Folk Art Paintings Redux

I had to share this lovely folk art landscape I came across on Ruby Lane. Seller Yesterday's Treasures offers this gem (circa 1919) for quite a reasonable price, too:



I adore the naive style and the attention to detail -- note the stars on the barn!

At the other end of the price scale, Jeff Bridgman Antiques offers this outrageous folk art portrait of a prize bull:



I love the simple composition and that cerulean blue sky. And nothing pleases me more than seeing a primitive-style painting framed in gold leaf!

Michael Banks Florals

Folk artist Michael Banks is a major talent. He also has a compelling personal story which informs his art: a life spent battling poverty, depression and other demons.

While he's better known for his figural works, I admire his florals just as much. This painting, "Early Spring", is currently offered at Oliver's Southern Folk Art:



Apparently, Banks uses a tar undercoat in his paintings. I like how it gives his still lifes a palpable intensity. Here's another, "Swingers", from American Folk Art and Framing:



I can't wait to see more from him!

Folksy Cats and Dogs

Does it get any cuter than this antique folk painting of a kitty, courtesy Domenick Antiques? I love how it manages to combine silhouette technique with a form that's primitive, yet strangely modern.



Halloween's coming, and this would be perfect with your holiday decor.

Next question: Does is get any more endearing than this 19th Century framed advertising print of a bulldog? According to Oh Antiques, this guy used to promote The Old Bushmills Distellery Company.



Look at that face. I want to take him home with me. Can I keep him? Please?

Dish Me Up Some Cornbread

I'm please to report that I just purchased my first John "Cornbread" Anderson folk painting: A black spotted guinea hen, one of the artist's favorite motifs. A red version is currently for sale at Oliver's Southern Folk Art:



The way Cornbread simplifies and stylizes animal forms calls to mind another one of my favorite artists, the mod-minimalist Charles Harper:



While Harper's style is pure-mid-Century and Cornbread's is pure folk, they share an affinity for simple color schemes and a real affection for their wildlife subjects. Here's another favorite Cornbread motif, the bluebird, courtesy Southern Visionary Art:



But don't buy this sneaky racoon, please . . .



. . . I want him for myself.