Coastal Seascape Painting Attributed To Orville De Silva Appraisal

Coastal Seascape Painting attributed to Orville De Silva

This item is a large-format panoramic oil painting on canvas, likely measuring approximately 48 to 60 inches in width. The artwork depicts a serene coastal scene at either dawn or dusk, characterized by a luminous, hazy sky reflecting off the surface of a calm bay. Several small fishing dories or boats with figures are scattered across the mid-ground, providing a sense of human scale and activity. To the right, a dark, precipitous rocky cliff face serves as a compositional anchor. The color palette is dominated by muted blues, teals, and soft yellows, indicative of a romanticized or late impressionistic style. The brushwork is particularly skilled in the handling of light on the water's surface, creating a shimmering effect. The painting is housed in a wide, rustic wooden frame with a weathered or whitewashed finish that complements the maritime theme. A small brass nameplate is visible at the bottom center of the frame, which, according to the provided context, likely reads 'De Silva'. Orville De Silva (American, 1910-1991) was known for his California and coastal landscapes; this piece exhibits the high quality of light and atmospheric perspective associated with mid-20th-century American regionalist maritime art. The condition appears stable, though there is a slight darkening toward the edges, possibly from age-related surface accumulation or varnish maturation. No significant tears or paint loss are visible from this distance, though the frame shows intentional distressing consistent with its style.