A finely executed work, circa 1990, featuring a landscape with distinctive beautiful mallee trees (a type of eucalyptus), a number of sheep contentedly grazing among them, signed at lower right by listed Australian artist ALAN TREGENZA (1961-). The work measures 15" by 20 1/2" (24 1/2" by 30" framed)...

A contemporary pastel on paper work, the subject appearing to be the familiar and much-loved canals of Amsterdam in The Netherlands. Canal boats, arching bridge and a church tower in the distance complete the scene. The work measures 9 1/2" by 12 1/2" (13 1/4' by 15 3/4" in simple frame, behind glass---no mat). There is no signature but the artist was able to handle a piece of chalk. The work demonstrates fine handling of the light and reflections...

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...

An early 20th century pastel landscape of trees and a small creek at left, 20" by 27 1/2" as framed behind glass, no mat, signed at lower right by artist H. W. Carr. This was a period of great activity in pastel landscape painting; displaying original art in one's home, instead of a mere print, was considered a symbol of status. The frame is worn, with chipping.

Contemporary pastel portrait of a contemplative young brunette, 19" by 14 1/2" (25" by 20 1/2" in gold framing), signed at lower left with what appears as "Fredric Golds" (or, "Goldstein", or "Goldey" or similar). The obviously-trained artist has demonstrated his skill with pastel. The work probably dates to the 1970's or 1980's and is in excellent condition. There is some gold loss on the frame in a few places.

An interesting pastel drawing of older high rise apartment buildings in a major city, perhaps New York, signed at lower right with initials "EM" or "EW" and dated there 1939. The work, 15" by 11" (21" by 16 1/4" in simple gold metal frame), deals very skillfully with what could potentially be quite sterile subject matter in the wrong hands. This could be seen as a commentary on the anonymity of high rise living in any city...

Fine pastel drawing of a seated young woman, on gray-blue paper, 18 1/2" by 12 1/2" (23 1/2" by 17 1/2" in mid century white frame), unsigned. The artist was clearly very skilled but unfortunately failed to sign the work. An elegant interior is suggested by the orange pottery vessel at far right. The young lady's clothing suggests that the work could be old----maybe early 20th century, despite appearing to be quite fresh. Once again, it is difficult to determine without a date or artist name...

A beautifully executed work in pastel, 18" by 25 1/2", in a narrow metal poster-type frame behind glass with no mat, signed at upper left and dated there 1977 in Roman numerals (LXXVII)) by the noted well listed American artist SHELDON C. SCHONEBERG (1926-2013). At upper right, he titled the work "Grosvenor Park, London". The vigorously worked trees, sweep of the curved interaction of park and street, and small cars, flags and figures make for a handsome work...

A pleasant pastel on paper drawing of pink roses, signed at lower right by artist Lora King and dated there '39. On the reverse backing paper the name "Lora King Arnold" is written, and again "Lora Arnold" and original $100.00 price appears. There seems to be minimal information available on the artist (online I did see a 1923-1960 lifespan that may or may not be accurate). The work measures 11 1/4" by 15" (17 1/2" by 21 1/2" in original framing)...

A very finished, beautifully executed pastel of a middle-aged lady, she nicely coiffed and elegant in appearance, the work signed at lower right "CARLES". I have researched the work, (including contacting an acknowledged expert on well-known Pennsylvania artist Arthur Carles Jr. 1882-1952) and she does not feel it has the characteristics to enable it to be called the work of that noted American painter. It is offered as a nicely executed portrait drawing...

A PAIR of pastel on paper drawings, each measuring 18" by 24", though they are currently in different frames, one 32" by 38", the other 27" by 32 1/2", the optical illusion making one appear larger than the other. Both works are signed with initials "CA" at bottom right. I confirmed with a Swiss auction house that they are not by Swiss artist Cuno Amiet, therefore they are offered as-is, unattributed. Most likely, they are of American origin...

Beautiful impressionist pastel drawing of a landscape in California's high desert outside Los Angeles, 12 1/2" by 19", 19 1/2 by 26 1/2" in attractive old gold strip framing (but with no glass), and signed "R W" and dated 1940 at lower right corner. The artist was surely a talent but I am unable to connect the initials to a known artist...

Nicely executed impressionist pastel drawing of coastal rocks and surf, 9" by 12" (14 1/2" by 17 1/2" framed), unsigned. This came from a collection of Northern California art, including pastel drawings by Carl Sammons, so I would at least entertain the possibility that he could have been the artist, but alas, this is truly unsigned. The work is on paper laid on a board. Condition is excellent with just a little contact with the old style non-glare glass, which should be replaced. The photos...

PAIR of pastel drawings of stone buildings in Israel, each 13 1/4" by 9 1/4" (19" by 14 3/4" in simple light wood frames), each signed "N. Kobi", one dated '87, the other '89. I do not see a listing for the artist, who seems to have been skilled with pastel. Both works are clean. The frames have wear that could possibly be sanded out.

Pastel drawing of a path among trees at day's end, 9 1/2" by 5 3/4" (13" by 9" framed), signed at lower right by artist E. W. Rost, or possibly E. Vyrost (Vyrost is a Czech surname). The work has a Tonalist or Barbizon feeling. There is an American artist Rost but with different initials, and that artist created mostly etchings. Condition of the drawing is excellent, though the frame has considerable wear, especially at bottom and left.

Eugenia Grant's floral works in pastel are amazing achievements, often leading people to think they are prints. This is a glorious original work, 21" by 26 3/4", framed behind glass (33" by 39" framed), and signed at lower right. The realistic depiction of the pink roses, flowers, porcelain vessel, curtain backdrop, and reflection in table top, is very impressive indeed. I have seen a number of works by this highly underrated artist, and they always feature this impressive attention to detail. T...

Offered as a pair, pastel drawings of fruit (an apple, and an orange), each signed by contemporary Alabama studio artist JOHN KELLEY. The drawings are each 4" by 4", and 11" by 9" as framed in light wood. Kelley was born in St. Louis but moved to a rural area near Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where he works diligently, producing paintings and drawings of fruit, four seasons landscape, and portraits. Technically very adept, Kelley has kept a low profile. A fun and whimsical website including blog sho...

Something of a mystery piece that has resided for some time in my inventory, a pastel on paper, 7 1/4" by 18 1/2" (13" by 22" in a simple protective frame), with old penciled title on reverse of thin card "Monomy Beach", and with modern inscription in red ballpoint: "I OWNED THIS WATERCOLOR BEFORE DAMAGED - IT WAS SIGNED LOWER RT. A. T. BRICHER (signed) Bob Venger 28 Feb '82". Nearby, written in blue ballpoint, is "BRICHER". The work, by repute, came from the estate of framed American actress...