A very large circa 1970 original oil painting on canvas titled “Mountains” by noted American pop art and abstract expressionist artist Eddie “TaoGaea” Powell.
A loose yet evocative sepia-toned rendering of a mountainous western landscape, majestic in both subject and size. Comprised of minimal colors—umber, sienna, yellow, and white—against a light beige ground, with dynamism and depth conveyed via varied brushstrokes, densities, and drips. Paint is intentionally applied thinly enough in places to barely reveal the artist’s underlying pencil sketch lines, which rewards those who move in for a closer look.
Unsigned, which was typical of the Powell’s paintings from this period. In original wood frame with brass trim. On verso affixed to stretcher is a paper label reading “TaoGaea — A Step Further Into Art”, with the title “Mountains” written in pen; to its left is stamped “Copyright TaoGaea”.
Eddie Powell was born in Lubbock, Texas of Comanche-Welsh heritage. TaoGaea is the name he signed to his earlier works in honor of his children: his son Tao and daughter Gaea. “Tao” is an early Chinese philosophy term meaning “the way”, and “Gaea” is the Earth goddess from Greek mythology.
After relocating to California in the 1960s, his pop art aesthetic captured the zeitgeist, and he was commissioned to create original works by numerous celebrities, including Bob Dylan, Elvis, Frank Sinatra, and Barbra Streisand. Besides Texas and California, he also spent time in Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah drawing inspiration from the land, and sometimes using its organic materials to impart authentic Southwest colors and textures to his abstract expressionist work. It’s possible that the wonderfully earthy piece offered here bears evidence of that.
Dimensions:
Height: 37.13 in
Width: 37.13 in
Depth: 1.5 in
Condition: Good
Wear consistent with age and use. Art: In handsome condition for its age/size; no dimples/signs of damage; some mostly light dirt marks in all four corners, possibly correctible but leaving to buyer’s discretion. Frame: Presents ok, but shows some wear; refresh would benefit the art.