Helen La France (Kentucky, 1919-2020) oil on canvas (laid on board) country landscape depicting an active tornado bearing down on a rural farm community. A man driving a horse-drawn cart on a dirt road in the foreground tries to outrun the twister, while figures to the left seek cover in an underground earthen dugout. A barn sits momentarily untouched in the right foreground, while debris whirls toward it in the sky, and the tornado's path of destruction is visible in the background. Signed lower right. Housed in black painted wood frame. Sight: 17 5/8" H x 31 3/8" W. Framed: 18 3/4" H x 32 3/4" W. Biography: "Self-taught African American artist Helen LaFrance was born on a Kentucky farm and began painting in her 40s. She is known for her "memory paintings" drawn from her recollections of life growing up in the rural South. Several museums and private collectors, including Oprah Winfrey, own examples of her work." (Source: "Helen LaFrance Folk Art Memories" by Kathy Moses). Helen LaFrance died November 22, 2020 in a Mayfield, Kentucky nursing home at the age of 101.

PROVENANCE: Acquired by consignor from the estate of outsider art collector Paul Collins of Schenectady, NY.

CONDITION: Overall very good condition. Canvas has been wrapped and laid on board. A couple of very slight pinprick areas of paint void, paint imperfections.