1993 Signed Abstract Expressionist “Pebble Beach” Mixed Media Painting

“Pebble Beach,” an expressive abstract mixed-media painting on paper, signed by the artist and dated 1993.

This dynamic composition interprets the celebrated California coastal landscape of Pebble Beach through a distinctly abstract vocabulary of sweeping brushwork, geometric planes, layered pigment and richly textured surfaces.

Rather than depicting the coastline literally, the artist reduces the landscape to an energetic arrangement of color and movement. Saturated cobalt and cerulean blues, ochre, golden yellow, burgundy, rust, black, cream and atmospheric blue-gray intersect across the composition, suggesting water, rock formations, changing coastal light and the dramatic geography of California's Monterey Peninsula.

Particularly compelling are the contrasting surface treatments. Softly blended passages are juxtaposed against heavily worked areas of opaque pigment, dry brushwork, stippling and scraped or textured applications, giving the work considerable depth when viewed at close range. Strong diagonal forms provide an architectural framework while looser gestural passages soften the composition.

The painting is signed and dated '93 at the lower right and additionally titled “PEBBLE BEACH” on the reverse. The artist's signature has not presently been conclusively identified; accordingly, the work is offered as a signed 1993 painting without an unsupported artist attribution.

The composition reflects the continuing influence of postwar Abstract Expressionism, lyrical abstraction and California modernism during the late 20th century. Its combination of gestural painting and structured fields of color recalls aspects of the work of Richard Diebenkorn, Helen Frankenthaler, Joan Mitchell, Sam Francis, Hans Hofmann and Nicolas de Staël. These artists are referenced solely for stylistic and art-historical context; the present painting is not attributed to them.

Pebble Beach and the greater Carmel/Monterey region have a long history of attracting American artists. Works depicting Pebble Beach and nearby Bird Rock from the late 20th century continue to appear in the 1stDibs market, including paintings by Carmel-area artists such as Edward Glafke.

With its sophisticated palette and substantial visual presence, Pebble Beach would work particularly well in a Mid-Century Modern, contemporary, organic modern, California modernist or coastal interior. It would be equally effective above a console, credenza or sofa, or incorporated into a residential, hospitality or corporate art collection.

Signed: Lower right
Dated: 1993
Title: Pebble Beach, inscribed verso
Medium: Mixed media on paper
Sheet: 18 in. H × 26.25 in. W
Overall with mat: 22 3/8 in. H × 30 in. W
Presentation: Unframed; currently mounted/matted

Condition is consistent with age and use. The mat shows areas of wear and age. The reverse of the sheet exhibits toning and traces of pigment/transfer associated with the artist's working process. Please refer to the detailed photographs.