American West Art Appraisal

Folk Art Painting of Key West Lighthouse

This is a rectangular folk art painting, likely executed in acrylics or oils on canvas or board, depicting a lighthouse scene. The central subject is a tall, white lighthouse with a black top, rendered with a somewhat stylized and simplified form, characteristic of folk art. To the left of the lighthouse, a small, white ancillary building with a black roof and a white picket fence is visible, nestled amidst lush green foliage. The lighthouse and building are surrounded by vibrant green trees and bushes, suggesting a natural, perhaps coastal, setting. The sky above is a light blue with subtle cloud formations. The color palette is bright and cheerful, dominated by greens, whites, and blues. The brushwork appears somewhat loose and expressive, focusing on capturing the essence of the scene rather than photorealistic detail. The painting is framed in a distressed or rustic dark wood frame, possibly barnwood or a similar material, with visible grain and natural imperfections, consistent with a folk art aesthetic. The frame has visible nail holes on the top edge, suggesting a somewhat rustic or handmade construction. There are two visible signatures or inscriptions: 'KEY WEST' in the lower left, indicating the location depicted, and 'D CARLYLE' (or similar, difficult to discern clearly) in the lower right, likely the artist's signature. The overall condition appears good, with no obvious signs of significant damage, tears, or fading, though the rustic nature of the frame could be mistaken for wear. The craftsmanship aligns with a naive or untrained artistic style, emphasizing charm and narrative over academic technique.