Bold nude pastel drawing by Albert Hutson (American, 1923-1994). A woman is reclined on a soft red surface, leaning up against a yellow pillow. The model is skillfully sketched, with quick but confident marks. Hutson has captured the character of the model in her expression and posture, both of which appear relaxed and natural. Al Hutson retired from military service in 1974, moved to San Francisco, and enrolled in art school at the California College of Arts and Crafts. In 1978 he earned his BFA degree with distinction in drawing and painting. His work as a figurative artist was in the medium of pastel drawing, and he had an intense and abiding affinity for works on paper. Signed, dated, and titled twice in the lower right corner ("Al Hutson Danielle 89") Presented in a new off-white mat with foamcore backing. Mat size: Paper size: 19.75"H x 25.5"W Albert L. Hutson (American, 1923-1994) had two careers: first as a professional military officer, and second as an artist and member of the Board of the Graphic Arts Council in San Francisco. He was born in 1923 in Portsmouth, Virginia, into a family with a long military tradition. His father and maternal grandfather were Annapolis graduates, and his paternal grandfather served in the Civil War. Colonel Hutson graduated from Staunton Military Academy in 1941 shortly after World War II began. He later earned an undergraduate degree in history from the University of Nebraska in the late 1960s. As a young second lieutenant in World War II, he served with the First Armored Division in the Italian Campaign, starting with the Battle of Anzio, and participated in the liberation of Rome. His interest in art began at this time when his commanding officer introduced him to Italian art. Al Hutson retired from military service in 1974, moved to San Francisco, and enrolled in art school at the California College of Arts and Crafts. In 1978 he earned his BFA degree with distinction in drawing and painting. His work as a figurative artist was in the medium of pastel drawing, and he had an intense and abiding affinity for works on paper. A graduate of the Fine Arts Museums docent [tour guide] class in 1981, he was soon instrumental in organizing a group of docents with special interest in works of art on paper. The members of this group began conducting the first regular docent tours of Achenbach exhibitions. Hutson served as a docent for the SF MoMA, the de Young Museum, and the Palace of the Legion of Honor.