Scuba Divers in Key West
Painting on linen-mounted panel • Kathy Corey (Key West artist)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Impressionism / Regional Narrative Realism
Medium & Technique
Oil paint with visible impasto and wet-on-wet techniques; utilizes stippling for air bubbles and energetic brushwork for water movement.
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st Century (Contemporary)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 9x12 or 11x14 inches; landscape format
Subject Description
Three scuba divers in full gear (tanks, fins, and masks) navigating an underwater environment. The composition features a dynamic diagonal arrangement with a small school of fish in the center and rising columns of oxygen bubbles. The narrative captures the leisure and exploration lifestyle associated with the Florida Keys.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; the paint film appears stable with no visible signs of age-related degradation.
Estimated Market Value
$400 - $800 USD
Auction Estimate
$250 - $500 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired directly from the artist or through a local gallery in the Florida Keys; standard private collection history.
Art Historical Significance
Representational of the 'Key West School' of regional art, focusing on maritime activities and tropical lifestyle. Corey is known for capturing the light and color of the Florida coast, contributing to the local art scene's documentation of recreation.
Notable Features
Heavy textural application in the upper left quadrant creating a tangible sense of water turbulence; distinct use of vibrant yellow and purple accents to highlight diving equipment against a predominantly turquoise palette.
Condition Issues
None visible; minor surface dust may be present. The texture of the linen panel is visible through the paint, which is a structural feature, not a defect.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in a climate-controlled environment away from direct UV light to prevent color fading. Professional framing under UV-protective glass is recommended if not already present.
Collector Notes
Key West Artist Kathy Corey oil on linen panel.