This original WATERCOLOR PAINTING measures about 7 1/2 by 9 inches (app. 10 by 12 inches framed)and it is signed in the lower right corner by the artist, LEO POLITI.

The painting is in excellent condition. There are, however, a few light scuffs to the pale mahogony frame.

This is one of the artist's early classic watercolors (mid 1930's) where his work was still influenced by the Mexican Muralists such as Rivera or Orozco. In his early works, similarities to the Muralist style are still evident.

Leo Politi(1908- 1998)was a Los Angeles, California artist. Born in Fresno, his family returned to northern Italy when he was still a child. At age fifteen he won a national scholarship to study at the University of Art and Decoration in the Royal Palace of Monza, near Milan. He then taught textile and tapestry design. In 1930 he permanently settled in Los Angeles. He is best known for the dozens of children's books he illustrated. He had exhibitions in Milan, Pennsylvania Acadamy of Fine Arts (1937), a one man show at Delphic studios in New York, and the Art Institute of Chicago (1930's). He is also well known as a painter of murals, such as the two in the South Pasadena Public Library "children reading", and also as the author and illustrator of childrens books such as "Little Pancho" 1938, Jack and Jill Weekly 1939, and many, many more. In 1950, Leo Politi won the Caldecott medal, a yearly award for excellence in childrens books for his illustrated book, " Song of the Swallows".

Auction results: At Treadway Gallery on December 6, 1998 a 12x15 inch Leo Politi watercolor sold for $2600. It was also his early, Muralist style.