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LOT 325

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Stylized desert canyon with towering red rock spires rising through pale clouds at sunset.
February 1984 issue of American Artist with a jagged red canyon landscape and cloudy sky on the cover, captioned 'Special Issue Landscape Painting'.
Stylized desert landscape with tall red sandstone spires rising above pink clouds and distant mesas under a pale blue sky.
Back of a framed artwork showing a brown backing board, metal hanging hardware on both sides, a twisted wire across the frame, and a small taped tag with '2066'.
Stylized desert canyon with towering red rock spires rising through pale clouds at sunset.
February 1984 issue of American Artist with a jagged red canyon landscape and cloudy sky on the cover, captioned 'Special Issue Landscape Painting'.
Stylized desert landscape with tall red sandstone spires rising above pink clouds and distant mesas under a pale blue sky.
Back of a framed artwork showing a brown backing board, metal hanging hardware on both sides, a twisted wire across the frame, and a small taped tag with '2066'.

Ed Mell

1942-2024

Canyon Fog

MEDIUM: Oil on board

DIMENSIONS: 50 x 38 inches

ESTIMATE: $45,000.00 - $65,000.00

Signed lower Left

SHIPPING DIMENSIONS: 53 x 41 inches

CONDITION REPORT

Additional Information

Provenance:
Private collection, California

Literature:
American Artist, Volume 48, Issue 499, Published by Glenn Heffernan, February 1984, cover.
*A copy of this magazine to accompany this lot

Ed Mell (1942–2024) was one of the most influential painters of the contemporary American Southwest, celebrated for his bold, modernist interpretations of the Arizona landscape. Drawing inspiration from the region's dramatic mesas, canyons, and expansive skies, Mell developed a distinctive visual language characterized by monumental geometric forms, saturated color, and striking contrasts of light and shadow. His innovative approach earned widespread acclaim, and his work is represented in major museum collections throughout the Southwest.

Canyon Fog is an exceptional example of Mell's mature style, transforming the familiar landscape of the Southwest into a powerful composition of sculptural forms and atmospheric light. The painting's simplified planes and rich tonal harmonies evoke the quiet majesty of canyon country, while drifting fog softens the monumental cliffs to create a compelling balance between abstraction and natural observation. Signed, titled, and dated 1983 on the reverse, the work gained additional recognition when it was featured on the cover of American Artist magazine (February 1984), a copy of which accompanies the lot. From a California private collection, Canyon Fog represents a significant work by one of the Southwest's most celebrated modern painters.

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Please note that the first unframed photo is most accurate for color. Framed photographs are to show the frame and are not color corrected to the painting. *The Condition Reports are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Scottsdale Art Auction. Scottsdale Art Auction strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. All lots offered are sold “AS IS”. Please refer to item two in our terms and conditions for further information.