Southwest Collage Appraisal

Ellen Ward Southwestern Landscape Collage

This is a framed nature collage by Ellen Ward, measuring 30 by 24 inches. The artwork depicts a panoramic Southwestern landscape, characterized by muted earth tones and a tactile, three-dimensional quality derived from the collage technique. The primary colors appear to be various shades of brown, tan, beige, and a grayish-purple, evoking the arid environment of the American Southwest. The composition prominently features what appear to be adobe or pueblo-style structures nestled within a rugged, mountainous terrain under a cloudy or overcast sky. Various desert flora, including possibly cacti, shrubs, and bare trees, are scattered throughout the foreground and mid-ground. The texture is a key feature, as the collage elements—likely natural materials such as dried plant matter, pressed leaves, or possibly paper and fabric cutouts—are layered to create depth and shadow, especially noticeable in the depiction of the mountains, buildings, and ground cover. The entire artwork is housed in a simple, rectangular wooden frame with a light to medium brown stain and a visible wood grain, consistent with a rustic or traditional style. The frame appears to have a slight bevel or inner trim that creates a clean border around the artwork. The condition appears good, with no obvious signs of significant damage like tears, fading, or detachment of collage elements visible in the provided image. The overall impression suggests a folk art or outsider art aesthetic, possibly dating from the mid to late 20th century given the style of the frame and the subject matter's enduring popularity. The craftsmanship is evident in the careful arrangement and layering of materials to achieve a cohesive and visually interesting scene.