PROPERTY OF A PROMINENT TEXAS COLLECTOR. KENNETH RILEY (American, b.1919). When the Going Gets Rough. Acrylic on mason...

Description

PROPERTY OF A PROMINENT TEXAS COLLECTOR

KENNETH RILEY (American, b.1919)
When the Going Gets Rough
Acrylic on masonite
24 x 36 inches (61.0 x 91.4 cm)
Signed lower right: Kenneth Riley

At the age of 91, Ken Riley is a direct link between the great Western artists of the late nineteenth century and the western artists of the contemporary scene. He has been a member of the Cowboy Artists of America since 1982 and has won many of that organizations most prestigious awards. He is one of only three artists to be presented with the Eiteljorg Award for Artistic excellence presented by the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in Indianapolis, Indiana. He has had retrospective exhibitions of his work there and also at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. His work with its distinctive style is sought by collectors throughout the country.

While enrolled as a full time student at the Art Students League in New York City, he attended evening classes under the tutelage of Harvey Dunn at Grand Central Art School and cites Dunn as one of the major influences on his development as an artist. After spending many years as a successful illustrator, Riley was commissioned by the U.S. Park Service to create several paintings of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. During that time, he decided to devote his work solely to western subjects. He said, "those trips convinced me that the West was where I wanted to live and work." He moved to Tucson, Arizona in 1973 and has made his home in Santa Barbara, California, in recent years.

His subjects delve into the history of the American West, particularly Native American culture, but his paintings are distinctly modern in appearance. He has a distinct sense of color and composition that give his works a mythical feeling. Some, such as When the Going Gets Rough, have a definite narrative feel to them; others are more highly stylized depictions of Native American life that have a timeless appeal. Whether telling an historical tale or focusing on symbolic elements in Western and Native culture, Riley brings a consummate skill to his work. Even at age 91, he paints on a daily basis and is still producing masterful studies of the West.

More information about Riley, Kenneth Pauling. See also: Kenneth Pauling Riley Artist.

*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.