Taking place on February 27 in New York, Christie's American Art auction will offer Milton Avery's Evening Beach as its lead lot.

The painting originates from Avery's trip to Laguna Beach, California in 1941

The piece, painted in 1941, holds an estimate of $70,000-100,000, but  could well exceed this as a fantastic example of Avery's signature style. It sees the artist transform a commonplace composition by altering his palette.

The work depicts a peaceful scene with holidaymakers lounging by the shore, which is said to have been inspired by Avery's trip to Laguna Beach, California in the same year. However, the artist uses dark blues and greens to provide a subdued feel and sense of calm.

Koch's 'astute technical proficiency' makes this one of the most desirable lots of the sale

Following Avery's masterpiece will be John Koch's Portrait of the Artist's Father, which is estimated at $60,000-80,000. Like much of Koch's portraiture, the work is set in his New York apartment and is exacted with, as Christie's puts it, "astute technical proficiency".

Art historian Leslie Cheek Jr once wrote of Koch's work: "One enjoys with him his love of fine furniture, elegant mirrors, rich fabrics, and fresh flowers-all glowing with the individual reflections which light, his particular forte, gives to each."

This is certainly true of the present work, where Koch has used the lamp and furniture behind his subject to brilliantly portray a sense of intimacy.

Also starring in the sale is Norman Rockwell's Study for 'Portrait of Nehru', which is expected to sell for $20,000-30,000. The work, depicting India's first prime minister, Jawaherlal Nehru, was a study for the cover of the January 19, 1963 issue of the Saturday Evening Post.

Paul Fraser Collectibles will be bringing you the results of this sale shortly, so be sure to check back with us. To ensure you never miss the latest news from the auction world, sign up to our free weekly newsletter.