A vintage circa 1930's watercolor of old two story hotels on a block in Oakdale, in California's Central Valley, between San Francisco and Yosemite, signed at lower right by listed California woman artist ESTELLA HOISHOLT (1889-1979). The buildings are of brick and a quaint, older style rarely seen nowadays in California, countless earthquakes having taken their toll on masonry buildings...

Boris Riab (French, 1898-1975)

Setter with Woodcock

Watercolor on Paper, signed

Sight size:17.75" x 12.75
Unframed, Mat size: 23" x 18"

Biography:
Boris Riab (Born November 1, 1898 Boris Riabouchinsky, in Moscow, Russia. Riab died in 1975 in Saint Vincent du LorouÃr.)
Due to his families finances, Riab studied at many different art schools in Moscow.
In 1917, Riab's family fled Russia after the Bolshevik Party gained power...

Late 19th century watercolor painting of a religious road-side shrine, probably outside of Rome, an imposing church dome (probably St. Peter's Basilica) forming the backdrop to the scene. The painting is signed at lower left "Conti"; it is possible it is a work of the listed artist Tito Conti (1842-1924) but I cannot say for certain that he was the artist. The unframed piece measures 14 3/4" by 11 1/4"...

A watercolor painting featuring a street scene in exotic Cusco, Peru, the imagery of a steep walkway in the high altitude mountain city, a lone figure in classic, native Andean dress descending the steps, an extensive view of tiled rooftops, whitewashed buildings and churches completing the middle distance, as serrated mountain ranges fill the horizon. The 10 7/8" by 7 1/2" painting (15 1/4" by 12 1/4" framed) is signed at lower left "ORE" and dated there 1980. Condition is excellent...

A beautifully executed watercolor painting of a proper Victorian lady in her fine parlor, her chair and small table sitting on a bear skin rug. The work is unfortunately unsigned. It measures 18 1/4" by 12 3/4" at the mat opening (25 1/2" by 19 1/2" as framed). This was acquired from a New Jersey dealer, in Florida. He claimed to have had a bit of paper with the name of the artist but has never been able to come up with it despite my requests...

A PAIR of watercolor paintings framed as one, in black and white, each signed lower corner "CC" or "LL", likely late 19th century or early 20th. Each measures 2 1/4" by 3 1/4" (12 1/2" by 9" as framed). There is no information inside on the identity of the talented artist. Silvery frame and hand drawn mat makes for a very elegant little piece.

An old watercolor on paper laid on board painting of old buildings, with a view to open water beyond the narrow lane. The work is signed with initials "MC" or "ME" at lower left but there is no other information. The watercolor measures 11 1/2" by 9" inside the mat and 18 1/2" by 16" as framed. There is old wood slat backing remaining. This might well be a scene of old England, perhaps Cornwall, but it is really hard to say more as to the locale portrayed...

A large watercolor on paper on panel painting of a classical mountain landscape, dated in Chinese 1980 at upper left (and likely signed there, I cannot read calligraphy), the work measuring 32" by 22 1/2" (the entire panel 40 1/2" by 30 1/2" with metal frame, loose/no glass). The artist was obviously familiar with centuries of Chinese classical landscapes. There is light wear in several places but nothing serious. The work is loose within the frame and can be shipped with or without it.

A contemporary watercolor painting "Mirror Lake/Yosemite National Park", signed at lower right by Southern California artist Marcia L. Litchfield. The 20" by 14" watercolor (30 1/2" by 25" framed) features a look into the famous valley in late spring, when snow patches remain on the mountainside. The work is nicely done. Oak frame has a small bit of wear, and the Plexiglas is rubbed/scratched so may have to be replaced...

NOT A PRINT, this is an original, hand-drawn sepia ink and watercolor on paper drawing, titled at lower center "Plumeria Tricolor". Further writing in a quaint nineteenth century hand reads "A tree 30 ft. high" and "Pint. Mono. (Montego Bay??) Jamaica x gardens of Peru x N.O. Apocyness"...

