Modernist Floral Still Life Watercolor Anemones and Apples by Evangeline Smedley in Custom Shadow Box Frame 1986

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Modernist Floral Still Life Watercolor Anemones and Apples by Evangeline Smedley in Custom Shadow Box Frame 1986

This striking original … Read more Modernist Floral Still Life Watercolor Anemones and Apples by Evangeline Smedley in Custom Shadow Box Frame 1986

This striking original watercolor by celebrated Oregon artist Evangeline Herrera Smedley offers a sophisticated blend of modernist form and vibrant expressionist color. Painted in 1986, the composition features a lush bouquet of jewel-toned anemones and poppies balanced by earthy vessels and ripe fruit. Smedley’s masterful use of wet-on-wet technique creates an aqueous, high-contrast visual field where deep indigo and scarlet pigments pop against warm amber and neutral washes. The artwork is expertly displayed in a contemporary shadow box frame that adds significant architectural depth, allowing the organic textures of the watercolor paper to stand out as a focal point. This piece is a quintessential example of late 20th-century American regionalism, capturing the essence of the mid-century aesthetic with a bold and updated 1980s perspective.

About the Artist
Evangeline Herrera Smedley (1936-2016) was a highly respected member of the Pacific Northwest artistic community and a long-time contributor to the Watercolor Society of Oregon. Based in the scenic landscapes of the West Coast, Smedley developed a signature style characterized by its fearless color stories and fluid, modernist interpretations of traditional still-life subjects. Her work is held in numerous private and regional collections and is appreciated for its ability to bridge the gap between classical botanical study and abstract expressionism. Smedley’s legacy as a modernist watercolorist continues to grow, with her mid- to late-century works becoming increasingly sought after for their timeless decorative appeal and technical prowess.

Historical Significance
Produced during the mid-1980s, this painting reflects a resurgence of modernist interest in the United States, where artists sought to simplify forms into their most essential and emotive elements. While the piece was created toward the end of the century, it maintains the minimalist sensibilities of the Mid-Century Modern movement, which heavily influenced West Coast art schools. This specific work serves as a vital record of the vibrant watercolor tradition in Oregon, highlighting the region's unique contribution to the American Modernist movement. It represents a bridge between post-war abstraction and the late 20th-century "back to nature" movement.

Framing and Presentation
One of the standout features of this listing is the professional shadow box framing. Unlike traditional flat framing, the shadow box creates a gallery-style three-dimensional effect that draws the eye inward and highlights the "deckled" edges or texture of the watercolor paper. This presentation style is a favorite among interior designers as it transforms a simple work on paper into a substantial architectural object that holds its own on a large gallery wall.

Specifications and Dimensions
Artist: Evangeline Herrera Smedley (American, 1936-2016)
Title: Floral Still Life with Anemones and Apples
Year: 1986
Medium: Original Watercolor on Paper
Frame Type: Modern Shadow Box with Natural Wood Tones
Sight Size: 10 inches high by 14 inches wide
Framed Size: 12.5 inches high by 17 inches wide

Condition Report
This vintage watercolor is in excellent original condition with the pigments remaining bright and well-preserved. There is no evidence of fading, foxing, or water damage to the paper. The signature and date in the lower right corner are clear and legible. The custom shadow box frame is sturdy and structurally sound, showing only very minor surface wear consistent with age and careful handling. The backing is professionally finished and ready for immediate installation.

Designers Note
For the modern interior, this Smedley watercolor is a masterclass in color balance. The deep blues and vivid reds are perfectly suited to a neutral-palette space that needs a sophisticated "pop" of energy. Consider placing this in a library, a high-end kitchen nook, or as part of an eclectic gallery wall alongside vintage oils and modern photography. The shadow box frame allows the piece to transition seamlessly between a minimalist Scandinavian-style home and a more layered, boho-chic environment.

Owning an original Evangeline Smedley is more than just a decorative choice—it is an investment in the rich heritage of American watercolor. This 1986 still life is a vibrant, soulful work that brings the beauty of the natural world indoors with a refined, modernist edge. Whether you are a collector of Northwest regional art or simply looking for a statement piece with impeccable framing, this floral watercolor is a perfect selection for your collection. See less