Highly regarded American artist (1887–1986) best known for her sensuous, large-scale paintings of flowers, images from the natural world, and the American southwest. Early and excellent ALS, one page, 7 x 10.25, blind-embossed Shelton [Hotel] New York letterhead, no date [1920s]. O’Keefe writes to an unknown recipient. In full: “Thanks for the fruit—and for not wanting me to be sick—and for making me want to paint grapes—I’m feeling better—painting the grapes—and smiling….” After signing, she adds a postscript: “It would be nice if you would come and see me some time….” O’Keeffe lived and worked at the Shelton Hotel the 1920s, during which time she created some of her most memorable works, many incorporating imagery from Manhattan’s distinctive architecture. Indeed, a number of her paintings from the ’20s allude to her vantage point from the Shelton as part of the title; one of her most famous “skyscraper” images, The Shelton with Sunspots, depicts the hotel itself. Mild toning, a few faint smudges to text, and a tiny chip or two, otherwise fine condition. An exceptional letter of unusually early date and poetically expressed artistic content! RRAuction COA.
