Andrew Severin Gunderson (1888 - 1964) American Pastel on Paper Measure 11"in H x 15"in W and 19"in H x 23"in W with frame Known for: Illustrations Biography: Andrew Severin Gunderson was born June 16, 1888 in Wallingford, Iowa. He was a self-taught illustration pastel artist and opened his own studio and the A. Gunderson Art Company in Chicago at age 18. In 1915 he moved to Monee, Illinois and set up a studio in his home. For many years he sold his pastels through Mages (letter Vilas-Mages) framing house catalog company often producing the same scene in various sizes. Most of his pastels are landscapes and still lives. These were drawn from his imagination. There is almost always water in his images along with trees, often white birch trees. In addition his pastels often had a log cabin or Indian tepee in the scene. He intentionally priced his artwork low, believing that everyone needed beauty in their lives and homes. His older pastels are signed A. Gunderson, later pastels just "Gunderson". There are no known unsigned pastels of Gunderson since he always signed his pastels when finished. Gunderson passed away September 4, 1964 in Monee, Illinois.