Forest Path Painting Appraisal

Douglas Johnson Watercolor Landscape: Forest Path

This item is a framed watercolor painting on paper, depicting a lush forest landscape, likely by artist Douglas Johnson, who is noted to be MICA trained. The artwork itself features a central pathway or clearing, flanked by numerous tall evergreen trees with a mix of lighter deciduous foliage, suggesting either autumn or areas of new growth. The color palette primarily consists of greens, browns, and ochres for the trees and ground, with hints of blue in what appears to be a stream or reflective surface on the path. A soft, warm reddish-brown hue forms the background, possibly indicating distant hills or a sunset/sunrise glow. The artistic style is impressionistic, with loose brushstrokes and a vibrant use of color, characteristic of watercolor painting, capturing the essence of a natural scene rather than precise detail. The paper upon which the watercolor is executed appears to be white or off-white, with no visible discoloration or foxing. The painting is housed within a multi-layered framing system. Directly around the artwork is a thin, gold-colored inner frame or fillet, followed by a wide, neutral-toned mat board, likely gray or taupe in color, which provides ample negative space around the artwork, enhancing its presentation. The outermost frame is a substantial, ornate gilded frame with a subtle, distressed or aged finish, adding a classical touch. The frame's profile appears to be a stepped or coved design, contributing to its aesthetic depth. Given the information that the artwork was purchased directly from the artist and is in 'excellent condition,' it suggests minimal if any, visible wear, damage, or repairs to both the artwork and the framing materials. No discernible artist's signature or specific markings are visible in the provided image, but the information provided attributes it to Douglas Johnson. The style is contemporary, likely from the latter half of the 20th century or early 21st century, consistent with a MICA-trained artist.