Rungius Style Deer Oil Painting by Leslie Peters

This exceptional oil on canvas by Leslie Peters (1917-) depicts two deer traveling through the forest, and likely dates from the 1950s or 1960s. Canvas measures 24" by 18" and the period frame measures 36" by 24". Canvas is relatively clean and in excellent condition, with no craquelure and no signs of restoration. Peters was born and raised in Great Falls, Montana. As a child he showed great interest in fine art and became friendly with Charlie Russell (1864-1926), the prolific artist who is thought to be among the first Western American wildlife painters to live and work in the west their entire career. Peters studied at the University of Montana, and studied sculpture at the University of Oregon. As an adult Peters studied in Banff with Charlie Beil (1894-1976), a protegee of Charlie Russell. However, it was Beil's neighbor, Carl Rungius (1869-1959), one of the important founders of modern American wildlife painting, who appears to have influenced Peters' style the most. Peters' favorite subjects were elk, mule deer, moose, buffalo and mountain sheep. At the height of his career, Peters was represented by the Abercrombie and Fitch galleries of Chicago and San Francisco, and the Crossroads of Sport Gallery of New York, NY. This work resides in our client's gallery in Westchester County NY and may be seen in person by appointment. Additional images forwarded upon request. ( dualant )