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Happy Face - A Portrait of Joy by Marilyn Sunderman

  Lot # M196
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Lot # M196
System ID # 19191073
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Description

Happy Face - A Portrait of Joy by Marilyn Sunderman

  • Title: Happy Face - A Portrait of Joy by Marilyn Sunderman
  • Medium: Oil on Stretched Canvas
  • Artist: Marilyn Sunderman
  • Signed: Lower Right & Verso, Dated '77

A world of vibrant emotion -- Happy Face, an expressive oil painting by  Marilyn Sunderman. This radiant portrait embodies joy, capturing the warmth and light that defined Sunderman’s artistic style. The broad, fluid brushstrokes and masterful use of color bring a powerful presence to this canvas, as the subject’s smile shines through with an unmistakable energy. Sunderman’s technique effortlessly blends realism with her signature flair for bold, captivating light and shadow, inviting the viewer to engage with the subject on a deeply personal level.

About the Artist:
Marilyn Sunderman: A Vivid Life in Color

Born in Le Sueur, Minnesota, Marilyn Sunderman's artistic journey was as colorful and varied as the canvases she transformed. A globetrotter by nature, Sunderman’s life and work were marked by the diverse landscapes and cultures she embraced—from the serene beaches of Hawaii to the vibrant energy of Sedona, Arizona, each place left a lasting imprint on her art. Sunderman's oeuvre is a vibrant testament to her encounters with the world, with a particular penchant for painting flowers, doors, archways, and scenes filled with radiant light. Her technique—bold, fluid, and direct—captured the essence of her subjects with both passion and a deep sensitivity.

Her portraits went beyond mere representation; they captured the spirit of figures such as John F. Kennedy and Golda Meir, earning her accolades and collectors worldwide, including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Nelson Rockefeller. This recognition was a reflection not only of her talent but also of her ability to connect with and inspire those who viewed her work.

Aside from her visual artistry, Sunderman was a prolific writer and poet, further exploring her creative expression through the written word. Her artistic contributions were also deeply philanthropic; she bequeathed a significant collection of her works to foster community art initiatives and education, leaving a legacy that supports budding artists through scholarships and grants.

Marilyn Sunderman's legacy is one of passion, diversity, and generosity, her life’s work providing ongoing inspiration and support to the art community. As we present a curated selection of Sunderman’s works, we invite you to experience the dynamic and colorful world that she so beautifully immortalized in her art.

Condition:
This painting is in good condition, with minor, age-appropriate wear to the linen border of the original frame, lending a touch of vintage charm to this 1977 work.

Dimensions:

  • Overall Size: 30" X 26"
  • Visible Artwork Size: 23" X 19 1/2"