A large painting on Masonite panel, the surface of the oil or acrylic highly varnished, 30" by 34" in narrow metal frame, signed at lower right and dated there 1990 by noted contemporary American artist ROBIN GARY WOOD. Wood has an easily found website. He has traveled around the country and internationally, painting at various times in the Princeton/New Hope area, in Florida, and in the Taos-Santa Fe New Mexico region...

A small unframed painting of a creek or pond in the forest, 3 3/4" by 5 1/2", signed at lower right and dated 1918 by early San Francisco artist ALICE MEUSSDORFFER (1871-1949). The work, roughly the size of an index card, is painted in oil on a thin card laid on a thicker card. Meussdorffer was born in San Francisco in 1871, the daughter of a well-known hat maker...

An oil on canvas painting, of two young girls, perhaps sisters, with rooster, 12" by 9", signed at lower right with the distinctive signature of well-listed Southwestern American artist VLADAN STIHA (1908-1992). Stiha was born in Belgrade, Yugoslavia into an artistic family. He had art training at the Academy of Arts, Vienna, and also in Rome...

Oil on canvas painting of a Native American on horseback in the great American West during the late autumn months, 16" by 8", (26" by 18" as framed), signed at lower left corner with the signature and device of contemporary artist ART KOBER. Note the attention to detail that extends to even the beaded bag and every blade of grass. Kober, who maintains a website, is a noted contemporary western American artist who appeared in the pages of Art of the West magazine as far back as 1989...

For those who STILL profess their love for NY despite its flaws and problems and challenges, this is an impressionist oil, painted on the rough side of the Masonite panel, 27" by 38 1/2" as framed, the subject Central Park in winter. The scene is of one of the East-West cross-park motor routes. Classic yellow taxis enliven the scene, as does a lone spectator figure at lower right. A richly worked composition by an artistic hand...

Oil on board painting of old houses in an American town, 12" by 16" (15" by 19" framed), the auto in the scene suggesting a circa 1930 date, unsigned, housed in an old 19th century Victorian style frame with patterned gold inner fillet. The work suggests to me the famous watercolor art of American artist Charles Burchfield, or at least other painters of the "American Scene" and WPA period. The work has been subjected to water which has left a pattern of water drops over the surface...

A classic painting of the California desert and mountains, oil on Masonite, 12" by 15" (15" by 18" in vintage old frame possibly carved by artist), signed lower left by noted California impressionist JOSEPH FREY (1892-1977). This is likely a view looking west towards the towering 11,000 foot high Mt. San Jacinto massif which looms over Palm Springs. The artist has interestingly painted in a "liner" border in a cream color; this is part of the painting and not a linen liner...

An oil on canvasboard painting, the subject a tawny western American landscape populated by four cowboys and six horses, signed at lower left by contemporary artist Richard Harris. I do not see a listing for an artist by this name but obviously, he was talented, seeing as that he captured so beautifully the horses-- a notoriously difficult subject to paint well. The work reminds a bit of that of listed California artists Bill Bender and James Colt...

A fine example of the work of Canadian-born artist who is most associated with California, ALICE BLAIR THOMAS (1857-1945). We see a composition in various shades of green, with sheep grazing under a tree in a peaceful scene. The oil on canvasboard measures 14" by 10" (21 1/2" by 17 3/4" in modern-day California style gold frame that has apparently been painted matte black). Thomas painted in the Toronto area in her early years, as well as in Europe and even India...

A classic painting of the West---a river in a mountainous piney landscape, (titled, probably in artist's hand, on stretcher, "Mountain Stream"), by the noted, well-listed California impressionist artist, JOHN ANTHONY CONNER (1892-1971). The oil on canvas measures 20" by 26" (24" by 30" in old hand-carved frame. The work is stamped on the reverse with artist reproduction rights notice; the piece likely dates to about 1945 or 1950...

An oil on canvasboard 1967 painting titled "Girl Clown", signed by listed American artist Denise Burns (born 1943). The work measures 14" by 10" (19" by 15" framed)...

A scene of a lady in a sunny southern European street, likely Italy or maybe Spain, she shown filling vessels with water at the town fountain. The painting is signed at lower right "Golthamer", dated there 1962, and humorously titled "H2O" at bottom. Online research has revealed the oil on canvasboard painting is by one Charles R. Golthamer (1896-1963), a prominent mid-century Los Angeles radiologist who co-authored textbooks on the anatomy of the human skull. Golthamer, a Van Nuys, CA reside...

Oil on canvas, 20" by 26" (25 3/4" by 32" framed), possibly but not necessarily an Illinois subject, by an Illinois-born artist who went on to notoriety in California impressionist Plein Air painting, ARTHUR HILL GILBERT (1894-1970). This is a rather early (likely circa 1925) work. Gilbert was born in Mount Vernon, Illinois, graduating from the Evanston Academy in 1913 and then going on to two years at nearby Northwestern University. In 1917 he attended the United States Naval Academy Officer's...

