Clifford Smith (American, born 1936), Operation Redwing, 1965 Color Lithograph

Clifford Smith is an American artist and lithographic printer closely associated with Tamarind Lithography Workshop in Los Angeles. Appointed studio manager in 1965 and later director of education, he also printed lithographs for artists including Ruth Asawa, Josef Albers, Frank Lobdell, and Robert Cremean. Smith’s own prints are represented in the National Gallery of Art, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Amon Carter Museum of American Art, and Norton Simon Museum.

Operation Redwing, 1965, a color lithograph from stone in yellow, red-orange, two shades of violet, and red on white Arches wove paper, printed by Clifford Smith and published by Tamarind Lithography Workshop, Los Angeles. Smith builds the composition from overlapping circular forms and broad translucent passages in a concentrated red-orange palette. The title likely refers to Operation Redwing, the 1956 United States nuclear-test series in the Marshall Islands. Titled “Operation Redwing” in pencil lower left, inscribed “Tam. Imp.” lower center, and signed “Cliff” and dated “March ’65” lower right, with the Tamarind workshop blindstamp and Smith printer’s chop. Published sheet and image dimensions measure approximately 12.75 x 9.75 inches. Light overall toning and minor handling wear. The verso has two remnants of previous mounting tape near the upper edge and several small areas of adhesive residue or superficial paper disturbance from prior mounting. Colors remain strong and the image presents well. Provenance of Martin and Enid Gleich.

Condition
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Dimensions
12.75 x 9.75 in