Paintings by Dixon & Leigh of the American West Lead Bonhams’ Western Art Auction

Maynard Dixon (1875 – 1946) was a well-known artist of the American West. A self-taught artist, Dixon grew up in Fresno, California and pursued art from an early age after being encouraged by his mother. A Dixon painting titled Abandoned House, Contra Costa Co., Cal. is available in the upcoming Western Art auction, offered by Bonhams. It is signed, inscribed, and dated ‘Maynard Dixon / Contra Costa. May 1931.’ This painting represents a difficult time in Dixon’s career. Life was tough due to the Depression, and cultural tastes were moving towards Modernism. It was in this uncertain period that Dixon day-tripped to Contra Costa County and executed Abandoned House, a subject that certainly reflected his thoughts and concerns about his future.

Bonhams will offer more than 100 lots representing the natural landscape, Native Americans, and cowboys of the American West. They showcase the talents of local artists. The Water Girl at Walpi (circa 1910) by William Robinson Leigh (1866 – 1955) is a notable lot. It is an oil on canvas by an illustrator known for his painted Western scenes. Leigh traveled to the American West, Africa, and many other locations for inspiration but maintained a studio in New York City. He made illustrations for and wrote the book Frontiers of Enchantment: An Artist’s Adventures in Africa, exhibited at the American Museum of Natural History. Visit Bonhams auction for more information on the upcoming Western Art auction.