Man Fishing From Rocky Coast

DateApril 2-9, 1970

Artist/Maker Eddie Arning 1898 - 1993

MediumOil pastel and pencil on laid green-colored paper

DimensionsUnframed: 22 x 32in. (55.9 x 81.3cm)
Framed: 30 1/4 x 39 13/16 x 3/4in. (76.8 x 101.1 x 1.9cm)

Credit LineGift of Dr. & Mrs. Alexander Sackton

Object number1984.201.5

DescriptionAn outer border of dark blue approximately 1 1/8" wide encloses the whole, followed by an inner red border approximately 5/8" wide. A male figure stands in the center of the composition; his green fishing rod with red line is cast toward the right into a white stream. Green and white abstract shapes appear on a black background below and around him. Above the white of the stream is a wavy ribbon of bright blue and, above that, waving stripes of alternating green and black. The figure wears a blue shirt, purple-blue pants, a purple cap, and brown shoes.
The modern 1 1/4-inch flat, black-painted frame is an addition made by AARFAM after acquisition.Label TextA black background lends crisp definition to the green and white abstract shapes in the lower left diagonal half of the composition. Representing rocks along a streambed in Arning's source of inspiration, these simple configurations rank among the artist's most pleasing stylizations. Undulating ribbons of white, blue, green, and black represent the water at upper right and visually form a satisfying contrast with the precise rock shapes.

Inscription(s)In pencil in script on the reverse is "Eddie, Arning". The Sackton inventory no. ("1323") appears in black ink in the lower right corner of the reverse.Mark(s)See "Inscriptions."ProvenanceThe drawing was acquired directly from the artist by Dr. and Mrs. Alexander Sackton of Austin, Texas, who in turn donated the work to the Folk Art Center.