2013 Painting Appraisal

Canada Geese and Goslings Oil Painting by Allan A. Simpson (2013)

This is an oil painting depicting a family of Canada geese and their goslings in a natural, watery setting. The artwork is contained within a dark, possibly wooden, frame with a contrasting white inner liner, suggesting a double-matting or a raised inner frame element. The painting features two adult Canada geese, one on the left and one on the right, portrayed in profile, swimming in calm, green-hued water. Between them, a cluster of yellow goslings is visible, hinting at a nurturing family scene. The background is dominated by lush, vibrant green reeds or tall grass, rendered with broad, vertical brushstrokes, suggesting a wetland environment. A brown-hued bank or shoreline separates the water from the vegetation. The reflections of the geese are subtly visible in the water, indicating a smooth surface. The brushwork appears somewhat loose and impressionistic for the background flora and water, while the geese themselves show more defined lines and details, particularly their black necks, white chinstraps, and grey bodies with visible feather patterns. There are no major visible condition issues such as cracks, significant paint loss, or tears. The painting appears evenly toned with good color saturation. The overall aesthetic suggests a representational style, characteristic of wildlife art. Given the context, it is identified as an oil painting by Allan A. Simpson, dated 2013, indicating it is a contemporary piece from the early 21st century. The craftsmanship appears competent, with a clear focus on delineating the subjects while maintaining a naturalistic setting.