Howard Reeve Newton (d. 1989)
[South Pacific Jungle]
American: 1943
Watercolor on paper
Signed and dated lower right: Newton Howard 1943
14 x 9.5 inches, image
18 x 12 inches, overall
$550

Original watercolor painting of a man with a spear standing amidst towering trees and lush jungle foliage.  The paint is handled in a loose, spontaneous manner with expressive, calligraphic brushstrokes playing off areas where colors have been allowed to flow together.

Howard Reeve Newton was an artist who lived in Louisiana, and best known for his paintings of the figure and maritime subjects.  According to available auction records, during World War II, Newton made paintings of naval vessels in the South Pacific as well as native people in the jungles there.  This untitled painting, being dated 1943, apparently belongs to that body of work.

Condition:  Generally very good with the usual light overall toning and wear.  Tape residue from former hinging upper margin can be matted out.

Reference:

"Howard Reeve Newton."  AskArt.com.  2000-2005.  http://www.askart.com/askart/n/howard_reeve_newton/howard_reeve_newton.aspx (19 December 2005).