Zelma Blakely (1921-1979) - Mid 20th Century Oil Summer Swimming

Description

This charming scene shows two figures sat on the edge of a woodland lake after swimming. The artist captures the figures under the shade of large trees which cast shadows over the scene. Signed with initials to the lower right. Presented in a white painted wooden frame. On canvas.

Condition

The condition is typical for a picture of this age including discolouration to the varnish.

Size

49 x 39cm (19.3" x 15.4")
Framed Size: 59 x 49cm (23.2" x 19.3")

Artist Biography

Zelma Blakely was a painter, wood engraver and printmaker born in Kensington, London. She was educated in both the USA and England and studied lithography and wood engraving at Kingston School of Art, 1939-42. She then was on to study painting at the Slade School, 1945-48 under William Coldstream, John Buckland Wright and Randolph Schwabe winning the Wilson Steer Gold Medal.

Blakeley taught at Heatherley's and was elected an Associate of the Royal Society of Painter-Etchers in 1955 and a full member in 1966. Blakely's work was reproduced by publishers such as Longman's, Faber and Faber, Methuen and the Folio Society. She was the wife of the artist Keith Mackenzie and was also a member of the Ipswich Art Club from 1974 until her death. She died at Pin Mill, Suffolk.