Richard Vernon Goetz (Oklahoma / New York, 1915-1991), “The American”, oil on panel, signed lower right; with brass plaque on the frame specifying "Honorable Mention: A. A. P. L. [American Artist's Professional League] Grand National Exhibition 1972, oil"

sight: 24 x 36 in., frame: 33 x 44.5 in.

Provenance: Exhibited at the Salmagundi Club's annual American Artist's Professional League Grand National Exhibition in 1972 and won honorable mention; acquired from the artist by present owner; thence property from a home in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Richard Vernon Goetz studied at Oklahoma City University and the University of Oklahoma before continuing his training in New York at the National Academy of Design as well as the Art Students League under George A. Bridgman and Jonas Lie. He also studied later with Henry Hensche at the Cape School of Art in Provincetown, Massachusetts; then focused on the traditional techniques of the Dutch Masters and French Impressionists during travels across Europe. Goetz became especially known for luminous still life paintings featuring American Kachina dolls and rare Western, Native American, and Asian artifacts. Goetz's work has been exhibited in New York and Santa Fe, with the National Academy of Western Art at the Cowboy Hall of Fame, and in the Western Heritage Sale in Texas; his honors included the McDonough and Purchase Awards from the Butler Institute of American Art and the President’s Award from the American Artists Professional League. In addition to maintaining a studio and teaching at the Art Students League, Goetz led his own art school in Oklahoma City and painted notable portraits, including one of President John F. Kennedy.