Southwest Floral by Frank Howell (1980)

This is a fine art lithograph or mixed media work on paper by the renowned Southwest artist Frank Howell, dated 1980. The piece features Howell's signature ethereal and surrealist style, blending botanical elements with mystical human forms. Specifically, the composition displays a leafy branch where the central mass of leaves and shadows morphs into stylized, stacked faces or spirits with flowing, smoke-like hair. The artwork is characterized by a monochromatic or limited palette of muted greys, blacks, and soft greens, creating a dreamlike quality. It is executed on high-quality deckle-edged paper, which is float-mounted inside a professional mat to showcase the uneven edges of the support. The craftsmanship is evident in the fine, rhythmic line work and the smooth gradients of the shading. In the lower right corner, there appears to be a pencil signature and date ('Frank Howell 1980'). The piece is housed in a contemporary silver-toned metallic frame behind glass. It appears to be in excellent condition with no visible foxing, yellowing, or paper waviness, though the frame shows standard light reflections. The style is quintessential Contemporary Southwest Art from the late 20th century, focusing on the spiritual connection between nature and humanity.