Signed and dated lower left: Hulings / 1974

Owens Gallery, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Kathleen and Eugene Monroe, Scottsdale, Arizona, acquired from the above; Estate of the above.

Clark Hulings (American, 1922-2011) Amigos, 1974 Oil on Masonite 23-3/4 x 18 inches (60.3 x 45.7 cm) Signed and dated lower left: Hulings 1974 Property from the Estate of Kathleen and Eugene Monroe, Scottsdale, Arizona PROVENANCE: Owens Gallery, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Kathleen and Eugene Monroe, Scottsdale, Arizona, acquired from the above; Estate of the above. Clark Hulings was known for his masterful depictions of everyday life, particularly in rural and urban settings. His work resonates with a sense of vitality, capturing the beauty in the ordinary and often overlooked moments of human existence. Hulings' painting style is deeply rooted in traditional realism, and his ability to convey light, texture, and form has made him a distinguished figure in American art. Born in Florida, Hulings spent much of his early career as an illustrator before transitioning to fine art. He studied at the Art Students League of New York under prominent instructors such as George Bridgman and Frank Reilly, which helped shape his classical technique. While his early works were influenced by European masters, it was his travels through Mexico and Europe that truly defined his artistic voice. His experiences abroad exposed him to diverse landscapes and cultures, which became recurring subjects in his work. Hulings' paintings are particularly celebrated for their attention to detail and their emotive use of color. His subjects often include market scenes, rural villages, and the people who inhabit them. Hulings had a unique ability to capture the essence of a place, not just through its architecture or landscape, but by reflecting the mood, culture, and atmosphere. His paintings often evoke a sense of timelessness, as if they are both rooted in the past and present simultaneously. Hulings once said, "I paint what moves me emotionally, and I hope that the emotion will carry through to the viewer." This quote encapsulates his approach to painting: One driven by feeling and an intimate connection with his subject matter. His work transcends mere representation, inviting viewers to share in his emotional response to the scenes he depicted. Amigos, exemplifies Clark Hulings' mastery of realism and his deep connection to rural, often underrepresented subjects. The composition reflects the influence of 19th-century realist painters like Jean-François Millet, who celebrated peasant life and the dignity of labor. Hulings continues this tradition, focusing on the quiet interplay between a donkey and a dog against the backdrop of an adobe structure. His use of natural light and texture evokes the earthy tones of Spanish and Mexican landscapes, highlighting Hulings' fascination with these regions. The painting's attention to humble details exemplifies his broader ethos: finding beauty in the ordinary, rural life that resonates with timelessness and tranquility. The meticulous rendering of the adobe walls and the donkey's fur recalls the precision of earlier academic realism, while the composition's emotional subtlety positions Hulings within the tradition of modern American realists who capture the spirit of their time and place. HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

Under UV exam, there does not appear to be inpaint. Overall presents well with no visible issues to note. Framed Dimensions 31.5 X 25.5 Inches