Preliminary identification

Clytie Hudgins Landscape Oil Painting, 1972

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

This is a charming, original mid-century regionalist landscape painting depicting a winding mountain road and a wooden trestle bridge framed by towering pine trees. Signed and dated 'Clytie Hudgins 1972' in the lower right corner, it captures the post-war American love affair with scenic road trips and the great outdoors.

Story

In 1972, America was rediscovering its national parks as the interstate highway system neared completion. This painting captures the quiet magic of a winding mountain pass, inviting the viewer to slow down and enjoy the journey.

Maker / Origin

Clytie Hudgins appears to have been an accomplished regional or hobbyist artist active in the mid-to-late 20th century. While not a household name in major galleries, artists like Hudgins captured the authentic, localized beauty of the American landscape, often painting en plein air or from personal travel photographs to bring the serenity of nature into suburban homes.

Condition & Value

The painting appears to be in very good vintage condition with no visible canvas sagging, paint loss, or major cracking. The original wooden frame shows minor surface wear consistent with age, which adds to its authentic vintage character. Excellent preservation of the original frame helps maintain its value.

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.