Oil on masonite painting of grapes, apples and pitcher/plate on a table top, 16" by 20" (20" by 24" in oak frame), signed at lower right and again on reverse in pencil by California artist Marion Ellison (1898-1997). Ellison was a Midwesterner who moved to Southern California, becoming involved there in the art scene...

Large 27" by 33 1/2" (33" by 39" framed), oil on canvas still life cornucopia painting of fruit and flowers including tulips and carnations, in a basket set on a vaguely defined table top against a dark background, apparently unsigned, circa mid 19th century but in the tradition of 17th century Dutch still life. This came recently from a fine area home, where it was proudly displayed in the living room. I do not see a signature...

*One of two works by the artist in my shop**, this is an oil on board painting of what appears to be a wooden fence in a tawny landscape. The painting measures 11 1/2" by 14 1/2" and 15" by 18 1/2" in early gold framing. The work is signed at lower left. This artist, HALDANE DOUGLAS (1893-1980), was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and was in Southern California by the early 1920's...

Oil on canvas painting of an attractive brown-eyed brunette with floppy sun hat protecting her on a summer day, unframed, measuring 24" by 24". There is no signature but the artist was talented. The work is in very good condition, with just a bit of dark foreign matter at left edge as shown, likely removable. The painting would lend a contemporary, lively feel to home, beach house, or dorm room.

A pair of late 18th or early 19th century portraits, one showing a well dressed gentleman seated at a secretary bookcase, the other of his wife, seated and holding a flower. Painted in oils on canvas, the detailing, especially in the man, is stunning. He is wearing a blue coat, an elaborately ruffled shirt, and a silk waistcoat. The edging and every button on the jacket and waistcoat are beautifully rendered in multiple colors...

(ONE OF TWO BY THE SAME ARTIST, THE OTHER WORK SIMILAR----). Oil on board painting of a Native American woman balancing a traditional pot on her head, signed at upper left by artist Lee Willke. The work measures 18" by 14" and 22" by 18" in simple oak frame. The expression on the woman's face is precious; that by itself propels this into the "whimsical" category. The pottery is beautifully observed and note the subtle yet complex background work...

Contemporary unframed American painting (24" by 36"), the subject a middle-aged man, seated, superimposed on a complex patterned background, signed at lower right corner "Tayler". I have been unable to link this to a known artist, but the painting is quite edgy and advanced, and technically skilled, reminding of the work of known artists who paint in what I imagine might be called the "Contemporary Realism" style. I am reminded a bit of David Hockney...

Oil on canvasboard painting of a rocky cliff at the coast, 11 1/2" by 14 3/4" as framed, signed at lower right "K.B. GUNDERMAN". The impressionist work likely dates to about 1960. I do not see a listing for an artist by this name (there is a Karen Gunderman who works with ceramic and abstraction but this does not seem to be the same artist). The painting has forty-plus years of yellowed varnish and light soiling but is otherwise in good condition.

Oil on canvas painting executed in an impressionist style showing small rowboats on a lake in a park, 8" by 10" and 14" by 16" as framed, signed at lower right by listed artist LOUISE RICHARDSON DODD. The artist is listed in the Davenport art dictionary but I have found no other information on her. I would lean towards her being an east coast artist. This is a lovely scene, perhaps of a lake one would find in a large park...

PAIR of circa 1880 oil landscapes on panel, each 10 1/4" by 18 3/4" (15 3/4" by 24 1/2" in modern frames). The images of lakeside castles are classic 19th century European art. Small sail boats, feathery trees and ancient stone bridges complete the scenes. Each is signed with monogram like "A M" or "S M". I considered these might be by the famed German painter Adolph Menzel but think that unlikely...

Oil on canvas painting of a trellis and a patio, lots of flowers and impressionistically depicted leaves filling the composition, 24" by 36", unframed, signed at lower right "ED CORDEZ". No listed artist by this name comes up in any net searches I've made so I will consider this a fine work by a talented though unlisted artist. It was probably executed within the past twenty years. Condition is excellent. You'll easily find a standard size 24" by 36" frame to complement the work.

**One of two works by the artist in my shop**, this is an oil on board painting of what appear as houses, rendered in rich colors, and in a firmly modernist style. The painting measures 11 1/2" by 14 1/2" and 15" by 18 1/2" in early gold framing. The work is signed at lower left in the paint. On the reverse side is a fragment, in poor condition, of another painting the artist evidently executed...

A landscape work in impressionist style, featuring a cabin in a forest, signed by listed artist DOROTHY C. NEAL. The piece is signed again on the reverse in pencil and titled there "Cabin in the Aspens/quick sketch/Panguitch Lake, Utah '52". Dorothy Neal was born in St...

A lovely good-sized, (30 1/2" by 34 1/2", and 34 1/2" by 38" framed) impressionist painting of a Swiss garden in Rovio near Lugano in the southern part of Switzerland hard on the Italian border, between famous Lakes Como and Maggiore, titled on reverse "Garten in Rovio", and dated there 1928, by well-listed Spanish artist JOSE SANZ Y ARIZMENDI (1885-1929). This is an impressive work by a talented artist. His biography is elusive. He was from Spain but spent a lot of time in Switzerland. This...

