This is a pencil drawing by noted American artist Otto Kuhler. It's from a series of drawings depicting the oil industry (see other items in shop). This features a team of workers placing a drill within a derrick. Three men are working on the drill itself while another is attentive to the derrick, resting his arm on a large wrench. Another figure is visible outside in silhouette. Kuhler does a great job of capturing the energy and intensity of the work, while also showing the relaxed competence and enjoyment of the experienced roughnecks, as evidenced by the expression of the man on the left of the drill. This could be a study for a painting or etching. It is not signed, but is clearly the work of the artist. It was obtained with other drawings some of which were signed (see other items in shop). This is done in the industrial WPA style or which Kuhler is most noted.
Otto Kuhler 1894-1976 Kuhler was born in Germany into a family that was very successful in the iron and steel industry. This likely explains his affinity for industrial images, although he is best known for his images of steam locomotives. He emigrated to the United States in 1923 as the family business collapsed in the aftermath of World War I. Prior to coming to this country he worked as an engineer, designer, and magazine editor, the fusion of these diverse experiences contributing to his artistic vision. He was successful as an etcher initially in New York and then Pittsburgh where he created images of the steel industry. He also worked designing locomotives for Milwaukee Road, Lehigh, and other companies, including the famous Hiawatha, the fastest locomotive in the world in the 1930s. He also designed the famous finned observation car for the Milwaukee Road. He is an iconic artist working the in WPA realism style, although was not funded by the Works Progress Administration. His etchings capture the power, energy, and industry in the United States in the pre- and post-World War II era.