A vintage mid 20th century watercolor painting of a sun-washed Mediterranean village including white church, red roofed buildings and mule-drawn cart, signed at lower left by artist "Costi" (or similar). The work measures 13" by 9 3/4" (19 1/2" by 16 1/2" in attractive silvery frame). Watercolor and frame are in excellent condition.

A watercolor of a lighthouse on the Maine coast, 9" by 13" (15" by 19" in wood frame), signed at lower right by artist Donna Sabaka (1946-). On the reverse is written "The Nubble Light"/York/Cape Neddick, Me.". The artist signed again there and wrote "Kennebunkport, Me. 1986". The lighthouse is in the extreme southern portion of Maine, in the heavily visited coastal strip of that state---a large tourist draw in summer...

Watercolor painting of autumnal tree in a landscape, 21" by 14", unframed, signed at lower left Virginia Dicken and on reverse is written "Autumn Gold". I do not see information on an artist by that name but she was obviously familiar with watercolor technique, including wet-on-wet technique visible at upper right. Presently the work is taped at edges to a mat (can and should be removed). Condition is excellent; just frame it.

Watercolor painting of an elaborate Orthodox church on a rise above a lake in winter, a rowboat in the foreground, the work signed at lower right in Russian. On the reverse in ink is written the artist's full name, Sergei Nemirovski, and the date, 1998. Measuring 9 1/2" by 6 3/8" inside the mat (16 1/2" by 13 1/4" in simple wood frame), the piece is very clean and ready for the wall.

Atmospheric skilled watercolor painting of Venice and the famous lagoon at dawn or sunset, signed at lower right by the artist, GUIDO AGOSTINI (1870-1898, different dates are shown in different reference sources)...

A vintage watercolor painting of a Southwest style interior, with large barred window allowing light into a spar room with rocker, small shelf with objects, and plants. It is a simple composition but nicely painted by a talented hand. The work is signed at lower right but I am unable to make out the signature. The work measures 8 1/2" by 11 3/4" (13 1/2" by 17" in simple frame). The paper is toned with age and the frame has a little wear.

A watercolor and white gouache painting on paperboard, 10" by 14", unframed, titled on reverse in pencil in old hand "On a Lonely Shore by Carl Oscar Borg". Nearby, another title is crossed out; seems to have read "On a Lonely Hill....". The artist is CARL OSCAR BORG (1879-1947), noted for his California and Southwest works. Borg was born in Sweden into modest circumstances. He showed early talent copying from books and painting houses, but went to London at 20 and was exposed to art current...

A small nicely worked watercolor painting of a sun-washed plaza in a Greek town, a man leading a mule in the foreground. Measurements are 7" by 4" (drawing itself) and 13" by 10" framed. The artist signed in red at lower right, presumably in Greek. Condition is excellent.

Watercolor painting of a harbor, probably Maine, signed at lower right corner by artist M. Matheson and titled in pencil on the reverse, appropriately, "Quiet Harbor" (with original $35.00 price). The work, on heavy watercolor paper, measures 15 1/2" by 22 1/2". It having slid down under the mat due to the old tape losing its grip, I removed this from the mat and frame, which are (possibly) available at no extra charge. The fairly ordinary frame measures 22 1/2" by 27 1/2". My online researc...

Watercolor painting of some age, 13" by 10 1/2" (22" by 18" framed), the subject simply a tree, but, that subject is handled very beautifully, and the work is signed at lower right by artist Paula Day (on whom I find no information). The interpretation of light and color belies the hand of a talented artist. Judging from the framing materials this dates no later than the mid 1960's and likely earlier. I recommend a new mat only; the frame can be retained.

A watercolor painting of raspberries in a small wicker basket, signed at lower right center with what appears as "J. L. Guinand", and dated there 1895. The work could be by a French artist or perhaps by an American with a French name. I do not see a listing for such an artist. The work measures 7 1/4" by 11 1/2" and 17 3/4" by 21 3/4" framed. The paper is slightly puckered and there is a small unexplained blue area at far right edge that seems out of place. The frame is a bit tired with som...

