Walter Feldman (1925 – 2017). "Blessing the Candle", 1951. Tempura on watercolor paper. Signed & dated lower left. Title verso. Dimensions: 24" x 18". Unframed. Painting in the Post War modernist era Feldman evidences his transition from realism to a looser brush stroke and vibrant colors. In a 1950’s era where Feldman was surrounded by interiors of burnt orange and avocado green, you get a sense that he absorbs those colors first in his watercolor palette in this painting. Very much in line with his rebellious mood at the time he explores themes of Jewish identity in this work. By 1951 Feldman’s Yale undergraduate years lay the foundation for developing his technical skills. An additional benefit was being thrown into the dynamic art world where many American artists abandoned realism seeking a more meaningful and provocative painting language to reconcile the societal changes post war. While Feldman was still wrestling with many competing art currents he was watchful of the European modernists like Cezanne, Surrealists like Dali, cubists like Braque, Abstract Expressionists like Pollock & De Kooning and Geometric Abstractionists like Albers.

Good

24 x 18 in