Autumn

A deft hand with tonal color renders Fastovsky's autumnal landscape somewhat different from what we expect in paintings of that season. We look down upon a valley whose brightest colors are literally marginalized--as borders between agricultural fields--except for blazing oranges at middle right. Houses and roads leading down a precipitous hillside, along with a mountain rising on the valley's other side, allow for an unusually large area for such a compact composition.

About the Artist: Born in Chernobyl, Russia, Fastovsky studied at the Imperial Academy of Arts in Kiev before immigrating to the US in 1913 and becoming a citizen in 1921. He showed his work at Municipal Art Galleries, New York, in 1938. Fastovsky legally changed his name to Isaac Foster in 1946 and by 1955 was living in Tuscon, AZ, showing his paintings at local sites and restoring old canvases. Looking back upon his work for various federal art projects, he estimated that he had created 40-50 paintings during this period: “Someday I’m going to visit various state and federal buildings throughout the country and see if I can locate the pictures. I don’t have any idea where they’re hanging now” (Arizona Daily Star 16 Oct. 1955: 24). 9 more images at FAP.

Fastovsky, Isaac, 1889-1980

Oil painting

24 x 20 in.

Condition: surface dirt, chipped, peeled