Original Mixed Media Painting of a Fender Bass Guitar by Dale Haessly

This is a large-scale original mixed media painting on canvas, measuring approximately 100 x 70 cm, created by the artist Dale Haessly. The composition is a dynamic, music-themed collage featuring a central electric bass guitar positioned diagonally across the frame. The guitar appears to have three-dimensional qualities, suggesting an assemblage or heavy impasto technique. In the background, three vintage-style amplifiers (bearing 'Fender' style script) are depicted in shades of blue and black. The scene transitions into a hazy, impressionistic crowd of concert-goers at the bottom, with a drum kit visible on a distant stage under spotlights. A classic silver vocal microphone and a martini glass are positioned at the top left and right, adding to the rock-and-roll lounge aesthetic. The color palette is dominated by cool blues, grays, and whites, contrasted by the warm wood tones of the bass guitar. The brushwork is expressive and fluid, particularly in the rendering of the crowd and stage lighting. The condition appears sound with no visible tears or significant pigment loss, though there is a natural texture inherent to the artist’s multi-layered style. This contemporary piece likely dates to the late 20th or early 21st century, showcasing a blend of pop art and figurative expressionism.

Based on my visual examination of this large-scale (100x70 cm) mixed media painting by Dale Haessly, I have assessed its value within the contemporary decorative art market. The work exhibits Haessly’s signature 'rock-and-roll lounge' aesthetic, combining high-relief assemblage elements—specifically the three-dimensional rendering of the Fender-style bass—with expressive, atmospheric brushwork. The condition appears to be excellent; the structural integrity of the heavy impasto and affixed elements shows no signs of detachment or cracking, which is a common risk with multi-layered mixed media. The color saturation remains vibrant, suggesting it has been stored in a UV-protected environment. Market demand for Haessly’s music-themed pieces remains steady among collectors of pop-expressionism, particularly those focusing on Americana and mid-century musical iconography. While smaller prints or lithographs of similar themes trade at lower price points, an original work of this scale and tactile complexity commands a premium. However, a significant limitation of this appraisal is the inability to physically inspect the substrate and the adhesive bonds used for the three-dimensional components. For definitive authentication and a full professional valuation, an in-person examination is required to verify the artist's signature technique and provenance. Documentation such as a gallery bill of sale or a certificate of authenticity from the artist's estate would further solidify its market position. Without physical inspection, I cannot confirm the absence of microscopic restoration or chemical stability of the pigments used.