Hunt Slonem Butterfly Painting Appraisal

Butterfly Painting by Hunt Slonem

This is an original painting by contemporary artist Hunt Slonem, featuring a vibrant composition of numerous butterflies against a textured background. The artwork measures approximately 60x70 inches, as indicated by the provided context. The physical characteristics reveal a canvas medium, likely oil or acrylic paints, given the impasto technique visible, especially in the background and on some butterfly wings. The background is predominantly light brown or beige, heavily textured with distinct vertical and horizontal brushstrokes, creating a woven or basket-weave effect. Underlying hints of pinks and reds are interspersed within the background texture, adding depth and warmth. The butterflies are rendered in various sizes and orientations, scattered across the canvas in a seemingly random yet balanced arrangement. Their colors are diverse, including shades of yellow, pink, blue, red, green, and brown, often with contrasting highlights or patterns on their wings, such as stripes. The painting exhibits Slonem's characteristic 'Neo-Expressionist' style, known for its repetitive motifs of animals, loose brushwork, and vivid color palettes. The brushstrokes are bold and energetic, contributing to the overall dynamic feel of the piece. The edges of the canvas appear to be contained within a slim, light-colored frame, possibly wood or metal, which minimally impacts the artwork's visual field. No obvious condition issues like tears, significant scratches, or repairs are discernible from the image, suggesting good overall preservation. The impasto texture itself provides a sculptural quality to the paint application. The artwork embodies a modern art sensibility, reflecting an estimated age within the contemporary period (late 20th to early 21st century), consistent with Hunt Slonem's active career. The quality of craftsmanship is indicated by the consistent application of paint and the recognizable artistic signature of Slonem's style.