Val Frank Ole Stump on theDead River 26 x 24 850 .png
Interior Val Frank Ole Stump on theDead River 26 x 24 850 .png
Detail Val Frank Ole Stump on theDead River 26 x 24 850 .png
Val Frank Ole Stump on theDead River 26 x 24 850 .png
Interior Val Frank Ole Stump on theDead River 26 x 24 850 .png
Detail Val Frank Ole Stump on theDead River 26 x 24 850 .png

Val Frank, Ole Stump on the Dead River, oil on canvas , 26 x 24. 2024

$850.00

Val’s work is deeply rooted in the forms of nature. Often described as sensuous, her paintings also incorporate elements of humor, darkness, and the grotesque. She draws inspiration from botanical forms, natural systems, and repeating patterns found in the natural world. The Stump is a striking example of how Val transforms a weather-worn tree stump through expressive color and line. As the artist explains, “This particular stump, across the river from my sister’s cabin in Idaho, became a character—Ol’ Stump—after many drawings.”

When looking closely at the works in this exhibition, one might sense a kind of “trickster” presence—but it is the artist herself who fulfills that role. Val observes what is often overlooked in nature and gathers forms that might seem ordinary or obscure: a hollowed tree, a twisted root, an unexpected configuration of natural elements. Through the transformative power of painting, she reveals these forms in ways we could never have imagined on our own.

Val’s work is deeply rooted in the forms of nature. Often described as sensuous, her paintings also incorporate elements of humor, darkness, and the grotesque. She draws inspiration from botanical forms, natural systems, and repeating patterns found in the natural world. The Stump is a striking example of how Val transforms a weather-worn tree stump through expressive color and line. As the artist explains, “This particular stump, across the river from my sister’s cabin in Idaho, became a character—Ol’ Stump—after many drawings.”

When looking closely at the works in this exhibition, one might sense a kind of “trickster” presence—but it is the artist herself who fulfills that role. Val observes what is often overlooked in nature and gathers forms that might seem ordinary or obscure: a hollowed tree, a twisted root, an unexpected configuration of natural elements. Through the transformative power of painting, she reveals these forms in ways we could never have imagined on our own.

Val Frank 

Statement 

These particular works show a turning away from my previous  botanically derived paintings, toward an interest in the human condition and the idea of storytelling. This particular stump across the river from my sister's cabin in Idaho, became a character, "Ol' Stump", after many drawings of it. The same thing occurred with the "Lil' Ducky"-Voila! a character in these "Comedy of Errors" paintings,

I was influenced by the Chicago Imagists: Jim Nutt, Roger Brown and especially Peter Saul

The "Trickster" for me is a Raven, though frequently portrayed as a Coyote. This figure in Native lore has always held a particular fascination for me.

Val Frank 2025