Lot 67258: TOM LEA (American, 1907-2001) Santa Elena Canyon,

TOM LEA (American, 1907-2001) Santa Elena Canyon, Big Bend, 1994 Pastel on paper 25-1/4 x 19-1/4 inches (64.1 x 48.9 cm) Signed and dated lower left: Tom Lea / 94 PROVENANCE: Adair Margo Gallery, El Paso (label verso). El Paso painter Tom Lea is most associated with his nostalgic paintings of cowboys and ranch life based on childhood memories. However, his most innovative work dates to the 1930s, stylized magazine illustrations and murals for WPA libraries and post offices. Santa Elena Canyon, Big Bend employs the same Cubist and Art Deco vocabulary of this earlier period: the fractured earth-toned planes of the canyon walls rise precipitously from the base of a zigzag riverbed, evoking the awesomeness of the West Texas landscape. Following a stint in World War II documenting battles for Life magazine, Lea returned to El Paso, where he became noted for his paintings and books on the cattle industry.

Excellent condition.