One of the very few early large paintings in the U.S. by this very talented American painter who spent most of his life in Mexico.
David E. Fern aka David Edward Fern aka David Fern
"El Señor de las Montañas"
(1930-2006)
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Origin
In the 60s and early 70s my father was hired as a geological consultant by a wealthy family in Guadalajara. On the return of one of his early 70s trips he stayed at the Hilton hotel in Puerto Vallarta and bought this at a gallery nearby. All he knew was that it was by an ex-pat from the U.S. who had moved to Mexico, and that he liked the painting. At that time I considered it to be unbelievably boring, why buy something so boring. Decades later I consider it to be very peaceful, calming and tranquil.
Crated
After my mother's death I moved the painting from her old home. I built a heavy duty crate to move it to Northern Utah. Thick plywood screwed into 2x6 frame, with 1" Styrofoam sheets on the 6 inner sides and a pair of 1x4 stand-offs for hands or dollies. Heavy, two person task. The crate weighs 110 pounds empty and is 45" x 67" x 8".
Status
Once in my home, I had nowhere to display it, so it has been hung in my cluttered bedroom where it is at least safe. I would not think of putting it in storage, as our temperatures range between minus 10 and 110 degrees. So, an unappreciated but physically stable location.
Size
Image: 23.25" x 46.6"
Framed: 35" x 60"
Photos
There is no natural light where it is hung, so done of the photographs really show the nice subtle colors. Different cameras and flashs made little difference... Note in the upper right there is minor water damage only on the fabric matte, not the painting or wood frame.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE PAINTER
Brave search engine (search.brave.com) result for "David E, Fern":
David E. Fern (1930–2006) was an American painter of Mexican heritage, known for his depictions of Mexican landscapes and architecture, particularly in northern Mexico.
Born in the United States, he moved to Mexico in 1950 and became deeply connected to the country, earning the nickname "El Señor de las Montañas" after settling in Santiago, Nuevo León, in 1980.
He was recognized as the "Cronista Plástico de Nuevo León" for his detailed portrayals of the region's towns, plazas, forts, temples, and streets.
His work has been featured in exhibitions, including "Paisajes de Nuevo León" at the Casa de la Cultura de Nuevo León in 2017, which showcased 20 of his paintings.
One of his notable works, Viejo Tecamachalco, is an oil on linen painting measuring 60 x 90.5 cm, estimated to sell between $12,000 and $20,000 in an auction.
His art continues to be documented in auction records and art databases, with no upcoming auctions currently listed.
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A tribute gallery showing in his home region a decade after his death.
Plastic Chronicle of David E. Fern is exhibited in Apodaca
https://conarte.org.mx/2017/10/20/cronica-plastica-david-e-fern-se-exhibe-en-apodaca