Lucy and Ricky’s Landscape Art Print

ricardos-livingroom-print Here we refer to a framed print seen above the mantelpiece in the screen capture  from the episode “Ricardos Change Apartments” in which Lucy tries to convince Ricky to let them move to a bigger apartment.  This is a busy folk art print that seems to add to the effect Lucy creates when she fills the room with stuff to convince Ricky their apartment is too small.  At first glance the picture resembles  a paint by numbers creation. this is because the artist Margo Alexander was known for her gouache paintings in the style of a tapestry.

margo Farm Scene 17.5″h, 23.5″w by Margo Alexander 1894-1965 from her series of California Artist Provincials.
Margo Alexander’s  original medium was gouache painted in a flat tapestry like finish  as seen in her colorful farm scenes and country landscapes.  Her original folk art gouache paintings and serigraph silk screen prints are seen on the market occasionally. She also painted people and murals.

She studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, and exhibited at the Golden Gate International Exposition in 1939. “Davenport” listed and recognized for her miniature artwork, Margo Alexander became known for her “Sophisticated Provincials” during their exhibition at the Golden Gate International World Expo in 1939. Her subject matter was often whimsical and included colonial figures in landscapes and children in colorful costumes.Margo Alexander 1894-1965

On the back of her studio prints is usually found a label that reads “Widely recognized for the dash and color of her original paintings and murals, this popular Western artist strove to develop a hand-reproduced technique retaining all the piquant spontaneity of her prized originals. This, with the support of her associates, Ann Bode, and a talented staff, in the seclusion of her tree-covered old-world studio, she has achieved and proudly presents herewith her original {hand-replica serigraph/ title of work hand written in the box at end}.”  Most Serigraphs are dated between 1948 – 1951
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References:

  • MARGO ALEXANDER (Marguerite Rafferty Alexander 1894-1965) Born in Wilksburro, PA on Dec. 25, 1894. During the 1930s and 1940s “Margo” Alexander had homes in Chicago and Los Angeles. She passed away in Los Angeles on May 8, 1965.
  • She is listed as a California Artist in “Who was Who in American Art” and in Artists in California, 1786-1940
  • Chicago Art Annual, 1933-37;
    AIC, 1936; PAFA, WC Annual, 1936; GGIE, 1939.
  • Edan Hughes, “Artists in California, 1786-1940
    WWAA 1940; SS.