Lot 17: David B. Armstrong (1947-1998)

David B. Armstrong (1947-1998)
Open Barn
signed and dated 'David Armstrong/© 1993' (lower left)
watercolor and pencil on paper
24 x 18¾ in. (61 x 47.6 cm.)

PROPERTY FROM A NEW YORK ESTATE

David B. Armstrong grew up on his family's farm in Connecticut, where he developed an admiration for the earth and a desire to capture it in his paintings. He often painted outdoors in fields, farms, and forests, exemplifying such themes as the raw beauty of nature, the farmland of rural America, and the simplicity of country living.

In 1976, David assisted his friend and mentor, Eric Sloane, with the panorama mural project at the National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institute, Washington, D.C. His talent was instantly recognized, and at the early age of 32, Armstrong was honored with a 120-piece exhibition at the State Museum in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.