Lot 703: Agnes Pelton (American, 1881-1961), "Smoke Tree in Bloom, June Morning, Big Wash, Cathedral City,

CA", c.1934; oil/canvas, 18" x 24", signed and dated, titled. Pelton studied at the Pratt Institute, and privately with Arthur Dow. She moved to New Mexico in 1919, and then to Cathedral City in 1926, which provided her with the stark environment she desired. Pelton became acquainted with the leader of the Transcendental Painting Group, Raymond Jonson, and by 1933, was corresponding with him regularly. She participated in several exhibits with the group. REF: Independent Spirits, Trenton; Thirty-Five American Modernists, Diamond. *Provenance: The Collection of Thomas C. Rainone.