Syd Fossum (American, 1909-1978). Oil on canvas painting depicting grain mills, 1970. Signed and dated along the lower left.

Sydney Glenn Fossum, born on November 13, 1909, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, was a prominent American artist known for his versatile work in various media, including drawings, oil and watercolor paintings, screen prints, and lithographs. He studied at the Minneapolis School of Art from 1929-1933, earning a B.F.A. degree, and was politically and socially active during the 1930s, serving as the president of the Minnesota Artists Union. Fossum held teaching positions at institutions such as the Minneapolis School of Art, Washington University, and Des Moines Art Center. His work, ranging from satirical group character studies to pastoral landscapes, is part of prestigious collections including the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis Institute of Art, Walker Art Center, Des Moines Art Center, and the Museum of Modern Art in NYC. He passed away in San Francisco in February 1978.
Unframed; height: 32 in x width: 24 in. Framed; height: 33 1/2 in x width: 25 1/2 in x depth: 2 in.

The colors are bold and bright. No signs of restoration under UV light. There is one small loss to the paint layer along the upper right quadrant. Some light soiling to the verso. Light wear to the frame.