PROPERTY OF A PROMINENT TEXAS COLLECTOR. HARVEY WILLIAM JOHNSON (American, 1921-2005). Trackin' Arapahos, 1976. Oil on...

Description

PROPERTY OF A PROMINENT TEXAS COLLECTOR

HARVEY WILLIAM JOHNSON (American, 1921-2005)
Trackin' Arapahos, 1976
Oil on canvas laid on masonite
20 x 30 inches (50.8 x 76.2 cm)
Signed and dated lower right: HW Johnson CA / '76

Harvey W. Johnson grew up in an artistic family; both his mother and father attended the Art Student's League in New York and were successful artists. Johnson followed in their footsteps, enrolling in the Art Student's League following a stint in the Army during World War II. Upon graduation, he entered the commercial illustration field and was often given assignments that allowed him to further his study of American history, particularly the history of the fur trade and early western exploration. In addition to working as a magazine illustrator, Johnson spent nineteen years as a faculty member of the Famous Artists School in Connecticut, where he worked alongside his friend and mentor, Harold Von Schmidt. After reading a magazine article about a small group of artists who had recently begun a new organization devoted to American Western Art, Johnson wrote to one of the founders, Johnny Hampton, inquiring about the rules of membership. Hampton not only invited him to join the Cowboy Artists of America (CAA), but also asked him to participate in the group's first exhibition at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame. Johnson continued his membership in the CAA for the rest of his career and was an emeritus member upon his death in 2004.

Although he painted many different western subjects from a wide variety of historic periods, he specialized in the period of the fur trade during the early part of the nineteenth century. Trackin' Arapahos is an excellent example of his talent as both artist and western historian.

*Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report. Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and shall not be liable for any damage/scratches to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or art that has slipped in frames. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.