A circa mid 20th century oil on Masonite landscape painting of trees and a wide stream, 20" by 36" (25 1/2" by 31" framed), signed in Russian or possibly Ukrainian (or, Armenian?) at lower left. The work currently has a yellowish cast which appears to be nicotine from cigarette smoke. Were it to be cleaned the painting might well be totally a different color, but the yellowish "autumnal" tone seems to work on its own. Condition is very good with only a few light abrasions.

Oil on masonite painting of a small adobe structure in a landscape, 11" by 14" and narrow frame, signed in green at lower left corner "Clapp". The work is impressionistic, and the subject suggestive of New Mexico. I checked with an authority on the works of Canadian/California artist William Henry Clapp (1879-1954) to see if he thought this might be by that artist, which would enhance its value significantly...

Sold together as a pair, unframed oil on masonite board paintings of trees in landscapes, the larger piece 30" by 40", the smaller one 24" by 35 1/2", both by the noted Santa Barbara/Ventura area California artist DOUGLAS SHIVELY (1896-1991). Shively was born in Santa Paula among the citrus and avocado groves, and he chose to continue to live in that scenic area his entire life, despite many overseas voyages...

Oil on canvas painting of classic red highland cattle in an extensive landscape, signed at lower left "Louis B. Hurt" and titled in pencil on stretcher "on the cliffs as Malaige" (Mallaig) (on the southwestern coast of Scotland near Skye). The work measures 20" by 30" on the stretchers and 28" by 38" in heavy attractive late 20th century framing. On the stretcher is written in chalk "April 4 - 30"...

Japanese deco period wood lacquer letter box, red/orange with a diagonal field of black sprinkled with mother of pearl and Tsugaru Nure texnique, bold design, signed as a dedication on back "Masakazu Chiba",

Dates c1930
Size H 1 1/2" x W 12" x D 9 1/4"

Oil on canvas painting of a young woman accompanied by a knight in a secluded landscape including a wall at left, 15" by 10" (arched top), 21 1/2" by 16 1/2" in modern day dark tasteful framing, signed at lower left center "TFaed". This could be an image of "Highland Mary" Campbell, to whom Scottish poet Robert Burns had a romantic attachment in the 1780's...

Fresh to the market (acquired in southern Pennsylvania antique shop), an oil on canvas landscape of typical tawny gold hills in late summer, signed at lower left by the well-listed California artist MANUEL VALENCIA (1856-1935). The work measures 15 3/4" by 24" on the stretcher, 20 1/2" by 28 1/2" in present frame...

Tender image of a young mother discretely nursing her baby, 25 1/4" by 22", (31 1/2" by 29" in attractive frame), signed at lower right by the Hungarian-born impressionist artist HUGO MATZENAUER (1923-2013)...

A nicely worked painting of a lovely flamenca dancer in Spain, circa 1950's, 20 1/4" by 16 1/2" plus narrow frame, signed at lower right by listed artist CESAR VILOT. Vilot was active at mid century, and is known for his alluring paintings of females both nude and dressed, some painted in the style of Jean Gabriel Domergue. The painting has even soiling consistent with age, and a few minor abrasions, see at left below flounce of dress and to her right about 1/4 of the way down...

Oil on canvas painting of a man seated in a library, 28" by 22" (34" by 27 3/4" framed), signed on the book cover at lower right and the subject apparently one "Dr. Young", by well listed Russian-born California artist ALEXANDER IGNATIEV (1913-1995). The work is very 1940's/1950's in feeling, almost mural-like. Ignatiev escaped Russia for China during the revolution and was in San Francisco by 1923, where he studied with Gleb Ilyin...

A nicely painted work of Boston-born still life painter CHARLES STORER (1817-1907), the subject red roses, painted on gray art board, measuring 10" by 14" (15 1/2" by 19 1/4" framed). The artist signed at center left edge and dated the painting 1901. This is an excellent example of still life work of the period in New England. Storer was born in Boston, He exhibited at the Boston Art Club and the National Academy. Most existing paintings appear to date to near the end of the artist's life...

Oil on canvas painting of a marketplace in a Sumatran landscape, unframed, 15 3/4" by 21 1/2", signed at lower right by Indonesian impressionist artist MUSLIM SALEH (1927-). This signature was difficult to decipher but a little research on the net established the identity of the artist. He was born in West Sumatra and learned from Japanese painters during the World War II occupation years. Subsequently he participated in the Indonesian Revolution...

This is a small California painting on board of the sequoia or redwood forest, 8 1/4" by 11" framed, unsigned, protected behind glass. Condition is excellent. Frame is wood. Though small, the artist captures the majesty of the cathedral-like groves for which the state is famous.

Oil on canvas spring country landscape complete with peasant goose herder, two houses by a pond or small lake and flowering trees at right, 24" by 36", unframed, signed at lower left by listed Hungarian artist JOSEPH DANDE (1911-1969). Dande seems to have painted in the style pioneered by better known artist Laszlo Neogrady. Neogrady painted very similar spring country landscapes, as well as his signature snow-laden mid winter trees----and Dande has also painted those winter landscapes...

