Betty Pendley Appraisal

Vintage Pastel Floral Still Life by Betty Pendley

This item is a mid-century floral still life executed in pastel on paper, featuring a vibrant arrangement of roses—in shades of red, white, and yellow—housed in a bulbous blue glass vase. The artwork is set against a soft, blended background of lavender and ochre tones. It is presented in a distinctive oblong, octagonal-shaped wooden frame with rounded corners. The frame features a dark faux-burl or tortoise-shell finish with gilded inner and outer piping, accented by four decorative molded floral medallions on each flat side. The artwork is signed in the lower right corner 'Betty Pendley'. Physically, the piece measures approximately 12 by 18 inches. The use of pastel is characterized by soft blending and visible layering of pigment to create volume in the rose petals and highlights on the blue vase. The condition appears to be good for its age, though there is visible surface glare from the glass coating. The frame displays minor age-appropriate wear, including small scuffs and a slight dulling of the gilt accents. The style is indicative of American 20th-century decorative art, likely dating from the 1940s to 1960s. The craftsmanship of the frame is a highlights, suggesting a specialized manufacturing process typical of mid-century home décor retailers. The signature is clear and legible, providing a path for further genealogical or regional artist research.