Hugo Bastidas (Ecuadorian, b. 1956). Charcoal and pencil on paper, signed and dated in pencil on both the left (1996) and the right (1998). A wonderful study of sharks and fish swimming in various directions by Ecuadorian artist Hugo Bastidas. The inscription on the lower left includes a few clever themes/titles: "First Study for 'Lure'", "Enticement", "Catching Their Attention" and "Policing The School". A fascinating study that in addition to playing with such punny inscriptions, also brings to mind one of Jacques Cousteau's magical quotes about the sea, "The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever." A fabulous piece, replete with Bastidas' artistry and wit that is simultaneously ideal for any fan of the ocean and its wonderful inhabitants! Size of drawing: 10.5" L x 14.375" W (26.7 cm x 36.5 cm) Size of frame: 15" L x 19" W (38.1 cm x 48.3 cm)

Born in Quito, Ecuador, Hugo Bastidas moved with his family to the United States in 1960. He received a BFA from Rutgers University and an MFA from Hunter College. Bastidas currently resides and works in New York and New Jersey. Interestingly, Bastidas paints in oils but usually works strictly in black and white to mimic grisaille painting. His precision suggests the illusion of graphic works as well as black and white photography. His level of detail is quite remarkable, given that he only uses two colors. Moreover, as such, this charcoal and graphite drawing was probably quite parallel to Bastidas' finished work. Bastidas' honors include receiving a Fulbright Fellowship as well as a Pollock Krasner Foundation Grant. He has exhibited widely and is represented in the several museum collections.

This drawing comes to us from the William Draper Estate. William Draper and Hugo Bastidas were good friends and exhibited together in 2002 at SFCC Gallery, "Within the Landscape, Oil on Canvas," William F. Draper and Hugo X. Bastidas, Spokane, Washington. In addition, they were the subjects of several publications: 2009 Curator, "Three Artists, Three Colleagues, Three Centurions: William F. Draper, Trafford Klots and Richard Seyffert," The Century Association, New York; Frances DeVuono. "Landmines," New Art Examiner, Chicago, November 1989, p. 48.; "Within the Landscape: William Draper and Hugo Bastidas." Spokane Falls Community College Art Gallery, Spokane, WA, January 2002, exhibition brochure, illustrated; and Tom O'Day. "Within the Landscape: William Draper and Hugo Bastidas." Spokane Falls Community College Art Gallery, Spokane, WA, January 2002, exhibition brochure, illustrated.

Provenance: The William F. Draper Collection, New York City, USA, acquired via descent from the late William Franklin Draper (1912-2003), an accomplished American artist whose career spanned seven decades. Known as the "Dean of American Portraiture," William Draper was the only artist to paint President John F. Kennedy from life, and his oeuvre includes marvelous landscapes from his world travels, military paintings as he was one of only seventeen Combat Artists in WWII, and portraits of illustrious individuals.

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#153857

Drawing has not been examined outside the frame but appears to be in excellent condition. It is signed, dated and inscribed in pencil (lower left and lower right). Frame is very nice, fitted with suspension wire and ready to display.