Description
Darwin Duncan
Southwest California Landscape with Joshua Trees
Oil on canvas
Signed lower right: Darwin Duncan
20 inches x 24 inches (inclusive of frame)
Architectural stepped wood frame in a cerused walnut finish with visible grain and warm driftwood undertones.
The painting features a warm Southwestern palette of sunbaked ochres, muted umbers, dusty sage greens, and soft violet mountain tones.
Carefully packed and shipped insured with signature required from Sebastopol, CA
Darwin Duncan (1905–2002) was a noted California and Southwest landscape painter best known for his atmospheric desert scenes and plein-air landscapes of the American West. Born in Minnesota and raised in California, Duncan studied with influential artists including Edgar Payne and Samuel Hyde Harris, developing a style characterized by warm earth tones, expansive compositions, and a strong sensitivity to natural light. He became especially associated with Southern California desert painting traditions and spent decades painting throughout Anza-Borrego, Arizona, and the Southwest.
In addition to his painting career, Duncan was a respected teacher who taught art at Orange Coast College and Palomar College. His work was exhibited through numerous California art associations and remains well regarded among collectors of California plein-air and Western regional art. Duncan's paintings are appreciated for their tranquil atmosphere, strong draftsmanship, and ability to capture the quiet grandeur of the desert landscape.
Today, Darwin Duncan's works are held in private collections and continue to appear at galleries and auction houses specializing in California and Southwest art. His paintings remain particularly sought after by collectors drawn to classic Western landscapes and traditional plein-air painting.
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Frame and painting in excellent condition.
Origin:
United States
Materials & Techniques:
Oil Paint
International: No International Shipping for this auction.
Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding.
Southwest California Landscape with Joshua Trees
Oil on canvas
Signed lower right: Darwin Duncan
20 inches x 24 inches (inclusive of frame)
Architectural stepped wood frame in a cerused walnut finish with visible grain and warm driftwood undertones.
The painting features a warm Southwestern palette of sunbaked ochres, muted umbers, dusty sage greens, and soft violet mountain tones.
Carefully packed and shipped insured with signature required from Sebastopol, CA
Darwin Duncan (1905–2002) was a noted California and Southwest landscape painter best known for his atmospheric desert scenes and plein-air landscapes of the American West. Born in Minnesota and raised in California, Duncan studied with influential artists including Edgar Payne and Samuel Hyde Harris, developing a style characterized by warm earth tones, expansive compositions, and a strong sensitivity to natural light. He became especially associated with Southern California desert painting traditions and spent decades painting throughout Anza-Borrego, Arizona, and the Southwest.
In addition to his painting career, Duncan was a respected teacher who taught art at Orange Coast College and Palomar College. His work was exhibited through numerous California art associations and remains well regarded among collectors of California plein-air and Western regional art. Duncan's paintings are appreciated for their tranquil atmosphere, strong draftsmanship, and ability to capture the quiet grandeur of the desert landscape.
Today, Darwin Duncan's works are held in private collections and continue to appear at galleries and auction houses specializing in California and Southwest art. His paintings remain particularly sought after by collectors drawn to classic Western landscapes and traditional plein-air painting.
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Frame and painting in excellent condition.
Origin:
United States
Materials & Techniques:
Oil Paint
International: No International Shipping for this auction.
Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding.
Condition
Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Frame and painting in excellent condition.
Buyer's Premium
20%
Dimensions
20 x 24 x 2 in
Mid 20th Century Darwin Duncan Southwest Desert Landscape Oil Painting With Joshua Trees
Estimate $750-$2,240
Starting Price
$440
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Heirloom Living I
Jun 12, 2026 4:00 PM EDTNew York, NY, United States
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