Artist Mary Chesney Appraisal

Coastal Beach Houses Painting by Mary Chesney

This is an original acrylic on canvas painting by Mary Chesney, measuring 11 inches by 8 inches. The artwork depicts a vibrant coastal scene featuring three colorful beach houses nestled amongst palm trees on a sandy beach, with a section of the ocean and breaking waves in the foreground. The houses are distinct: one on the left is yellow with green shutters and white trim, another in the center is blue with white and silver accents and a cupola, and the third on the right is coral red with white trim. Each house has striped steps leading up to its entrance. Notable features include small details such as laundry hanging on a line near the yellow house, a 'Welcome' sign on the blue house, and a fish motif on the coral house. The foreground shows a sandy beach populated with various seashells, several small shorebirds (possible sanderlings), a prominent blue heron-like bird, and a small white seagull. The waves are rendered with white crests, indicating movement and shallow water. The painting exhibits a folk art or whimsical style, characterized by its bright colors and simplified forms. The acrylic medium provides a textured surface, and some areas appear to have impasto or raised elements, particularly the white crests of the waves and possibly details on the houses. The artist's signature, 'M. Chesney,' is visible in the bottom right corner. The canvas appears to be stretched and ready for display, with no immediate visible condition issues like tears, cracks, or significant abrasions. The overall impression is one of good craftsmanship, with careful attention to individual elements that contribute to the lively beach theme. The estimated age is contemporary, consistent with modern acrylic painting techniques.