Artist: Thelma Speed Houston – American (1914-2000) Title: Trafalgar Year: unknown Medium: Watercolor on heavy watercolor paper Sheet size: 18 x 24 inches Signature: Signed lower left. Condition: Very good Painting on reverse. Untitled, signed lower right, estate stamp lower right Unframed This modernist, moody watercolor by Thelma Speed Houston depicts Trafalgar Square in London. Nelson’s Column is in the midground of the composition. . This painting is titled on the reverse, “Trafalgar.” It is a watercolor that makes excellent use of light and dark areas to create a dramatic effect. This painting is very much in the California style of watercolor – “wet on wet technique” for which Thelma Speed Houston was known. The painting is composed of watercolor on heavy watercolor paper, measuring 18”x24”. It is unframed and it is in excellent condition, with strong colors and no damage. It is signed in the lower left, “Thelma Speed Houston.” On the reverse is a second watercolor. It appears to be a sketch or study. It is signed by Houston and also bears the artist’s estate’s stamp. Thelma Speed Houston (1914 - 2000) Born: Bronx, NY. Studied: Pratt Institute (New York). Member: Laguna Beach Art Association. Thelma Speed Houston was a textile designer for A. Sulka and Company of New York and Paris, and a colorist for St. Andrews Textile Company of New York. By the 1940's she had moved to San Diego County and was producing expressionist watercolors based on San Diego cityscape subjects. She painted very much in the modern “California” style of watercolor, with wet on wet technique. She also spent time on Maui in the Hawaiian Islands and traveled to other parts of the world on painting excursions. In addition, she also taught watercolor painting. Biography courtesy of California Watercolors 1850-1970.