Crystal Falls II | Paula Crane

Title: Paula Crane "Crystal Falls II" Original Limited Edition Modernist Landscape Print Background & Credentials: Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Paula Crane discovered her passion for art while living in Oldenburg, West Germany. She earned her Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from the University of Colorado at Boulder, where she later served as an instructor of silkscreen and printmaking. Inspiration & Technique: An avid outdoor enthusiast and backpacker, Crane drew direct inspiration from wilderness expeditions across the American West. She specialized in multi-layer fine art serigraphs (silkscreens) and etchings. Press Markings: Her pieces feature hand-pencil signatures, title inscriptions, edition numbers, and blindstamp chop marks embossed directly into heavy wove paper—confirming authentic short-run press production. Period: 1980–1989 Origin: United States Materials: Serigraph/Etching on heavy wove paper, solid wood frame, rag matting Edition: 207 of 300 (Pencil signed, titled, numbered, and embossed with artist chop mark) An exceptional example of American organic modernism, "Crystal Falls II" by MFA artist Paula Crane captures the raw graphic power of a mountain waterfall through stratified tonal layers. Executed on thick deckle-edge wove paper, the composition balances cool mineral slate, muted charcoal, and alabaster white. The work bears Crane's signature pencil inscription, edition details (207/300), and embossed press chop mark below the image field. Presented in its original vintage grey-washed solid wood frame with double matting, this piece brings a tranquil, grounding presence ideal for Japandi, Pacific Northwest, or modern minimalist interiors. Paper Field: General age toning across the visible paper area. The paper has developed a warm, uniform tea-tan patina, particularly pronounced along the right vertical border near the mat line. Ink & Image Field: Excellent color stability. The screenprinted/serigraph pigments (charcoal, slate, and warm grey) remain crisp with no fading, bleed, or active ink degradation. Inscriptions: The title "Crystal Falls II" and pencil numbering/signature are fully legible with no rubbing or graphite loss. Embossed Chop Mark: Clear and distinct below the signature field.