Pablo Antonio Milan — The Colorist Who Redefined Contemporary Southwest Art
Pablo Antonio Milan’s vibrant acrylics are instantly recognizable: swirling motion, splattered color fields, and expressive riders moving through dreamlike landscapes. His work helped define the Contemporary Southwest movement of the late 20th century, carrying forward the innovation of Earl Biss and Fritz Scholder while forging a style unmistakably his own. Milan’s sudden passing in 2017 elevated demand for his original paintings, especially large-format canvases showcasing his signature layering and explosive palette.
This monumental untitled riders composition, measuring 54 x 66 inches, is one of the most visually commanding examples of Milan’s mature technique—full of rhythm, movement, and atmospheric depth.
Specifications & Technical Details
Artist: Pablo Antonio Milan (1962–2017)
Title: Untitled (Riders)
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
Technique: Layered washes, splattering, palette knife, expressive brushwork
Size: 54 x 66 inches
Signature: Hand-signed
Condition: Mint
Provenance: Private collection
Milan often layered more than 20 applications of acrylic paint beneath the final imagery, creating shifting luminosity that changes under different light conditions—a key element of his reputation as one of the Southwest’s most effective colorists.
Condition & Authenticity
This example is reported in mint condition, with vibrant, undisturbed color fields and no structural or surface issues. The signature is consistent with Milan’s authenticated hand inscriptions seen across his gallery works. As with all contemporary Southwest art—particularly artists with rising posthumous markets—professional authentication and appraisal help establish long-term provenance, protect value, and support both insurance documentation and future resale.
Because Milan’s works are held in museum, corporate, and celebrity collections, high-quality originals increasingly require expert verification to distinguish them from modern reproductions and studio pieces.
Estimated Appraised Value
Estimated Appraised Value: $10,000 – $14,000
This valuation reflects:
exceptional size at 54 x 66 inches
strong collector demand after Milan’s passing
consistency with auction and gallery results for major works
desirable riders subject matter in full motion
pristine condition and complete signature
Large-format originals with dynamic rider scenes remain among Milan’s most sought-after compositions, and top examples regularly approach or exceed the mid-teens depending on provenance and sale venue.
Legacy & Value
Pablo Milan occupies an important place in the evolution of the Contemporary Southwest movement. His bold palette, high-energy compositions, and fearless layering techniques make his paintings visually distinctive from across a room—one of the reasons collectors from New Mexico to New York gravitated toward his work.
His art appears in museum holdings and the private collections of well-known figures such as Shakira, Ron Howard, and Tommy Lee Jones. With the artist’s passing in 2017, the supply of major canvases is fixed, and the market for his strongest works has continued to strengthen as more collectors recognize the significance of his contributions to Western expressionism.
The Importance of Appraisal & Authentication
Modern Southwestern art has a vibrant and rapidly appreciating market, and proper documentation protects value while ensuring your piece is accurately represented. Appraisals help owners understand true fair market value, guide insurance and estate planning, and verify authenticity for future resale or gallery placement.
At DJR Authentication, we appraise and authenticate fine art, paintings, and contemporary Southwest works with full documentation suitable for insurance, estate planning, resale, and more. To submit your artwork for evaluation, visit our services page. In-person consultations are available by appointment in Charleston, SC.
