Outdoor Sports Illustration Appraisal

Skiing Illustration/Print by John R. Williams

This item is likely a print or illustration, depicting a vibrant and dynamic skiing scene. The central focus is a bust-length portrait of a male skier, rendered in a painterly style with visible brushstrokes, suggesting watercolor or gouache. His complexion is ruddy, indicative of exposure to the cold, and his blue eyes gaze upward and slightly to the right. He wears a blue balaclava or ski hat, and a red scarf. His hair, visible beneath the hat, is light in color. In the background, to the right, a smaller, full-body depiction of a skier is shown actively skiing downhill, dressed in a red jacket and blue pants, demonstrating motion and speed. The composition utilizes broad strokes of bright yellow, possibly representing sunlight or abstract background elements, which contrasts effectively with the blues and reds of the skiers' attire. The artwork displays a signature 'JRW' or similar in the lower left corner, signifying the artist John R. Williams. Below the main image, centered, there is text that reads 'JOHN R. WILLIAMS' and a copyright notice 'copyright 1980 by john r. williams, all rights reserved'. The print appears to be on a white, smooth paper or cardstock. The overall condition seems good with no visible creases, tears, or significant discoloration. The crispness of the colors suggests it is well-preserved. The style is characteristic of mid-to-late 20th-century sports illustration, focusing on athletic figures with a sense of energy and realism combined with artistic flair. The quality of the reproduction appears high, with good color saturation indicating a potentially professional print run.