Alan Collier Canadian, 1911-1990
Further images
"Iceberg Mike, Melville Bay, 1978," a watercolor on paper by the Canadian artist Alan Collier, who lived from 1911 to 1990. The painting is sized at 12 x 16 inches and is signed by Collier on the bottom left.
"Iceberg Mike" features a stark and majestic view of Melville Bay, with a prominent iceberg taking center stage against the contrasting dark waters. Collier's use of watercolor achieves a striking balance between the solidity of the iceberg and the fluidity of the sea. The painting plays with shades of blue and white, capturing the iceberg's towering presence and the cold, crisp atmosphere of the Arctic environment.
The ice and water are depicted with broad, confident strokes, suggesting both the movement of the sea and the grandeur of the ice formations. The varying tones of blue and the reflections in the water add depth and realism to the scene, making the iceberg appear luminous against the darker sea.
This piece is a fine example of Collier's landscape work. It not only captures the physical beauty of the Arctic but also conveys the sense of solitude and quiet power that such landscapes possess. The provenance includes Collier's inventory number and notes that the piece was painted on the ship C.C.G.S. John A, with a connection to Kensington Gallery in Calgary, reflecting its history and journey through Canadian fine art venues.