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Herndon Davis Art

1901-1962

Herndon Davis was an American artist, journalist, illustrator and painter who wasn’t recognized in his lifetime and not until recently. He was born in Wynnewood, Oklahoma of rancher parents. At fourteen, Davis moved himself to Kansas City, Missouri to take art lessons. He supported himself with unskilled labor jobs. From there, he went to Chicago and apprenticed as an engraver and commercial artist. In 1920, he joined the army and was stationed in Denver. Davis’ love for Colorado and Denver must have begun at that time. But first, he lived and worked in Washington, D.C., where he worked at the National War Collaege creating maps of China and Japan, and New York City, where he attended the National Academy of Design and Art Students League of New York while working at the New York Herald Tribune, Washington Times-Herald and Washington Daily News. In 1936, he moved to Denver, where he began to capture in paint and pencil notable people and landmarks of Denver and the west. Included in his subject matter were the notorious and the famous whether people or places. Davis is best known for his painting of the face of his wife on the barroom floor in Central City, Colorado. It was inspired by the poem The Face on the Barroom Floor and so it is titled. It wasn’t until after his death that friends were allowed to tell his beloved wife, Nita, was his model.

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Artist: Herndon Davis
Herndon Davis “The Park of the Red Rocks” – Colorado Oil Landscape Painting
By Herndon Davis
Located in Denver, CO
This exceptional original oil on board landscape by renowned Colorado artist Herndon Davis (1901–1962) beautifully captures the majestic natural splendor of Red Rocks Park near Morri...
Category

20th Century American Modern Herndon Davis Art

Materials

Oil

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Herndon Davis art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Herndon Davis art available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Herndon Davis in oil paint, paint and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 20th century and is mostly associated with the modern style. Not every interior allows for large Herndon Davis art, so small editions measuring 18 inches across are available. Herndon Davis art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,250 and tops out at $1,250, while the average work can sell for $1,250.

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