A beautiful silvery-themed oil on Masonite painting of birch trees in a snowy winter landscape, by the noted California artist VERNON KERR (1938-1982). The work measures 20" by 16" (27 1/2" by 23 1/2" in silvery-goldish frame), is signed at lower left and signed again and titled "Winter Sleeping" on reverse, along with the artist's reference numbers and copyright statement. This is an excellent example of Kerr's work, likely dating to the 1960's or 1970's. Kerr had a gallery in Laguna Beach be...

Joseph Mortimer Lichtenauer, Jr. (American, 1876-1966 )

Moods

Oil on canvas, signed and dated lower left corner “Lichtenauer 1904.”

Painting: 28” x 40”

Frame:

Born in New York City, Joseph Mortimer Lichtenauer studied at the Art Students League with Mowbray before moving to Paris where he entered the Académie Julian. There he studied under Merson and Laurens. Additional years of travel and study in Florence, Italy no doubt influenced his tastes, evi...

A very colorful and whimsical MCM or "Retro" painting of doll-like figures appearing as a hybrid between clowns and Raggedy Ann dolls, by the noted California-based painter at mid century, PAUL BLAINE HENRIE (1932-1999). This circa 1960's or 1970's oil or acrylic on canvas measures 18" by 24" (23" by 29" framed). Condition is excellent, the original goldish frame a bit dusty and dulled by age. Signed at lower center and appears to be dated there "66". Henrie was born in Tampa, Florida and by...

Vintage American Impressionist Oil Painting Girl Flowers on the Beach by Barton. Oil on 20 x 24" panel signed lower left presented in a quality gallery frame. Harry Lang Barton, artist and illustrator May 12, 1908 - August 12, 2001 Born in Cleveland and raised in Seattle, Harry Barton spent his life doing the thing he truly loved--painting. Whether in the Pacific Northwest around Seattle, Hood Canal, and Puget Sound, or in the Art Students League, Central Park, and the parks and beaches of...

Oil on canvas painting of a desert landscape, 18" by 24" (27" by 34" framed), signed at lower right by the listed California painter AILEEN POWERS STEPHENS (1889-1982). The artist also dedicated it to her daughter Helen, in July 1978, on the occasion of the latter's birthday, in an inscription on the reverse. Stephens was born in Kansas into an artistic family. She was related to the important 19th century American sculptor Hiram Powers. Stephens studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and w...

An unframed oil on canvas landscape, 12 3/4" by 16", the subject a large lake in high country, a distant mountain in the background and tall spruce-type trees at left along the rocky shore. I have searched diligently for a signature and cannot find one, which is frustrating, as the work is certainly good enough to have been executed by a listed artist. The canvas was laid down on a board circa 1940 or so judging from the "Brownie Board" age. Weave of the canvas and the technique all suggest th...

Vintage American Impressionist Oil Painting on panel of a Swan on Lake by Harry Barton. From the estate of the artist with stamp on the verso. Presented framed in a quality gallery frame. Overall size 20ʺW × 1ʺD × 16ʺH Harry Lang Barton, artist and illustrator May 12, 1908 - August 12, 2001 Born in Cleveland and raised in Seattle, Harry Barton spent his life doing the thing he truly loved--painting. Whether in the Pacific Northwest around Seattle, Hood Canal, and Puget Sound, or in t...

Unframed oil, on canvas painting, unsigned, circa 1920's or 1930's, measuring 25" by 32", the subject a rousing toast among a group of men in traditional eastern European or Russian clothing, a lone woman watching warily in the background. The painting is very dirty and as-found with craquelure. Trying to establish authorship, I contacted several prominent auction houses. One declared the painting "Brandywine School" and almost certainly by the important American illustrator artist Mead Schae...

Oil on board painting of waves at a rocky coastline, unframed, 15 3/4" by 20", likely by a listed artist but unsigned. The work was executed sometime around 1950 I would surmise. Condition is good and this should fit nicely into an easy-to-find standard size 16" by 20" frame.

An oil on Masonite painting of a classical nude male, signed lower left by noted California artist BEN CARRE (1883-1978) The work measures 17 1/2" by 24 3/4", and as framed 23 1/2" by 29". Carre was born in Paris and was an early set painter for the Paris Opera, Comedie Francaise, and Covent Garden. He became an early art director for the Gaumont Film Studios, painting trompe l'oeil backgrounds at a time in early film making when props were rare and expensive. By 1912 Carre was in the New York a...

A very attractive floral still life, 30" by 24" (37" by 31" framed), quite light and airy with white predominating, signed at lower right by by the hand of noted California-born artist PAUL MATHENIA (1946-). This is a beautifully worked oil on canvas painting of flowers in a table top vase, signed at lower right with the artist's typical signature. Mathenia was born in Bakersfield, California and showed early artistic talent as a youngster. He received art instruction at various venues in Southe...

Oil on gray academy board painting, 12" by 17 7/8", 16" by 22" in the rather battered old framing, unsigned, probably executed in the latter years of the nineteenth century in New England. The artist created a comforting scene with a folk art feel, the handling of the trees and structure charmingly primitive. More than likely, this will need a new frame. There is a roughly circular dark area as seen at lower left, about 1" in diameter, that has been abraded. Otherwise the painting just sports...

