Oil on canvas panel, signed at lower right, presented in a period frame.

Panel 16 x 20 in.; Frame dimensions 24 x 28 in.

Frank Joseph Vavra was born in St. Paul, Nebraska and grew up in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He was interested in art from a young age and received encouragement from his family in pursuing his interest and talents.

After being seriously wounded in battle during WWI, Vavra met a student of Claude Monet's named Pillan. Their camaraderie during Vavra's convalescence cemented his desire to focus on the study of art.

After returning to the United States, Vavra enrolled in the Denver Art Academy. By 1929 he had built interest in his paintings and decided to leave the city and settle in a more remote area. He and his family purchased a home near Bailey, Colorado where he built a studio and was able to paint full time. He is best known for his impressionist landscapes of the American Southwest.

Light surface abrasion to sky at upper left corner and in tree at lower right.

$1,000 - 2,000