Oil on unstretched canvas painting of a traditional temple's courtyard, signed at lower left "Pociecha", "Nikko", and dated 1920. This is a rare, very early work by a painter known commonly as STAN PORAY (Stanislaus Pociecha Poray, 1888-1948), and most associated with California art. The work measures 15 1/2" by 12 1/4"...

By the hand of renowned American painter AUGUSTUS VINCENT TACK (1870-1949), this is a beautifully worked portrait of a dark-eyed young woman wearing a lovely blue-white lacy dress, nervously fingering her pearls. The work is signed on the reverse and dated there 1904. Measurements are 24" by 18" (28" by 22" in what is likely the original frame). The painterly impressionist work in the dress area is masterful, as is the obviously skilled depiction of her hand. Tack was a noted artist who work...

An impressionistic palette knife painting of dramatic, high, already snow-streaked mountains in peak autumn season, signed in the paint at lower left "W HARISCH". This 14 1/2" by 19 1/2" work (18" by 23" as framed) is by listed Canadian artist WILLIAM HARISCH (1914-1967). Harisch painted in a style that appears clearly European, and indeed works of his native country (one titled "Heidelberg") have come to market. Information is scant but he appears to have been in Canada at least by 1950 and ...

Small oil on canvas laid on board painting of a desert, mid to late 20th century, 4 1/2" by 6 1/2" (11 1/2" by 10" framed), signed at lower right by California desert painter KENNETH WALFORD. This is a rather typical example of the work of this artist. I have handled a number of Walford's works. Most feature desert landscapes. Biographical information on the artist seems to be scarce at this time. The painting is lightly soiled, linen liner is stained at upper right.

An attractive plein air oil on canvas painting of the desert in spring with blooming pink verbena on the dunes, 13" by 15", unframed, signed at lower left by listed California artist GRACE T. HOWELL (1876-1966). Howell was born in Denver and showed early art talent. Married in 1897, she moved to Southern California in 1927, living in La Mesa, near San Diego. She painted the California deserts and coast. This oil could use a light cleaning to bring it to optimum condition. See another painti...

Oil on canvas landscape of country cottages and feathery trees on the banks of a small pond or marsh, 9" by 12" (13" by 21" in its modern frame), signed at lower right "S. Clark", the subject given on the framing label as "On the Arun--Sussex". This is a painting by SAMUEL JOSEPH CLARK (1841-1928), a noted 19th century painter of rural landscapes and genre. Sometimes he is listed as Samuel JAMES Clark--there appears to be some confusion in the auction record. This piece, found in Maine, has su...

Oil on canvas painting of a small house in the trees, 20" by 24" plus narrow strip wood frame, signed at lower right "Stahl" and dated there "42", titled on reverse "Laurel Ave." and signed and dated again there. This is an early work (**ONE OF TWO IN MY SHOP, THE OTHER VERY SIMILAR, JUST A BIT LARGER; I would like to keep them together because they make a most interesting pair), by the important, well-listed American illustrator artist and art educator BENJAMIN A. STAHL (1910-1987). Stahl was C...

Found locally in Los Angeles, this is a large oil on canvas still life of orange and yellow garden nasturtiums in a blue and white old ceramic vessel, a ladies' fan and blue beads resting at its base, the colorful subjects placed elegantly in the neutral space of a cloth covered table and gray-white background, the work signed at lower right by the noted Spanish artist VICENTE SANTAOLARIA (1886-1967). The painting, which likely dates from circa the 1930's to about 1950, measures 25 1/2" by 32" ...

From a local estate, the homeowners having spent much time in Southeast Asia, an oil on panel unframed and unsigned painting of a younger man wearing some traditional simple clothing. The piece measures 26 3/4" by 23 3/4" and dates to the late 20th century. It is competently painted, the figure tightly outlined, the colors muted gray and tan and white, his waistband area providing a spare touch of bright color.

A genuinely antique, late 19th century oil on canvas scene of distant snowy sunlit mountains and closer mountains surrounding an inlet or fjord, several small figures at center, wood-frame structures at left, and long wood canoes in the foreground shore. The work measures 20 1/2" by 30 1/2" (27 1/2" by 37" as framed). I have carefully searched canvas, stretcher and frame for any evidence of a name, or other information, and have come up empty. Certainly the work is suggestive of Alaska or No...

An impressionistic landscape of the arid American Southwest, possibly California, 20" by 30" (24" by 34" framed), signed at lower right by noted listed artist CHARLES DAMROW (1916-1989). The work features rugged mountains with no figures included. Damrow was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and headed west at age 13 on his own (the youngest of 15 children). He became infatuated with everything western, in the course of his life painting cowboys, Indians, tipis, bison, bears, horses. Self-taught,...

