Mid-Century Modern Abstract Mixed Media Painting by J. Burke (1962)

This is an original abstract mixed media composition on paper, housed in a contemporary thin-profile light wood frame with a white overmantel mat. The artwork is dominated by a vibrant, textured orange background created through a layering of pigments and a splatter or stippling technique. Superimposed onto this warm ground are various gestural markings in black, grey, white, and a distinct line of blue vertical hatch marks on the right side. The application of paint suggests a combination of gouache, ink, and perhaps pastel, creating a complex surface with significant kinetic energy. In the lower-center foreground, there is a visible signature that appears to read 'J. Burke' followed by the date '62', situating the piece in the early 1960s Modernist tradition. The composition utilizes a sophisticated balance of organic forms and geometric linework, indicative of the gestural abstraction movement. In terms of condition, the paper shows slight rippling (cockling), which is common for media-heavy works on paper from this era; however, the colors remain saturated and well-preserved behind the glass. The framing appears to be of high quality and more recent than the art itself, providing a clean, professional presentation. The craftsmanship is evident in the controlled randomness of the splatters and the deliberate weight of the black brushstrokes, showcasing a confident hand typical of mid-century academic art.