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Martin Saldana
Small Nude 20th Century Brightly Colored Figurative Oil Painting Folk Art

20th Century

About the Item

This vibrant, semi-abstract oil painting titled Small Nude is a striking example of Martin Saldaña's unique artistic style. Signed by the artist, this mid-century piece features a playful, whimsical depiction of a female form surrounded by birds and flowers. Measuring 28 ½ x 22 ½ inches framed, with an image size of 20 ½ x 17 ¾ inches, this artwork exemplifies Saldaña's colorful palette and his deep connection to his Mexican heritage. About the Artist: Martin Saldaña (1874–1965) was born in Mexico and became a self-taught artist known for his whimsical, folk art-inspired works. After moving to Denver, Colorado, in his later years, Saldaña attended children's art classes at the Denver Art Museum in 1950, at the age of 76. Over the next 15 years, he created a prolific body of work, often drawing inspiration from his childhood memories of ranch life in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. His paintings, often featuring animals, landscapes, and geometric forms, are characterized by a childlike innocence and a bold, colorful palette. Saldaña's work is considered a prime example of outsider art, as he painted with a simplicity and directness that is deeply personal. His pieces, often showcasing vivid geometric shapes and inspired by his Mexican heritage, are both nostalgic and endearing.
  • Creator:
    Martin Saldana (1874 - 1965, Mexican)
  • Creation Year:
    20th Century
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 28.5 in (72.39 cm)Width: 22.5 in (57.15 cm)Depth: 0.75 in (1.91 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Framing:
    Frame Included
    Framing Options Available
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    Denver, CO
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 261251stDibs: LU27312297762

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"Lovely Gal" is a charming oil on board painting by Martin Saldaña (1874-1965), a self-taught outsider artist known for his vibrant, whimsical depictions of childhood memories and rural life. This semi-abstract figurative work features a colorful palette of bold hues, with flowers and birds that reflect Saldaña's deep connection to nature and his Mexican heritage. The painting is presented in a custom frame with outer dimensions of 30 ¾ x 25 ⅜ x 1 ⅝ inches, and the image size is 24 ½ x 19 ⅛ inches. About the Artist: Martin Saldaña was born in 1874 at Rancho Neuvo, Mexico, and led a modest life, working as a cook at Denver's iconic Brown Palace Hotel. At the age of 76, Saldaña began attending children’s art classes at the Denver Art Museum, sparking a late-blooming artistic career. Over the next 15 years, he vividly captured memories of his childhood in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, focusing on ranch life, landscapes, and his love for animals. Saldaña's work is noted for its bold, geometric figures and vibrant colors, often evoking the influence of Mexican tapestries. His paintings are considered to be naïve and folk art, characterized by their simple, direct, and highly personal style. Saldaña's prolific output—creating a new painting nearly every three days—resulted in an impressive collection of artworks that continue to be celebrated today. Saldaña’s endearing style continues to captivate art enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into a rich, nostalgic world filled with vibrant colors and heartfelt simplicity. ©David Cook Galleries...
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