likely a student or hobbyist work
Style & Movement
Contemporary Naive Art / Expressionist Influence
Medium & Technique
Acrylic or gouache paint applied with brush and potential sponge-dabbing for texture; expressive, flat application for the background with impasto-like texture in the water splashes
Creation Period
Late 20th to 21st century (Modern/Contemporary)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 9x12 inches; Vertical Portrait format
Subject Description
A symmetrical composition featuring a whale's fluke breaching the water surface in the foreground, centered beneath a bright white sun. The background is a vibrant orange sky with stylized clouds, indicating a sunset. The ocean is rendered in dark blues with white and yellow highlights suggesting cresting waves and foam.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; showing typical signs of work from a sketchbook including visible spiral binding at the top and slight paper waving due to heavy paint application
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$20 - $100 USD
Provenance History
Likely sourced from a personal collection or student portfolio; no visible dealer or exhibition stamps
Art Historical Significance
Low; the piece serves as a study in color contrast and symmetry rather than a significant contribution to an art movement. It reflects popular contemporary nature-based motifs.
Notable Features
Bold use of saturated complementary colors (blue and orange); the textured 'dabbed' technique used to create the white water spray; the presence of spiral binding at the top suggesting a casual or practice-based origin.
Condition Issues
Slight buckling of the paper support due to water-based medium; visible perforations at the top edge from the notebook binding
Conservation Recommendations
Acid-free matting and UV-protective glass if framed to prevent fading of the bright orange pigments; storage in a flat, dry environment