Strong and vivid painting by Charles Burdick (American 1924-2016) depicting two rearing horses with riders. Frame measures 28 1/4" x 24" and is painted and gilded wood, the sight size of the canvas is 23 1/2" x 19 1/2". Oil on stretched canvas, with paper backing. Signed in lower left. As is typical of Burdick's style, the brush work is deft and full of energy, with fairly heavy impasto of paint over the surface of the canvas. Frame is painted wood, black with gold over embossed areas. Bur...

THREE unframed/unstretched oil sketches of California landscapes, circa 1930's to 1940's, measurements 11" by 14", 14" by 17", and 18" by 13 1/2", one signed at lower right by listed Southern California artist BERTHA TOWNSEND COLER (1865-1948). Coler was born in Ohio and studied with Robert Henri and William Merritt Chase in New York City. By 1928 she had moved to Santa Monica, California and for the next two decades was a prolific painter in watercolor and oil, concentrating on portraits and s...

PAIR of oil on canvas paintings, each 6 3/4" by 6 3/4" as framed, both signed "Verne", the subjects both still lifes of flowers in table top vessels. These are works by one GLADYS MARIE BAXTER DUCKWORTH (1904-1981). Often the works are erroneously misattributed by online sellers as being by a "Verne Lucinda McCann Gillespie", but Edan Hughes in his dictionary of artists in California has set the record straight. He says the artist was Massachusetts-born, met her husband while living in London un...

Oil on canvasboard painting of a white ranch house in a rugged, semi-arid setting, signed at lower right by artist H. D. SMYTHE and dated 1960. Research to date of this artist name has not been productive. The 20" by 24" work (26" by 30" in wood frame) has acquired some general soiling and light abrasions in a few places. In the past, it was exposed to some moisture as is seen from the back of the board, in the lower portion, but no issues related to that are to be seen on the front side. It ...

A vintage still life oil painting of yellow and orange flowers in a brown jug on a table top, unframed, 30" by 36", signed at lower right by listed Southern California artist BERTHA TOWNSEND COLER (1865-1948). Coler was born in Ohio and studied with Robert Henri and William Merritt Chase in New York City. By 1928 she had moved to Santa Monica, California and for the next two decades was a prolific painter in watercolor and oil, concentrating on portraits and still life, with some landscapes in t...

Eric Tobin winter painting - Late Afternoon Stillness, Johnson, Vermont. Oil on canvas. Size: 12 in. x 16 in. Offered in a silvered wood frame. Signed in lower right and signed and dated 2017 on the reverse. Snow covered fields looking towards Mount Mansfield, in Johnson, VT. Eric Tobin is a contemporary Vermont landscape artist. He resides in the northern part of the state, in Johnson. Tobin was greatly influenced by another Vermont painter, Thomas Curtin, whom Tobin knew from his childhood a...

By the Irish-born artist who came to America as a youngster, WILLIAM J. HENNESSY (1839-1917), this is a charming, intimate little oil on canvas, 6 1/4" by 4 3/4" (11" by 9 1/2" in the 19th century frame), depicting an old man reading by candlelight in an interior, a red cloth in his right hand, the left hand splayed towards a comforting glowing fire in the hearth. Apparently he is alone on a quiet winter's evening, reading the way people had to read before electricity's arrival on the scene. T...

A pair of 8" by 10" oil on canvas paintings, unframed, one signed "Anton", the other "Chapman". One is dominated by lime green colors, with white birches, the other an autumnal scene of barn next to a creek at sunset. The former has "Shuk Ha Carmel, Tel Aviv" written on stretcher, along with "Birthright Trip December-January 2014-2015", the latter "Mountain House 2016/Franklin, NC". The autumnal scene has some paint losses around the edges from frame abrasion. Most if not all would be covere...

Oil on Masonite painting of coastal rocks and waves, framed in an interesting and appealing vintage wood frame, signed at lower right by artist J. Wessely. I do not see a listing for the artist, who created an attractive and dynamic composition. The painting measures 18" by 24" (22 3/4" by 28 3/4" framed). It could date to about the early 1950's, judging from frame and board. The frame has a rugged, "Cabin Art" feeling with bold outdoorsy carving. It shows some moderate wear which could lik...

Circa 1950's oil on canvas of a mountain with cross on top, and what could be a small body of water in the foreground, painted in an impressionist hand. The scene could possibly be Mount Cristo Rey, a landmark with Christ cross on the summit, at the extreme southeast corner of New Mexico, overlooking the El Paso, Texas area. The work measures 16" by 18" and 21 1/2" by 24" framed. Sadly this became badly damaged at some point, with catastrophic tears through the composition. Would make an exc...

An interesting and skilfully painted work, depicting a potted cactus on a wood strip floor, evidently in some kind of attic room open to the outside via a door, the result being an image with interesting detail, light, and mystery. Oil on canvas, unframed, the piece measures 28" by 22", and it is unsigned but likely painted circa the last twenty years. Note the detail of the flaking, corroding hardware, painted in an amazingly convincing manner demonstrating the artist's skill and powers of ob...