Willie Ousley
(Louisiana, 1866-1953)
The West Fork of CalcasieuRiver S.W.La. (No. 823), 1937
Oil on canvas
18" x 34"

Signed and titled along the bottom edge, with extensive inscriptions on the reverse. Presented in a frame that measures 22 1/2" x 38 1/2".

The artist wrote a lengthyparagraph with detailsof the work and of his personal resume in pencil tothe reverse of the canvas, including the many exotic locations around the world he's sold his paintings (including one presented to Eleanor Roosevelt). After that paragraph, he wrote this poem:

"P.S. Sentiment of the Painter - Beautiful scenes comes to your view - as you drift along on the Calcasieu - The Spanish moss in wondrous grace -adorns the trees like fairy lace - like long grey beards hangs from the trees - sways back and forth in the summer breeze / and this may be the last by me - no. 823 - Will Ousley- If I am a poet I don't know it."

Alternate names: Will Ousley, William Ousley

Good condition. Near the left edge of the canvas is an old tear that has been patched up, with touch-ups to the paint layer. That is the only area with apparent in-painting or over-painting.