Abstract Southwestern Scene by Tommy Macaione [SOLD]

This original painting was made by Santa Fe artist Tommy Macaione. It is dated 1991, which places it near the end of the artist's life and career. Macaione is known to have been a unique, spirited man, and his energy is apparent in the paintings he created. He remains highly regarded in Santa Fe, for both his creative output and his endearing personality. In 1985, he was recognized as a Santa Fe Living Treasure. Later, he was commemorated by the naming of Thomas Macaione Park near downtown Santa Fe, which includes a bronze statue depicting the artist at work.

This untitled painting presents an abstract Southwestern scene in colorful oil paints. In the foreground, buildings appear within long horizontal lines. Further into the distance, mountains rise into a blue sky. Macaione augmented his blues and greens with bright orange and pink tones, adding a lively energy to the natural beauty of the scene. This is a wonderful painting from a true Santa Fe legend.

By Tom S. Macaione is written on verso. The canvas is mounted within an elaborately carved frame.

Tommy Silvestre Macaione (1907-1992) was born in Connecticut to a Greek father and an Italian mother. He studied art at the Art Students League in New York and the Rhode Island School of Design before serving in the US Army Signal Corps during World War II. Macaione ended up in Santa Fe in 1952, after being abandoned in Florida by travel companions and attempting to hitchhike to their intended destination, California. He remained in Santa Fe and pursued his art career while working various jobs and mounting many unsuccessful but admirably well-intentioned political campaigns. He became a respected artist and a popular character in Santa Fe, amassing a number of notable awards and honors. His works are included in numerous notable public and private collections.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Abstract Southwestern Scene by Tommy Macaione is from a private collection

Recommended Reading: Artists of Santa Fe: Their Works and Words by C. R. Wenzell, 1959

TAGS: Western Art, Western Paintings, Tommy Silvestre Macaione