Tim Ryan, 6/1/60, 13" x 18"
For some reason I seem to have an inordinately high number of Modigliani rip-offs in my collection, but this one clearly bests all competitors! Besides being signed, dated, and titled (always a plus), the colors are great, and the execution is so close to the archetype of the hundreds of "Abstract Expressionist" paintings that were produced during the late 1950's and early 1960's, that I don't think I'm exaggerating to label this piece a "flawless" representative of its genre. Take a deep breath, relax, and then closely examine the fine attention to detail of the subject's features, especially the expertly rendered eyes, stylized nose, and pursed lips, not to mention the astounding rendering of the subject's flowing locks and hairline.
This description would not be complete without mentioning my newfound angels (who says I'm not a religious guy .....), Andy and Amy Lester. Andy gave me a glimpse of great things to come last year with his pioneering donation of "The Breast", but imagine my surprise and delight upon making the roadtrip to Andy and Amy's place to find this masterpiece, as well as the next two paintings in Gallery X, "Grizzled Old Man with Pipe in Wooden Detailed Frame", and "All I Want for Christmas is a Grinning Alien Sasquatch Painting". God bless you, Mr. and Mrs. Lester ......