Helen La France (American/Kentucky, 1919-2020) oil on canvas painting depicting a sailboat floating on a body of water with an undulating orange horizon line visible in the background. The sky is cast in a rich red-orange color reflecting on the water below, conveying a sunrise or sunset. Signed "Helen La France" lower right. Inscribed "N.F.S." for "not for sale en verso of stretcher. Housed in a simple black frame. Sight: 23 1/2" H x 17 1/4" W. Framed: 25 1/4" H x 19 1/4" 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.

CONDITION: Overall very good condition.