Oil on canvas winter landscape painting in an impressionist hand, a snow-covered road leading to a cluster of houses in the distance, 16" by 20", unframed, signed at lower right by listed American woman artist CHARLOTTE LIVINGSTON (1898-1991). The painting captures the quiet solitude in early winter after the first snow (a lot of autumn color remaining suggests the winter season is not all that far advanced). Livingston was born in New York and studied at the National Academy and the Art Stude...

A beautifully crafted oil on board painting of a barge and its brightly painted bow at a river dock in Europe, 13 3/4" by 17" (19 1/2" by 23" in inexpensive modern frame). signed at lower left by master Hungarian artist ERVIN KORMENDI-FRIM (1885-1939). A number of small figures, a bridge span, and distant buildings complete the richly-painted scene. The distinct structure at center right in the distance could provide a clue as to where in Europe this might be. The artist painted in Hungary, Fr...

Oil on Upson board painting of zinnias in a table top vase, curtains vaguely defining the background, 20" by 16" and 2 1/4" wide old frame, signed at lower right "C. G. Force" (I believe CLARA GUNNISON FORCE 1852-1939). Force was born in Erie, Pennsylvania of Swedish heritage. She studied with Charles Webster Hawthorne, William Merritt Chase and Frank DuMond. Force did paint in Europe, Cape Cod, Provincetown, Woodstock, New York. Earlier works were miniature portraits; she was a member of the ...

Oil on canvas luminous scene of coastal Greenland, with chunks of blue ice floating in the harbor as tiny structures on the rocks are overwhelmed by the grand landscape, a sole kayaker in the inlet at right center, 27 1/2" by 39 1/2" plus frame 2 1/2" wide on a side, signed at lower left by listed artist ALEXANDER WILLY DANNERFJORD (1904-1961). Dannerfjord was a talented artist who executed mostly landscapes of Denmark. Evidently he must have traveled to Greenland at one point in time. This i...

Oil on board painting of Crater Lake, Oregon, including Wizard Island at left, 11 1/2" by 13 3/4" as framed, unsigned. Compare the scene to online images of Crater Lake. The work is nicely executed and were it signed we would likely know that it was created by a listed artist. The date I would estimate as circa 1920 to 1940 or so. There is a two inch scratch at right center in the base of the trees. A cleaning and especially some varnish would really improve the appearance and would be well...

Oil on beveled heavy oak panel painting of a man and a woman talking through the iron bars of a large wall opening of a residence compound, providing a view into more greenery beyond, potted flowering plants and vines framing the central imagery, 14 1/4" by 8 1/2", unframed, signed in red at lower right "F. GOMEZ SOLANO" and dated there 1891. This is a charming little gem of a painting with fine detail and wonderful handling of the Mediterranean sunlight and shadow. Rather surprisingly I am un...

Painting on canvasboard, I believe in tempera or similar, (not oil), 16" by 20" (21" by 25" framed), titled on reverse "SWAYBACK", and signed at lower right "CHARLES TRUMBO HENRY" and dated there 1948. The artist was a student of Thomas Hart Benton, Boardman Robinson, and George Grosz. Little known today, he was an active exhibitor and major museums include his work in their collections. Henry was born in Niagara Falls, New York, and his remains are at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angele...

Old Russian painting of a night winter landscape with figures, oil on canvas, 12 1/2" by 18" as framed, signed with Cyrillic letters "P O" or "L O" at lower right. To date I have been unable to match the letters to any particular artist (nor could the Christie's Russian art specialist, when she saw it). The painting is extremely soiled and the canvas very uneven (could be described as sunken in, and the ripples "hardened" over time). Cleaned up and restored to a flat surface, this would be qu...

Jake Lee's works are increasingly sought after by collectors in the wake of his relatively recent passing, some works approaching $20,000 at auctions. This is a clean, unusually large (24" by 36" plus 4" on a side framing) example, painted directly on board in heavy gouache or tempera (thinned oil?) and in excellent condition. See the net for more images of his paintings, which include California landscapes, as well as overseas exotic images executed in the course of his travels. Lee was born i...

This is an appealing little sketch, oil on board of a landscape with a line of trees, a tawny field, a few structures and an extensive view beyond, unsigned, circa 1940's or 1950's. It is obviously by a talented artist who failed to sign his or her name. Perhaps it is a study for a more finished painting to come. Measuring 12" by 16", it should be easy to find a (common, "standard size") suitable frame. Condition is good save for a stubbed, worn corner at upper extreme right, as shown.

Oil on canvas painting of a rooster painted blue against a red background, titled on reverse "Coq", signed at upper right (and I think "Nice" appears below that and the 1954 date), by the noted Spanish artist ANGEL PONCE DE LEON (1925-). The work measures 25 3/4" by 21 3/8" (28 1/2" by 24" framed). On the reverse is a long inscription in the hand of the artist: "A Ben Holtcon/toda amistad y gratitud/Angel Ponce de Leon/Palais Royal Marzo 55". This is not just a painting of a rooster; it is a...

