William H. West 1974 Oil Painting on Canvas Board "Makeing Shingles 1898"

Item Details

William H. West
Makeing Shingles 1898
Canvas Board
Signed

William H. West (Pennsylvania, 1881-1975)
Makeing Shingles 1898, 1974
Oil on canvas board
Signed and dated “Wm H West / 8-20-1974” to lower right
Titled to lower left
Titled, dated, and inscribed to board verso
24’ W x 18’ H

An oil painting on canvas board titled Makeing Shingles 1898 by folk artist William H. West (Pennsylvania, 1881-1975), executed in August of 1974. Portrayed in the artist’s signature style with a composite view, simplified shapes, and flattened forms, this work features people splitting wood in a forest with flowering trees. The work is signed and specifically dated ‘8-20-1974’ to the lower right; it is titled to the lower left. Handwritten inscriptions to the canvas board verso provide the artist, title, and date. It is presented in a simple wood frame.

William West was a jack of all trades, working as a farmer, building houses, milling, building cars, and painting folk art scenes. He gave up farming at any early age and didn’t start painting until 1965, just ten years before his death. Self taught, using whatever he could get his hands on, West’s style is charmingly primitive and reminiscent of Grandma Moses.

Condition

- slightly warping to canvas board; stains and rubbing along edges of painting; wear in frame includes some splits, small chips, and stains scattered throughout.

Dimensions

- measurement of frame; canvas board measures approximately 24" W x 18" H.

Item #

18DCC450-036