A PAIR of watercolor paintings of scenes of Los Angeles' "South Bay" cities, one featuring the Manhattan Beach Pier (6 3/4"by 9 1/2"), the other the Palos Verdes General Store (6 7/8" by 9 3/4"), one signed by and both bearing the label of talented local artist Sharon Towle. Both are in gold metal frames of identical size (13" by 16"). The artist worked for the commercial side of the art market in graphic design and illustration. From there she branched into presenting her art at local shows ...

A pleasant watercolor painting of a working windmill in an extensive landscape, the sheet 9 3/4" by 13 1/4", currently loose under a mat, no frame, signed at lower left by listed English artist ALFRED WILLIAM RICH (1856-1921). Other than normal age toning of the paper, there are several spots of foxing, a missing extreme upper right corner, which is easily hidden by the mat, and reverse browning from residue of varnish or old adhesive. The watercolor is firmly in the tradition of English water...

A fine watercolor painting of tulips in a vase, painted in a modernist style, 15 1/2" by 12" (28" by 24" framed), signed in pencil at lower right by artist JULIAN E. LEVI (1900-1982). The work is fresh and clean, and nicely matted and framed. Levi was born in New York and spent much of his life there. He did venture to Philadelphia for training at the Pennsylvania Academy under Arthur Carles, Daniel Garber, and Henry McCarter. The first half of the 1920's found him in Europe, absorbing the s...

Watercolor painting of a harbor scene in New England, 12 3/4" by 18 3/4" inside the mat, 20 1/4" by 26 1/4" in silvery metal framing, signed at lower left in red "J. Stephenson" and dated there '77. This is likely a scene of Maine or Massachusetts, judging from the lobster traps at left on the dock. The artist does not seem to be listed but I have seen other similar works by this hand while traveling in New England. The watercolor has a number of brown noticeable foxed areas in the sky, as s...

Attractive nicely framed American watercolor that dates likely to about the 1940's, signed at lower left with what appears as "A W Edwards". The landscape measures 13" by 18" (21" by 25 1/4" framed). Obviously the artist was skilled at and trained in the use of watercolor. More research might turn up information on the identity of this painter. Condition is excellent. Hand drawn mat lines add to the appeal.

Ink and watercolor drawing of cows in a field, 13 1/2" by 21 1/2" (20 1/2" by 29" framed), signed at lower center "Sam Smith" The modeling of the animals shows that the artist was a keen observer of their forms and a talented draftsman. Apparently this is not by the listed New Mexico artist Sam Smith (1918-1999) as the signature is not similar and the work itself does not resemble that artist's work. This watercolor is in excellent, fresh, clean condition, the paper very white.

This is a well executed impressionistic watercolor of haystacks on a marsh, a popular theme in American art, addressed most notably during the third quarter of the nineteenth century by the great Martin Johnson Heade, in the marshes of coastal northeastern Massachusetts. This painting on heavy paper was laid down to an old board a long time ago. Unfortunately it does not appear to be signed, at least not on the front. The painting itself measures 10" by 14", 18 1/2" by 22 1/4" in its late 19t...

Watercolor painting of a dramatic western American mountain, unframed, executed on a 12" by 17 1/2" sheet of watercolor paper, unsigned. The mountain resembles the pyramidal Going to the Sun Mountain in Montana's Glacier National Park, but I suppose this could be elsewhere in the great American west. Condition is excellent; the work needs only framing.

Highly impressionistic watercolor painting of a small boat in a foggy harbor, 14" by 20", unframed, signed at lower left by the listed American artist JOSEPH MARGULIES (1896-1984). Margulies was born in Vienna and by the 1920's was studying art in New York at the Art Students League, one of his instructors being Joseph Pennell. He also received training at the National Academy, Cooper Union, and in Europe. Margulies came to be known for his portraits and landscapes, many of the Cape Ann area ...

Very detailed, complex, good-sized (21" by 15 3/4", 29" by 23 1/4" as framed) ink and watercolor whimsical drawing of a cartoonish scene including Victorian type house, car, old lady pushing shopping cart, cat, bird, dog, -----well, let's say it's hard to describe....just see the images yourself! At first glance this looks like a print or reproduction, but it is absolutely ORIGINAL ART. Carl Muecke is a veteran of political satire expressed in art, going back to his days at UC Berkeley. More ...

