This terrific vintage print I believe is a linocut, executed in black ink on paper that I think was once much closer to white than it is today! On the back of the frame is written “Kayak Race,” and the print itself (which has been cut down, as documented in photos) is mounted to a sheet behind it on which appears the artist’s signature, Pat McNair. While I have not been able to find out anything about him or her, I think they created a marvelously dynamic print, which has me wanting to take the kayak out in wilder waters than I am typically inclined to do! I especially love the treatment of the body of this kayaker #8: black for the helmet, vest, and forward stretched arm, then negative space for the other. And then how their boat is just sailing atop those great graphic waves—echoed by swirling sky; I want to feel like this!
I purchased this piece at an antique shop in Maine and would guess it dates to the 1930s or 1940s, though I am not certain. The print itself is in very good condition; I had a new matte cut and then returned it to the same frame, which is very simple wood. Image size is 4 5/8 x 5 1/2”, frame 13" x 9 3/4”.
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