Pastel on paper drawing of desert mountains and cacti, 17" by 23" (24" by 30" framed), signed at lower right in pencil and dated there 1922 by listed southwestern American woman artist BETH MacLAFFERTY BLAKE (1901-1993). This would have been among the earlier works of an artist who was born in Berkeley, California and went on to become a well regarded talent in the Southwest. Blake was a pupil of Perham Nahl, Ray Boynton, Hans Hofmann, Chiura Obata, Karl Neuhaus and Millard Sheets...

Pastel on soft old board, the subject a light green and white sensitive spring landscape, measuring 14 1/4" by 19 1/8" (19 1/2" by 24 1/2" as framed), not signed on the front that I can see but on the reverse in old hand is written "Blossom Time/F J Girardin/The Old Watering Place/To Leighton DeMen"...

An interesting pastel drawing on paper, circa 1940's, the subject a clear green glass vase of violet and blue flowers set on a round table top adjacent to a high-floor window in a big city, lacy curtains framing the scene at both sides. The envelope sitting on the table appears to have a signature on it, in the trompe l'oeil tradition of the artist signing his/her name on an envelope; but that signature despite my best efforts defies reading...

A fine contemporary 9" by 12" pastel (19" by 21 1/2" nicely framed) drawing titled "Mission Seating", of a sun-washed stone bench in the historic courtyard of Mission San Juan Capistrano in Southern California, signed at lower right by noted California Art Club artist KAY BONANNO (1935-). The work retains on the backing a label indicating that this work was exhibited in the spring of 1996 at the Carnegie Art Museum in Oxnard, California...

A fine pastel drawing of a small structure that appears to be almost adobe-like, surrounded by trees, signed at lower left and dated there 1970 by American artist WILLIAM BEAL (1914-1995). The work measures 9 3/4" by 14 1/4" (17 1/2" by 21 1/2" in silvery mid century frame). Beal was the son of important American artist Gifford Beal and nephew of Reynolds Beal...

A finely worked original pastel of a Native American girl dancing in an interior defined by an arch, the work signed at lower left by artist CARLOS FREY (1938-). The piece is in remarkable condition, bearing framing label from Nebraska stating that it was framed to museum standards. Frey has a website outlining his long career in the arts. He works in many media, including photography, and sells originals and various types of reproductions of his works...

Pastel on paper, 21 1/2" by 16" and narrow frame, signed at lower right by well listed WAYNE LA COM (1922-). La Com is known for his skilled watercolors in the 20th century California Scene style. See the askart listing on him and his work. Photos taken at angles to minimize reflections.

Pastel on paper drawing of late autumn trees in a wooded landscape around a pond or small lake, 21 1/4" by 26 1/4" (31" by 36 1/2" framed), signed at lower right in all capital letters "CLAUDE REME". I don't see a listing by this name so the work stands on its own decorative powers, which are significant. There is a lot of atmosphere in this quiet scene, and the piece is big enough to power a wall on its own. Condition is excellent...

Pastel and charcoal on gray paper, 17 1/2" by 11 1/2" (20" by 14" in wood frame), signed at lower right with conjoined initials "VG", which corresponds to the name of the artist Vinnie Gjere. I was able to figure out the authorship due to there being a companion piece on my site, also a still life and purchased at the same time as this one; that piece is not signed on the front but on the reverse in pencil is "Vinnie Gjere"...

A finely drawn pastel of a classic Native American woman subject, who stares directly at the viewer with her handsome prominent cheekbones which are set off by black pig tails, 12 1/4" x 8 3/4" (17 1/2" by 13 1/2" framed), by England-born California artist LEONARD BORMAN (1894-1995). Borman studied art at the Art Institute of Chicago and under Joseph Pennell and George Bellows...

A rare, historical, early pastel on heavy paper laid to card drawing of a young Zuni indian girl in Arizona, unsigned, circa late 19th century, including the original gold mat, decorated with images of tipis and spears. The work measures 18" by 12" (entire mat) and 12 3/4" by 6 1/4" inside the mat. Sadly, the old antique work has been damaged. There is a darkened diagonal stain that extends from upper right down across the front of the face and into the hair...

An adorable tabby cat drawn in pastels directly on an old soft board, probably early 20th century or even turn of the century, in an old octagonal mat. This cat was loved, as evidenced by the blue ribbon tied as a bow in the neck area. Approximate dimensions inside the mat 10" by 8 1/2" (18" by 15 3/4" as framed). Sure to please the cat aficionado.

This is a fine work of art, 21 1/2" by 12 1/2", ( 24" by 16" as framed), unsigned on front but bears a handwritten notation on reverse "Vinnie Gjere", which definitely refers to the artist; see a companion piece also on my site, which is actually signed with a conjoined "VG" monogram on the front. The artist's biography, from the net: "Contributor S Hemingway added this: The Journal [New Ulm, MN] June 14, 1980 Mrs...

A very skillfully drawn pastel on paper rendering of the famous and iconic Taos Pueblo in northern New Mexico signed at lower left by artist "C Hanson". The unframed work is housed presently simply matted. Measurements of the sheet are 16" by 19". I have researched the name online and have not located an artist name that might correspond. Nevertheless the work is excellent, the Pueblo sort of fractured into a Cubist image, with diagonal lines and a flat picture plane...

An accomplished, very western American pastel drawing on paper of a frontiersman, (11" by 9", and 15 1/4" by 13 3/4" as simply framed), signed at lower right "Lea" and with copyright symbol. I sent images to the Tom Lea (1907-2001) Institute in El Paso, Texas, thinking this may be by that well-known artist but they responded that it is not. Therefore, it is offered as simply a nice drawing with a lot of western appeal. Likely date of execution circa 1970's or 1980's.

Original impressionist pastel drawing of a French (I believe) street, (10 1/2" by 13 1/2" (17 1/2" by 20 1/2" framed), with outdoor tables under umbrellas, a fountain, cars, and cropped trees, signed with initials at lower right and dated there '86...

For the dog fancier, an unusually charming drawing of what I believe to be perhaps a border collie or Australian Sheepdog, 13 1/2" by 10 1/2" (16" by 12 1/2" framed), signed illegibly at lower right and dated 1979. The artist was obviously talented and perhaps listed, but I cannot to date decipher the signature. The dog's expression is unusually energetic, charming, and even amusing. This is certainly among the most lifelike portrait drawings of a dog I have encountered. The drawing is in ex...

Pastel on paper, 11" by 23 1/2" (15 1/2" by 28" in its original stained oak veneer frame), unsigned, the subject a beautiful still life arrangement including a number of peaches and bananas in front of a tilted bowl or possibly basket. I think the work dates to about the year 1900 give or take a decade or two. Condition is excellent, with just a little pastel dust adhering to the glass. I recall having seen some time ago a photo of an oil of this exact arrangement, the painting being by Calif...