S Dempsey Appraisal

Original Gouache Landscape Painting by S. Dempsey, March 2019

This is an original gouache landscape painting, measuring approximately 7 x 11 inches. The artwork depicts a vibrant and expressive natural scene primarily utilizing a palette of blues, greens, and browns. The upper portion of the painting is dominated by a dynamic sky filled with large, billowing white and grey clouds, set against a rich blue background, suggesting a dramatic weather condition or the light of a specific time of day. Below the sky, a verdant landscape unfolds, characterized by rolling hills and distant mountains rendered in varying shades of blue and green, indicating depth and perspective. A prominent feature on the right side is a large, dark green tree with lighter green and yellowish highlights, suggesting foliage catching the light. Two smaller, similar trees appear on the left. The foreground is rendered in earthy tones of brown and olive green, with visible brushstrokes creating texture and indicating terrain. A hint of sunlight, possibly a sunset or sunrise, can be seen in the distant horizon, casting a faint yellow glow. The painting exhibits bold and visible brushwork, characteristic of gouache, which allows for opaque layers and a somewhat matte finish. It is executed on white paper, possibly watercolor paper, which frames the painted area on all four sides with an unpainted border. The condition appears to be excellent with no visible damage, creasing, or significant wear. The reverse side is noted to be signed by 'S. Dempsey' and dated 'March 2019', with an additional inscription indicating it is the artist's 'very first gouache', adding a unique provenance to the piece. The expressive style and visible brushwork suggest a contemporary approach, aligning with its 2019 creation date. The quality of craftsmanship is indicative of an artist exploring a new medium, with a strong grasp of color and composition to convey a naturalistic scene.