This 20th-century pastel on paper female portrait is by Oakland artist Rip Matteson (1920-2011). Matteson was educated at U.C. Berkeley, C.C.A.C, Scuola di Belle Arte in Rome, the Parsons School of Design in NYC, and received his DFA from Blackburn College. He founded the art program of the Monterey Peninsula College and taught at Laney College in Oakland. He also served as the president of the Carmel Art Association where he showed his work his entire life.
Matteson was enamored with Japanese art and particularly woodblock prints. Many of his works contain a traditional Japanese-style chop block with an acronym carrying a secret message to his wife.
20th Century Pastel on Paper 19.5"x20.5" unframed
Signed and stamped lower right. Good vintage condition.