Oil, or gouache mix on paper laid on board painting of "Les Bouquinistes" (booksellers) by the Seine in Paris in the autumn, Notre Dame filling the background, 14 1/2" by 11 1/4" as framed, circa 1950's. The work is signed at lower right with name that looks like "E. Bigot". There is a listed Eugene Bigot but I do not think this the same artist. This is a pleasant work featuring a much-loved and familiar scene. The painting is a bit soiled but you can enjoy it as-is. It is awkwardly mounte...

Oil on board painting of watermelon, grapes, and banana arranged on a tabletop, 20" by 24" (25" by 28 1/2" framed), signed at lower left by American artist Helen Lubetkin. The work is by a skilled hand, though I can find very little information online relating to this name; the painting was found in Los Angeles, and a woman by that name died in San Marcos (North San Diego County) in the late 1980's, but there is no way of telling if this might have been the artist. The painting has a flattene...

Oil on masonite painting, (24 1/2" by 31" as framed) of a clipper with bare masts, at anchor near a beach at dawn or sunset, signed at lower right by artist Sean O'Farrell. I do not see any listings for this artist, who obviously had a solid command of painting. The work was likely created circa 1960's. There is a small loss at upper left, otherwise it is in excellent condition. The frame is likely older, dating perhaps to the 1940's or 1950's, and it is itself interesting and of value.

An old Orientalist or biblical scene painting, oil on paper on board, 8 1/2" by 13", 16" by 20" framed (no glass), signed in Cyrillic boldly at lower right "Bobrov". The work could perhaps be by one of two listed Russian artists, Aleksei Alekseevich Bobrov (1849-1899), or Viktor Alejewitsch Bobrov (1842-1918), or, it could be by neither artist. What is certain is that this is old, and nicely executed. We are looking at a scene in the Middle East, evidently, with palm trees and camels in the b...

Large and complex abstract drawing, possibly in oil stick or oil pastel, 27 1/2" by 18 1/2" (37" by 24 1/2" as framed), signed at lower right "Zohar" and dated there "12/89". This is a fairly common Israeli name and there are listed artists by this name but the style and signature do not seem to match up with them, so I am offering this as a great abstract that is sure to please from the decorative standpoint. It will be shipped without glass as the sheet is too large to send without risk of b...

At first glance this appears to be a 17th century Dutch landscape oil on panel by someone like Ruisdael, Hobbema, Cuyp, Van Goyen, or other famous artists of that time and place. Closer examination reveals that this is actually a late 20th century work in that style, signed at lower right by artist J M GRISWOLD. I do not see information on the artist but he or she was clearly familiar with 17th century Dutch art. The work is on masonite and measures 11 3/4" by 16" (17 1/2" by 21 1/2" as frame...

Oil on canvas laid on board paint of daffodils or jonquils in a painted ceramic vase, 16 1/2" by 13" framed, signed at lower right "N. Green". The painting I think if American and looks to date to circa 1940's or early 1950's at the latest. There is no apparent biography for an artist matching this name, but he or she was clearly talented. I opened the back to see if there might be more information but the red board to which the canvas is affixed is itself glued in the center to the backing c...

Oil on canvas painting of the modern day Shanghai waterfront, 28" by 32" (34" by 38" framed), signed at lower right by artist HUANG JIE and dated there 2002. This contemporary work shows the old classic buildings and the new distinctive tower and bridge in the distance, all painted in a meticulous and impressive highly impressionistic pointillist technique. I have looked for information on the talented artist but to date cannot pinpoint the artist. Condition is excellent and the painting and ...

Impressionistic oil on board painting of an early 20th century American house, probably in the Midwest as this was framed in Missouri, 11 1/2" by 15 1/2" (14" by 18" framed). The scene is one of tranquility and prosperity. The house would have probably dated to about 1920, but the painting is contemporary. The signature appears as possibly "Ursula Lee". This is ready for the wall.

Oil on canvas laid on board landscape of a river in a mountainous scene including a few picturesque structures, signed with initials "LJGC" at lower left, and dated there 1904. There is a high likelihood that the artist who created this attractive painting was from mountainous Wales in the British Isles, as I have seen another painting online, identically signed, dated 1914, the scene depicted in that example given as the River Wye in Wales. The work measures 14" by 16 1/2" and 18 1/2" by 21"...

Oil on old gray art board painting of a pirate swashbuckler in the 17th century, 15" by 10" (23" by 18" framed), unsigned, executed in the earlier 20th century style of N. C. Wyeth. This work might have been created circa 1920 or so as an illustration to a book perhaps. The image would be a fine addition to a young boy's room. Condition is excellent save for a few small losses, one at center left (appearing as blue spot) and a loss in the figure's pants (light blue area at bottom).