Morris Katz Painting Appraisal

Morris Katz Landscape Painting (1984)

This item is an original oil painting by Morris Katz, dated 1984, depicting a landscape scene. The painting features a prominent, bare tree with twisted branches in the foreground, rendered with significant impasto, suggesting a textured application of paint characteristic of Katz's style, often referred to as 'palette knife' or 'toilet paper' painting due to his unconventional techniques. The colors are predominantly earthy tones: browns, creams, and dark grays, suggesting an autumn or winter scene. To the right of the central tree, a small, rustic cabin or dwelling is situated on a rolling hill, also painted with heavy impasto that gives it a three-dimensional quality. A light-colored sky with some faint variations in tone serves as the backdrop, with a few dark, indistinct bird-like shapes in flight. The painting is housed within a dark, possibly wooden, frame that exhibits a somewhat irregular or carved texture, contributing to its rustic aesthetic. The artist's signature, "Morris Katz," and the year "1984" are clearly visible in the lower right corner. The condition appears to be relatively good, with no obvious signs of significant damage, though some light wear consistent with its age might be present on the frame. The heavy impasto creates a unique visual and tactile experience, where the paint itself becomes a sculptural element. The craftsmanship is distinctive, following Katz's known rapid-painting technique and bold application.