Mountains & Wind. Expressionist watercolour by listed USA artist Ed Smith, 1965

Very well painted original mixed media, by the listed American artist Ed Smith (1923 - 1988), painted in 1965. Titled "Mountain & Wind" depicting a surreal landscape, with the wind swirling around the imposing mountains and an apocalyptic looking sunset above. A fine example of the artist's detailed and complex work, which combines numerous geological elements borrowed from various locations, to produce a rather beautiful landscape that shows the influence of traditional Chinese landscape painting. Signed, dated'65 and titled lower right.

Watercolour, ink and charcoal on wove paper, in a beech wood frame with acid free mount and inner slip. Painting in excellent original condition with fresh, strong colour (see photos) frame with some very slight marks, mount clean (see photos). Image 51.5cm x 81.5cm, frame 64.5cm x 94.5cm. Comes with out Certificate of Authenticity - guaranteed authentic and original.

This is one of two works by the artist I have listed - they would make a matched pair and have sequential exhibit numbers on the back, 39 & 40. Please note, the final photograph is for reference only and this listing is for the single work only. Ed (Edward) Smith 1923 - 1988.

Born in Detroit, Ed Smith joined the Art Students League in New York, the art school in the American Fine Arts Society in Manhattan, New York City. Although artists may study full-time, there have never been any degree programs or grades, and this informal attitude pervades the culture of the school. From the 19th century to the present, the League has counted among its attendees and instructors many historically important artists and contributed to numerous influential schools and movements in the art world.

After his military service in the Second World War, Smith remained in Europe. He spent some time in Paris, then studied at the Royal Academy of Art in London in the late 1940s.

His first exhibited work was when he showed at the Arts Council in London in 1948 and he continued to exhibit right up to his early death in 1988. A major Ed Smith Retrospective was held at the John Denham Gallery in London in 1991. Bridging the styles of Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism, his drawings are a visual feast of line, layering and colour.

Smith's subjects included New York bridges, abstract or surreal landscapes and architectural structures, and astute portraits of down-and-out characters.