A small landscape painting on canvas, (actually a very nice size for a small wall, 12" by 16", and 15" by 19" framed), signed at lower right by listed artist ANTON GUTKNECHT (1907-1988). We see a dirt road winding around the edge of a wooded area, a European village and small church seen in the far distance. Gutknecht was born in Dusseldorf and studied art in that German city, as well as Munich and Hamburg. For a time he taught at the Royal Academy in Vienna. At some point the artist moved t...

Oil on canvas laid on board painting of a windswept cypress type tree by the coast dunes, 8 1/2" by 4 1/4" (14 1/2" by 10 1/2" attractively framed). Although unsigned (and Detreville's output frequently WAS unsigned), the handling, subject matter and color palette are strong indicators of the hand of the noted California painter. I have owned and sold other unsigned paintings as being by Detreville, and I will stand by this being one of his works. Detreville was born in South Carolina but is now...

Oil on canvas painting of a coastal bluff with gentle incoming waves, possibly Rhode Island near Newport but most certainly New England, 12" by 16" (20" by 24" nicely framed), signed at lower right and dated there (likely, a little hard to read) 1908, by Massachusetts artist of the famous Fall River School, BRYANT CHAPIN (1859-1927). Chapin's still life works of fruit, his specialty, have auctioned into five figures, but he did execute some landscapes and coastal scenes, (some of them of the Is...

A twentieth century Italianate landscape painting in convincing Old Master style, unframed, impressively large at 23 3/4" by 47 3/4", signed at lower left by noted Old Master style painter TONI BORDIGNON (born 1921). Bordignon's mastery of the subject matter and techniques of masters of previous centuries has led to his decorative and popular paintings being offered at auctions in Europe and America. He has captured the feathery trees, the classical ruins, and, most impressively yet, even the...

Oil on canvas, 18" by 30" (20" by 32 1/2" framed), the subject a very English one----a peaceful summery millpond or riverside scene of low, forested hills and their feathery trees, a small peaceful settlement, and a total of six figures, three out in a rowboat for an outing, and three tiny people gathered in the village of thatch roofed buildings, engaged in conversation, beneath a pretty sky. The work is signed at lower left "Allan"; this being a common name, many listed British artists might ...

Oil on canvas painting of California mountains, a line of back lit trees in the middle ground, 18" by 23 1/2" (26 1/2" by 33" in vintage frame), signed at lower right by well listed California and western artist JOE WAANO-GANO (1906-1982). Waano-Gano was of Cherokee heritage. Born in Salt Lake City, he moved to Los Angeles while still young, studying at UCLA and USC with Theodore Lukits and Christian von Schneidau. He was a familiar figure in the Hollywood area for many years, and worked for ...

Oil on board still life of red roses, and a few bumble bees in the composition as well, 24 1/4" by 18 1/2", 31 1/4" by 24 3/4" in likely original old gold frame, signed at lower left "N. Miller" and dated there 1910 or possibly 1916. This was executed in the early 20th century, but takes from a nineteenth century tradition in Victorian times----painting roses. In this case, the artist seems to have been familiar with the widely known artist Paul De Longpre (1855-1911), who painted flowers, oft...

A portrait of Hollywood actress Natalie Wood (1938-1981), painted by an unknown artist, showing the artist as she would have appeared in the 1970's. The image shows a sultry Wood in her prime, staring at the viewer with her famous brown eyes. She is of course known for her roles in the films Miracle on 34th Street, Rebel Without a Cause (1955), West Side Story (1961) and Gypsy (1962), and she received Academy Award Best Actress nominations for her performances in Splendor in the Grass (1961) a...

A naive or self-taught style painting of a colorful hillside neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, known as Rocinha, signed at lower right by the artist "Jonathan", and dated there 27/02/04. The unframed 9 1/2"by 6 1/4" work pictures the Rocinha slum neighborhood. The artist has turned a place of notorious grinding poverty, despair and violence into a beautiful little work of art that transmits only happy thoughts. On the reverse, the artist wrote, "Jonathan/20/02/04/ Favela com dois Ismaos...

Colorful, heavily impressionistic acrylic painting with palette knife, the subject beached wooden boats in a sunny Mediterranean coastal landscape, signed at lower left by listed French artist PIERRE MAS (1933-). The work measures 11 1/4" by 27" as framed. Mas used copious amounts of wet-looking, lush paint, creating an interesting surface and texture. Colors are very complementary and harmonious, the turquoise particularly pleasing. Overall, the painting is a most attractive Mid Century wor...

Dynamic and complex, this is a colorful oil on canvas abstract, 40" by 18" (vertical format), 45" by 23" in the wood frame, titled on the stretcher "Figure in Movement" and signed nearby on the reverse canvas (a little hard to see in the photos). but, it has a significant, jagged unrepaired rip in it. I imagine the painting dates from the late 40's or the 1950's. It and another Schanker painting I will be listing came from the Marina del Rey (near Santa Monica) estate of Alice Himmelstein, dau...