Desert Art Appraisal

Arizona Desert Landscape Oil Painting by Suzanne Dempsey

This is an original oil painting on primed wood, measuring approximately 9 inches in height, 12 inches in width, and 1 inch in depth. The artwork depicts a vibrant Arizona desert landscape, characterized by towering Saguaro cacti in the foreground and rugged, angular rock formations in the mid-ground. The sky above is a clear, light blue, punctuated by fluffy white cumulus clouds, rendered with distinct impasto brushstrokes that give them a palpable texture. The color palette of the painting is predominantly earthy, featuring varied shades of green for the cacti and distant foliage, warm ochres, oranges, and browns for the rock formations and arid ground, and golden yellows for the desert grasses and shrubs. The brushwork throughout the piece is expressive and visible, particularly in the textured clouds and the body of the cacti, indicating a technique that emphasizes the physicality of the paint. The painting is signed by the artist 'Suzanne Dempsey' in the lower right corner, though the signature is somewhat faint. There are no immediately apparent signs of significant damage, repairs, or unusual wear, suggesting good overall condition. The style appears to be a contemporary take on landscape art, possibly from the late 20th or early 21st century, demonstrating a keen observation of natural light and form typical of desert plein air painting. The use of primed wood as a substrate is durable and typically contributes to the longevity of the artwork. The craftsmanship is evident in the confident application of paint and the balanced composition, indicating an artist with a solid understanding of color and form.