A small but nicely executed watercolor painting of the dramatic mountains surrounding Mexico's commercial capital, the city of Monterrey in Nuevo Laredo state in the northeastern part of the country. The work is signed in red at lower right "A. Hoeck" and dated there 1909. The artist was a relative of a Santa Monica, California artist who recently passed away, and this was found among her personal effects. At lower left again in red is "Mexico Monterrey", and interestingly, on the reverse, the...

Watercolor and gouache impressionist painting of the Dead Sea in Israel, signed in pencil at lower right in modern Hebrew script as "Hana Bar(-on)" or "Chana Bar(-on) and dated there 1970. Below that in Hebrew is written "iam hamelach" (Dead Sea). I am not able to read Hebrew but was able to show this to a Hebrew reader. The work measures 13 1/2" by 19 1/4", and is presently unframed. It can be shipped between boards or in the plastic poster box in which it is presently loosely housed. Ther...

California watercolor landscape scene of a water tower above outbuildings in a tawny landscape, signed at lower left by artist Compton. The work measures 14" by 20" inside the present mat and 25" by 31" as framed in simple light wood, (no glass). The painting is in excellent condition despite the lack of glass. Mats are soiled and should be replaced. A well executed work squarely in the "California Style" of watercolor painting.

Watercolor painting of a blue-eyed dark haired younger man with long sideburns, seated in a chair, circa 1860's, possibly a bit earlier, apparently unsigned, 9" by 6 1/2" (12 1/4" by 10 1/4" framed). The drawing shows some evidence of 150 years of age, with some light surface scratches in a few spots, a circular discoloration on the paper at left wall, and a little other foxing/discoloration. Found in Florida. I would lean towards the work being of American, rather than English, origin.

A beautifully executed watercolor painting of ladies on the shore of an Italian lake, high mountains and a red-roofed town on the opposite shore, signed at lower right by artist "L. Vian". This is likely a scene of one of the famous northern Italian lakes such as Lago Maggiore or Lago Como. The bright light is captured with skill and perspective and color is obviously well handled by a talented artist. I see little information on an artist of this name so wonder if perhaps it might be signed ...

Watercolor on heavy pebbled watercolor, 10 1/4" by 13 3/4" (17 1/2" by 20 1/2" in simple, worn frame), unsigned, the subject an impressive sailing craft in a small boat harbor. The painting has a nice impressionist touch, and, apparently, some age (at least 1960's or before). On the reverse someone did some math calculations, writing the numbers in a distinctive old hand that is of a previous generation. The clean mat with gold inner edging can be retained; a new frame would work wonders.

Reuben Ward Binks (British, 1880-1950) - English Setter, "Rap", gouache portrait painting, dated 1936. Size: 14 in x 19 in. (sight). Signed and dated by artist in the lower left; titled in lower right. A finely rendered portrait of an English setter, 'Rap' at a stance, with a mixed oak forest in late autumn as a background. Reuben Ward Binks was the leading artist of his day in portraits of dogs. He created dog paintings for several members of the British royal family, including King Edward VI...

A fine circa 1930's watercolor painting of a sunny lane in Bermuda, a tall lone palm dominating the whitewashed walls and distinctive tiered roofs of Bermuda. Carson was a frequent winter visitor to the island after about 1932, and his contribution to Bermuda art history has been recognized in the Masterworks Bermuda collection. From time to time, oils and watercolors come to the market, but they are scarce. The artist was born in Massachusetts and trained in Boston and at the Art Students Le...

Early California watercolor painting, circa 1920's or 1930's I would guess, possibly earlier, titled at lower left Cathedral Peak/Emerald Bay, signed at lower right "A.L.M.". This is a view of Lake Tahoe and the grand scenery at the south end of that famous mountain lake. The painting measures 11 1/2" by 8 1/2" inside the mat, and 16 1/4" by 14 1/4" as simply framed. The style suggests the artist might have been a student or possibly familiar with the work of influential Northern California w...

