Raymond Eastwood "Monument Pass" Oil on Canvas

Raymond Eastwood "Monument Pass" Oil on Canvas
Raymond J. Eastwood (American, 1898-1987). Oil on canvas painting titled "Monument Pass, " ca. 1949, depicting a storm rolling through a desert landscape between Arizona and Utah. Signed along the lower right.

With a handwritten and signed letter from the artist on a University of Kansas School of Fine Arts Department of Painting letterhead that reads:

"The painting of the desert with rain in the distance was painted from Monument Pass on the border of Arizona and Utah. The rainfall in this region is about 2.5 inches a year, and the storm seen in the distance never reached us. At the time I painted his picture the road was very primative [sic] but this is no longer true and more excellent tourist accomadations [sic] are available at Harry Goulding's. The Navahos in the region are still untouched by Civilization and cannot speak English but do understand the plains Indian sign language. The nearest town is Kayenta Arizona but there is a new uranium development to the north complete with paved roads and water septem [sic]. The picture was painted about 1949 as nearly as I can remember."
Unframed; height: 25 1/4 in x width: 30 1/4 in. Framed; height: 29 1/2 in x width: 34 1/4 in.
Condition: The colors are bold and bright. There are no visible losses, creases, or tears. The surface is stable. There is yellowing to varnish throughout, in particular along the sky and sea of the image. There is craquelure throughout, in particular along the lower half. There are minute losses to the corners of the canvas. There is wear and losses to the frame. No signs of restoration under UV light.