James Bonsall 'Oaks at Fowl River' 1966 Acrylic Painting

Original 1966 acrylic on stretched canvas by Louisiana artist James Belton Bonsall (1926–1999), signed lower right and verso, titled “Oaks at Fowl River.” This striking mid-century landscape depicts a stand of oak trees along a მშვიდ coastal waterway, likely referencing the Fowl River area near Mobile Bay, Alabama. Executed in bold, expressive brushwork, the composition features a vibrant palette of greens, yellows, and blues, reflecting a modernist, Post-Impressionist influence with a distinctly Southern sensibility.

Verso retains original exhibition and identification labels, including:
“The Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach – Contemporary Exhibition, 1966” and a typed label reading:
“Name: James Bonsall
Address: 631 Toulouse Street, New Orleans, Louisiana
Title: Oaks A. Fowl River
Medium: Acrylic
$800”

The documented 1966 Palm Beach exhibition and original gallery price underscore the painting’s period significance and Bonsall’s active presence within the mid-century Southern art scene. The subject matter aligns with the Gulf Coast landscape, a region closely tied to the artist’s life and work.

Artist Biography:
James Belton Bonsall (1926–1999) was a Louisiana-born painter associated with the New Orleans French Quarter art community. Born in Grand Chenier, he served in World War II with the U.S. Army’s 99th Infantry Division under General Patton before studying fine arts at Louisiana State University. He later worked in California in set design for theater and film, then returned to New Orleans in the 1950s where he became part of a vibrant artistic circle. Bonsall produced landscapes, figurative works, and abstract compositions, often emphasizing stylized natural forms. He exhibited regionally, including at the Society of the Four Arts in Palm Beach, and maintained a lifelong artistic practice alongside careers in advertising and social services.

A compelling example of mid-century Southern regional painting, this work offers both strong visual presence and documented exhibition history, making it an appealing addition for collectors of Gulf Coast or New Orleans art.

Condition:
In good condition overall, with light surface wear and minor abrasions consistent with age. The painted surface shows some scuffing. The solid oak frame has noticeable wear and scuffs. Verso labels show toning and age but remain partially legible.

Dimensions:
Overall: 29.5 x 29.5 x 1.75 inches
Visible: 27.75 x 27.75 inches