Vase with Summer Flowers
Painting on paper • Contemporary amateur or student artist; manner of Expressionist floral painting
Style & Movement
Contemporary Expressionism / Lyrical Abstraction
Medium & Technique
Watercolor and gouache on paper; wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry application with layered washes and visible brushwork
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st century
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 16 inches; portrait format
Subject Description
A vibrant still life featuring a blue bulbous vase holding a dense bouquet of flowers in shades of yellow, magenta, orange, and purple. The composition is centered with light coming from the left, emphasizing the transparency of the watercolor and the fluid nature of the blooms.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; the colors remain vibrant, though there is minor warping inherent to water-based media on paper
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $100 USD
Provenance History
Likely a private collection; no visible dealer stamps or exhibition labels suggesting high-level commercial history
Art Historical Significance
Minor; the work demonstrates an exploration of color theory and fluid color application common in educational or hobbyist art practices, referencing the expressive floral traditions of Emil Nolde or the bright palettes of the Fauves.
Notable Features
The use of saturated blue in the vase provides a strong tonal anchor against the high-key, warm palette of the flora; the artist uses energetic, gestural marks to suggest petals rather than defining them with strict outlines.
Condition Issues
Slight paper cockling (rippling) due to water saturation during the painting process; potential minor edge wear
Conservation Recommendations
Mount using acid-free materials; frame behind UV-protective glass to prevent pigment fading; keep away from high-humidity environments