Held twice a year, American Art Within Reachcelebrates the rich tapestry of American fine art with works by noteworthy artists estimated under $10,000. The April 4 auction—which includes paintings, drawings and sculpture from the early 1800s to present day—brings the accessibility of historic fine art to a wider audience. From traditional landscapes and colorful impressionist views to lively examples of early modernism, regionalism and abstraction, bidders can vie for an expansive range of works by artists like Grant Wood, James Fetherolf, George Gardner Symons, Charles Bell and many more.
Grant Wood (1891-1942), Approaching Storm, 1940, lithograph on paper, 11⅞ x 9⅞ in., Signed in pencil lower right. Estimate: $4/6,000“The Western art in this auction will primarily focus on painters who were deeply inspired by the Western/California landscape or who were renowned early California painters,” says Alissa Ford, Heritage’s vice president of American and Western art.
Among the highlights in the upcoming sale is Thomas Hill’s Bridal Veil Falls,which has a presale estimate of $5,000 to $7,000. “[This piece] not only showcases his artistic talent but also reflects his deep commitment to preserving the natural beauty of Yosemite National Park. Hill, like many of his contemporaries, used his art to inspire appreciation for the American wilderness and advocate for its protection,” says Ford. “His depiction of Bridal Veil Falls, with its cascading water framed by Yosemite’s dramatic granite cliffs and lush greenery, evokes a sense of awe and reverence.”
John Chumley (1928-1984), Shenandoah Valley Farm, watercolor on board, 22 x 28 in., signed lower right: ‘Chumley’. Estimate: $3/5,000
Another lot collectors should keep on their radar is marine artist Frederick Judd Waugh’s ocean scene Dawn in the East, which is estimated to bring in between $5,000 and $7,000. “Frederick Judd Waugh was celebrated for his powerful seascape paintings. While he spent much of his career on the East Coast, his time in California deeply influenced his work,” says Ford. “The rugged beauty of the Pacific coastline offered him new inspiration, with its dramatic cliffs, vast horizons, and powerful waves. Waugh’s ability to capture the energy of the ocean was enhanced by California’s unique light and atmosphere, which added warmth and vibrancy to his palette. These experiences broadened his artistic vision, solidifying his reputation as a master of marine art and a keen observer of nature’s majesty.”
George Gardner Symons (1863-1930), Forest Clearing, oil on canvas, 16 x 20 in., signed lower left: ‘Gardner Symons’. Estimate: $2.5/$4,500
A pastoral scene by John Chumley will also make its way to auction this spring with the watercolor Shenandoah Valley Farm estimated at $3,000 to $5,000. “[This] is a masterful example of the artist’s commitment to American realism and his deep engagement with the rural landscapes of Virginia,” says Ethan Diner, American art specialist at Heritage Auctions. “Executed in watercolor, the painting captures the vast expanse of the countryside, where rolling golden fields, scattered barns and a weathered farmhouse evoke a sense of historical continuity and quiet perseverance.”
James Fetherolf (1925-1994), The Start of Spring, oil on canvas, 11 x 14 in., signed lower left: ‘Fetherolf’; titled on the stretcher bar: ‘The Start of Spring’; artist’s stamp on the reverse. Estimate: $1/2,000
American Art Within Reach will take place at Heritage Auctions’ headquarters in Dallas. —
American Art Within Reach
April 4, 2025
Heritage Auctions
2801 W. Airport Freeway, Dallas, TX 75261, (214) 528-3500, www.ha.com
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