Attractive 1940's watercolor painting of coastal surf and rocks, 11 1/2" by 15 1/2" (18" by 22" in attractive gold carved frame), signed at lower left by listed California artist CARL RUBEN WALLINE (1884-1976). Affixed to the backing is a very old Spectrum Club/Long Beach label and the title "Breakers", and the date June 8, 194(X). The watercolor is very light and impressionistic; there could be even sun fading, or this effect could be the way the artist painted it; difficult to determine. T...

Colorful, interesting watercolor with a modernist, almost Expressionist feeling, unsigned, 16" by 12" (23" by 17" in present frame). There is a label on the backing from the Fenway Art Center in Boston, which was run by two listed artists, Richard and Giragos Der Garabedian, leading me to believe that this could have been work by one of them, even though the style/subject does not fit with their known works. However on the back of the sheet is written in pencil "LA Night Scene June 1985 With L...

Watercolor and gouache on paper scene of young trees along a bucolic dirt road in a hilly landscape, 12" by 15", (19 1/2" by 23" as framed), signed at lower right "C .GRANT DAVIDSON", and signed again in longhand in a margin area, dated there 1894. This is a work by CHARLES GRANT DAVIDSON (1865-1945), an American artist based out of New York who painted oil and watercolor scenes in the northeastern states. He is often confused with a British artist by the same name. This painting was mounted, ...

An English early to mid nineteenth century watercolor, featuring a house or cottage with cross-hatched windows, an arch at left with two small figures nearby, and tree at right. The work is apparently unsigned. The hand is a little stiff and primitive, but the work is antique and charming. Someone spent a considerable sum on the pleasing newish gold frame and hand-drawn "French mat" with lines and glittery goldish foil border. Frame is in generally excellent condition, just a small dig at lo...

A nicely executed watercolor painting of a Mediterranean or Spanish style courtyard, the stuccoed white buildings with red tile roofs and grills on windows. Apparently unsigned, the work measures 10" by 13 1/4" (18" by 21 1/4" in circa 1960's or 1970's frame). This could be a scene of Spain, Central or South America, or, even, Southern California. Condition is excellent.

A beautifully painted work, 10 1/4" by 14 1/4" inside the mat, unframed, apparently by a Massachusetts artist by the name of Edith Currier Walker. This was purchased in Newburyport, Massachusetts, in a shrink wrap sleeve, with a handwritten label that stated this was by an Edith Currier Walker. The work is not signed on the front but on the reverse is some writing that looks like "E v. C Wa.....". There is a listed artist by this name from Oregon and California, but a google search shows that...

A small gem of a watercolor painting, the subject a traditional house in a landscape with trees, signed at lower right "F Diday fecit", ("fecit" Latin for "did it" or "made it"), circa mid 19th century. The work on laid paper measures 3 1/4" by 5 1/8" inside the beautifully hand drawn lines mat. Presently this is unframed. The drawing is NOT laid down--just hinged to a thin board at top edge, though there is old tape/tape residue on reverse in corners, those corner areas appearing as slightly...

By the hand of the noted Polish-born Jewish artist who spent most of his life in California, BERNARD BARUCH ZAKHEIM (1896-1985) is this very early (1929) watercolor study "Mural Design for Monterey Calif". We see an image of a number of figures evidently hard at work in a landscape (possibly harvesting). The watercolor, 11 1/2" by 12" and 14" by 15 1/2" framed, dates to less than a decade after the artist arrived in California. Zakheim was born in Poland, and studied art in Danzig, Warsaw, ...

Late 19th or early 20th century American watercolor of several small sailing craft off a dock, signed at lower right with what appears as "L. Hart" or similar. (There might be a "18" below the signature---possibly as in 1918, but it is difficult to make out with any certainty). The work measures 9 3/4" by 8" (14 3/4" by 13" framed). Let's call the artist a talented amateur who created a pleasant scene. Condition is good. Gilded oak framing has light wear but is complementary to the art. Al...

A peaceful scene---slow moving creek in a landscape, bordered by trees in what appears to be early autumn, signed at lower left center by Massachusetts listed artist JOHN J. FRANCIS (1862-1933). The work is competently painted by an artist who seems to have specialized in the watercolor medium. His works are often encountered in New England. Auction records seem to be hopeless entangled with another American artist with the same name, born in 1889 and died 1939. That Francis was more of an i...

