Lot description
A charming group of five original watercolor and ink paintings by Alaska artist Joan Arend Kickbush (1926-2006), depicting woodland creatures rendered in the artist's distinctive whimsical style. The series includes a red fox, great horned owl, raccoon, snowshoe hare, and a pair of chickadees, each isolated within a vertical composition and framed by grasses, branches, or natural surroundings. Unlike the Alaska Native child portraits for which Kickbush is best known, these works reveal a more playful side of her artistic output. The animals are portrayed with exaggerated expressions and animated personalities, while concentric bands of yellow, orange, and brown create glowing sunset-like backdrops that lend the series a strong decorative quality. The elongated formats, bold color palette, and graphic linework are highly evocative of late 1960s and 1970s design aesthetics, making the group as visually appealing today as when originally created. Kickbush developed a devoted following through her depictions of Alaska subjects and wildlife, often drawing inspiration from sketches gathered during extensive travels throughout the state. This coordinated series represents a less commonly encountered body of work and offers an appealing glimpse into the artist's broader creative range beyond her signature village scenes and portraits. Each painting is matted and housed in a matching dark wood frame. Each measures approximately 18" x 12" overall with a sight view of approximately 10.5" x 4.75".