Frank Baker, “Llanthony Abbey, Wales”, c1925

Frank Baker (1873-1941)—a Brighton based artist; see a selection of Baker’s watercolours showcased by Mutual Arts Auctions: https://www.mutualart.com/Artist/Frank-Baker/D4EFFD464FBDC81F/Artworks. I understand that the Noel Gregory Gallery in Buckinghamshire (South East England) held a retrospective exhibition of his work in the 1980s.

“Llanthony Abbey, Wales”, c1925, an unsigned watercolour, with a blind embossed stamp at lower right (not in Lugt), purchased from a folio of Baker’s watercolours.

Watercolour on heavy buff coloured paper.

Size: (uneven sheet) 28.5 x 39 cm.

Condition: the upper edge of the sheet is unevenly torn and the watercolour extends to the sides of the sheet on the left and lower edge. The lower left corner is abraded and there is a fold on the margin or the right side. Beyond scattered minor foxing and possibly age toning, the sheet is in a good condition with no tears, holes or significant stains.

This painting is a fine example of the traditional two-stage approach to watercolour in which an initial layer of grey (grisaille) washes establishes the fundamental tones of the landscape and a second layer of local colours are overlaid to give richness and depth. I am selling this rock-solid watercolour that (to my eyes) captures the air of contemplative calmness appropriate to the 900-year-old abbey ruins in the Vale of Ewyas shadowed by the Black Mountains, for AU$284 (approximately US$184.83, EUR 161.79 or GBP 136.21), including express mail shipping worldwide. Import duties, if any, are the responsibility of the buyer.

If you are interested in purchasing this beautiful watercolour, please contact me (oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com) and I will send you a PayPal invoice to make the payment easy.