This painting, Flag Dream by Alice Dalton Brown, is a pastel work on paper created in 1991. It was exhibited in the Art and the Law 18th Annual Exhibit at the West Publishing Company in Eagan, Minnesota, as indicated by the label on the reverse. Brown, known for her luminous and atmospheric depictions of architecture and natural light, presents a scene with an American flag hanging from a porch, rendered with a sense of realism and attention to detail.
The composition centers on a weathered flag draped over a railing, with sunlight filtering through the fabric, emphasizing its texture and movement. The surrounding architectural elements, including a white column and a wooden porch with a slatted floor, frame the flag within a serene domestic setting. The background features lush greenery, contrasting the linear structure of the porch with organic shapes. A black boot on the porch introduces a subtle human presence, reinforcing a quiet narrative within the scene.
Alice Dalton Brown's work often explores themes of light, space, and the interplay between interiors and exteriors. Her pastel technique captures the soft gradients of light and shadow, creating a vivid yet atmospheric rendering. The dimensions of this piece, 25 1/4 inches by 44 1/4 inches, emphasize its panoramic composition, allowing the eye to travel across the scene naturally. Brown’s mastery of pastel medium is evident in the blending of colors and the depth achieved in the flag's fabric and surrounding architectural details.
