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Paul Kauvar Smith
Shovel Handles, 1950s Framed American Modernist Oil Painting, Green Bronze Blue

1953

$5,750
£4,323.54
€5,020.67
CA$8,029.75
A$8,905.59
CHF 4,676.78
MX$109,367
NOK 59,203.60
SEK 55,829.79
DKK 37,459.76
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About the Item

"Shovel Handles" is an original 1953 semi-abstract modernist oil painting on board by renowned Denver artist Paul K. Smith (1893-1977). This captivating piece showcases Smith’s signature use of bold color and dynamic form, blending rich hues of blue, green, pale yellow, cream, bronze, brown, and purple. The painting is signed and dated in the lower margin, with the title inscribed on the verso. Adding to its presentation, the artwork comes in a custom red and gold-tone frame, with outer dimensions of 30 x 24 x 1 ½ inches and an image size of 24 x 18 inches—a perfect addition to any serious art collection. Provenance: Savageau Gallery, Denver Private Collection, Denver About the Artist: Paul K. Smith A key figure in Colorado’s modernist art movement, Paul K. Smith was a distinguished artist with a career spanning decades. He studied commercial art and design at the St. Louis School of Fine Arts and continued his education at Washington University in St. Louis. Following his service in World War I, he moved to Colorado in 1921 to train under John E. Thompson, Denver’s modernist pioneer, at the Denver Academy of Fine and Applied Arts. By 1923, Smith was not only exhibiting his work at the Denver Art Museum but also teaching at the Denver Academy. His art gained widespread recognition, leading to his inclusion in prestigious exhibitions, and several of his works were acquired for the museum’s Anne Evans Collection. Notably, in 1959, his painting Houses at Victor was featured in the Denver Art Museum’s Western Heritage exhibition catalog. Smith was an active member of the American Artists Professional League and played a pivotal role in The Colorado Fifteen, a group that significantly influenced Denver’s modernist movement. His work has been showcased in prominent institutions, including: Denver Art Museum, Joslyn Museum, and Lever House, New York. With a legacy rooted in bold modernist expression and innovative techniques, Smith’s work continues to captivate collectors and art enthusiasts alike.
  • Creator:
    Paul Kauvar Smith (1893 - 1977, American)
  • Creation Year:
    1953
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 30 in (76.2 cm)Width: 24 in (60.96 cm)Depth: 1.5 in (3.81 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Framing:
    Frame Included
    Framing Options Available
  • Condition:
    Very good to excellent vintage condition, detailed condition report available upon request.
  • Gallery Location:
    Denver, CO
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: DCG_251641stDibs: LU2738045602

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