Really well executed watercolor of a classic American town's streets and buildings, as seen from a bird's eye view on a gray, snowy winter day, 14" by 11 1/2" inside the present mat, unframed, signed at lower left by artist Warren Blackwell, and dated there 1948. It is surprising that there seems to be no information available on the artist, as his handling of the medium is so skilled and advanced. The scene is very American, and reminiscent of the American Scene art of the 1930's and early 19...

A watercolor drawing of the famous (since 1862) Cafe du Monde in the old Vieux Carre (French Quarter) of New Orleans, Louisiana, signed at lower left by listed American artist PIERRE MENAGER (1894-1973). The work is dated there 1942. Menager was born in Nantes, France and traveled widely during his life within the southern and western United States, creating art wherever he went. He is best known for landscapes and seascapes of California and the Southwest. A member of the Painters and Sculp...

Contemporary watercolor painting of whitish or pinkish roses, executed in a soft-focus manner, signed at lower right by artist Jean Percival. I do not see a listing by this name but we're looking at a talented artist. The work measures 13 1/2" by 9 1/2" inside the double mat opening and 21" by 17 1/2" framed. Silvery frame exhibits light wear. There are reflections in some images.

An early 20th century watercolor painting of small structures on a coastline, likely Maine, but most certainly New England, signed at lower left corner by listed English-born, American artist SIDNEY THOMAS CALLOWHILL (1867-1939). Callowhill was born in Worcester, England and was in America by 1885. He worked at the Faience Manufacturing Company for a time, ultimately living for periods in Brooklyn, Baltimore and Boston. An artist, illustrator designer, he is best known today for his decoratin...

Esther Anna Hunt (1875-1951) is known today in California art circles as a keen observer of the traditional culture as displayed in San Francisco's Chinatown. Her paintings and plaster bust models of young girls in traditional costume make regular appearances in auctions of California art. This work appears to have been created by one of Hunt's many early 20th century imitators. The watercolor is signed at lower right corner "A. Fowler" and is dated there April 1912. The work (9 1/2" by 5 1/2" ...

Italian 20th century watercolor of old church or cathedral, 16" by 13" (27" by 23" framed), signed at lower left "Brunacci" or "Brunalli" or similar. There is no listed artist by these names, but the artist was talented in the medium and created a satisfying work. Condition is excellent. Age would be circa mid twentieth century----perhaps a tourist souvenir piece.

A vintage (mid century) watercolor painting of a very old stone church in Central America or Mexico, signed at lower left "Gil". The work is very nicely painted by an obviously talented watercolorist. Note the tiny figures in the composition, and the bright spots of color contrasting with the creamy stone of this circa sixteenth or seventeenth century church. Most likely this would be in Guatemala or one of the nearby countries, or in southern Mexico. There are many artists by the name "Gil"...

Watercolor on paper painting of the Nile RIver in Egypt and the pyramids of Giza, including date palms, the distinctive local dhows and a camel completing the scene, signed at lower left with the initial "W" by listed artist DAVID VASSILIOU. Vassiliou's biography is not extensive but he was evidently a prolific painter at mid century, most works featuring Egypt, Greece and the Mediterranean region. He seems to have always signed with this capital "W" for some reason. This work measures 9" by 21...

American watercolor painting on heavy watercolor paper, of trees in a shaded landscape, circa mid 20th century. The unsigned work measures 15 1/2" by 22 1/2" (unframed). Condition is excellent; small pinholes in corners where the artist had this affixed while working on it. Could probably be sent rolled in a tube for savings on shipping.

A miniature or small gouache hillside landscape painting (3" by 4 1/4"), 7 3/4" by 9 3/4" in silvery stand-up frame, signed at lower left "R. Becker". The artist is Russ or Russell Becker, according to a Christmas 1995 hand-written holiday note on the inside of the blue card to which this is affixed. I do not see an obvious artist by this name, but he was clearly talented. The scene appears western, given the reddish rocky outcrop. Condition is excellent.