Canadian Fine Art Auction

November 20, 2017

LOT 80

Lot 80

GORDON APPELBE SMITH, R.C.A.

GORDON APPELBE SMITH, R.C.A.
Lot 80 Details
GORDON APPELBE SMITH, R.C.A.

UNTITLED

acrylic on canvas
signed; inscribed “Jan 75 B-10” on the stretcher
25 ins x 38 ins; 92.7 cms x 61 cms

Estimate $6,000-$8,000

Realised: $13,750
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
GORDON APPELBE SMITH, R.C.A.
  • GORDON APPELBE SMITH, R.C.A.
  • GORDON APPELBE SMITH, R.C.A.
Provenance:

Private Collection, British Columbia

Literature:

Ian M. Thom, Gordon Smith: The Act of Painting, Douglas & McIntyre, Vancouver and Toronto, 1997, pages 22-23.

Note:

Building upon the geometric tendencies of his previous work, Gordon Smith’s (b.1919) paintings from the 1970s are inspired by his walks along west coast beaches. In these works, he pictures a simplified landscape view through blocked sections, visible brushstrokes and layered paint to suggest the play of light and shadow, despite emphasizing the flatness of the picture plane. This lot epitomizes this semi-abstract aesthetic, where the horizontal bands, textured surfaces and treatment of paint doubly suggest a seawall landscape while also accentuating his contemplation with the formal issues of painting itself. Smith’s work at this time conforms to his mandate of “abstraction going towards nature rather than nature going towards abstraction”, which views the act and fact of paint on canvas, rather than the subject matter, with greater importance.

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 80
×

About Condition Ratings

  • 5 Stars: Excellent - No discernable damage, flaws or imperfections
  • 4 Stars: Very Good - Minor flaws or imperfections visible only under close inspection using specialised instruments or black light
  • 3 Stars: Good - Minor flaws visible upon inspection under standard lighting
  • 2 Stars: Fair - Exhibits flaws or damage that may draw the eye under standard lighting
  • 1 Star: Poor - Flaws or damage immediately apparent under standard lighting (examples: missing components, rips, broken glass, damaged surfaces, etc.)

Note: Condition ratings and condition details are the subjective opinions of our specialists and should be used as a guide only. Waddington’s uses due care when preparing condition details, however, our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. Condition details and reports are not warranties and each lot is sold “as is” in accordance with the buyer’s terms and conditions of sale. In all cases the prospective purchaser is responsible for inspecting the property themselves prior to placing a bid.