Mining Scene Watercolor Painting Appraisal

Ray Boynton, 'Mining Scene' Watercolor Painting

This item is a framed watercolor painting by Ray Boynton, titled 'Mining Scene'. The artwork depicts a rustic, perhaps underground, setting populated by figures and machinery associated with mining. On the left side of the composition, a large brown horse, possibly a pit pony, is depicted, harnessed and seemingly at work, with what appear to be stacked mining carts or supports. In the center, a figure wearing a yellow jacket, purple trousers, and a black hat or helmet is shown actively engaged in mining tasks, possibly wielding a pickaxe. To the right, another figure, dressed in a red shirt and blue trousers, operates what appears to be part of a conveyor system or machinery for processing mined materials, with a teal-colored hopper or container visible. The background features structural elements like columns, beams, and what could be rock formations or tunnels, along with ladders. The overall style is somewhat illustrative or naive, characterized by distinct outlines and flat areas of color. The colors are muted, primarily earth tones and pastels, indicative of watercolor medium. The painting is housed in a simple, slim wooden frame, likely stained a light to medium brown. The visible condition suggests some age, with potential discoloration or foxing on the watercolor paper, which is common for older artworks. The signature 'Ray Boynton' is discernible in the upper right corner. The craftsmanship appears to be typical of a skilled artist working in the watercolor medium, with attention to detail in the industrial and animal elements. The estimated age, given the context of Ray Boynton's career, could place it in the mid-20th century.