Louisa McElwain (New Mexico/New Hampshire, 1953-2013) oil on canvas landscape painting titled "The Chama Valley, Abiquiu" rendered in heavy impasto and depicting the Rio Chama flowing through the gesturally executed valley with the distant Rocky Mountains beneath voluminous clouds in the background. Signature "McElwain" inscribed to paint layer lower right. Titled, additionally signed "Louisa McElwain", and dated "1990", en verso to stretcher. Housed in wooden frame with canvas mat. Sight: 21 5/8" H x 34" W. Framed: 28 5/8" H x 41" W. Artist biography: Louisa McElwain received a BFA from the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia as well as attended the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture in Maine. She settled in New Mexico in 1985 where she worked as a rancher and farmer before being discovered in the mid-1990s by Kathrine Erickson, owner of Evoke Contemporary Gallery. Her plein air practice – often situated roadside – consisted of a pickup truck "easel", a step ladder, a masonry trowel taped to a stick, and a deeply spiritual connection to the land. (Adapted from "Louisa McElwain's Joy Lives On Through Breathtaking New Mexico Landscapes" by Chadd Scott for Forbes.com)

PROVENANCE: The collection of Christopher Chilton, inherited from his father George S. Chilton, II.

CONDITION: Overall excellent condition.