Gouache on satin painting of a well-dressed French young woman of the 1950's, by artist O. Vorgang. The work, unframed, measures 12" by 9 1/2" inside an old mat. It is signed at lower right (difficult to decipher) and remaining on the old mat is a printed label "Water Original Hand Painting on Satin by O. Vorgang". "French Girl" is also written on the back of the card to which the satin is laid (as well as some other old handwriting)...

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...

Oil on canvas, " by " (" by " framed), the subject a peaceful glen deep in a forest, painted in a luminous style reminiscent of the American Hudson River School, likely Fairy Glen in North Wales, signed at lower right by the noted well listed English artist WILLIAM MELLOR (1851-1931). Mellor was a highly prolific (I see over 1,200 auction records) artist, born in Barnsley, England. He traveled widely, painting often in Wales and Yorkshire...

A still life painting by the listed Texas artist and teacher, Pattie Richardson East (1894-1994). East studied with Jose Arpa, Birger Sandzen, Harry Anthony De Young, and Joseph Fleck and exhibited extensively. The painting measures about 20" by 24", frame about 28" by 32". Fine example of her work.

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...

A beautiful, accomplished watercolor landscape painting of a gully with running water, 10 1/2" by 14 1/2" (19" by 22 1/2" in early 20th century gold frame), signed at lower left by the noted California art pioneer WILLIAM LEES JUDSON (1842-1928). The work is in unusually fresh condition, the colors true and not faded. I note a small, obviously very old water drop at extreme upper right, where the tree line meets the right edge...

An American contemporary theorem still life painting in the traditional 19th century familiar style, signed by artist Esther M. Attridge and dated on reverse framing paper 1973. The work measures 10 1/2" by 13 1/2" and about 12 1/2" by 15 1/2" in the gold framing. Some contemporary artists have made names for themselves by copying the old American folk art theorem style. Similar works by one latter-day artist named David Ellinger are highly sought after and are auctioned...

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...

Oil on canvas painting of what appear to be roses or possibly peonies in a vase on a tabletop, signed with initials at extreme lower right, and measuring 15" by 12 1/2" (19 1/2" by 17" framed). At first glance this appears to be a fine old vintage work of the 19th century or even earlier, but closer inspection reveals that this is actually a late 20th century work painted in that earlier style, including the detailed drops of water on the leaves...

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...

Oil on wood panel landscape in the Netherlands, 13" by 10" (22" by 19" in old, likely original frame), signed at lower left corner by the listed American artist and illustrator EDWIN H. KIEFER (1860-1931). This antique painting features a classic windmill, and a woman classically dressed, carrying a basket, in the left foreground...

A fine color gouache landscape drawing in the Old Master 17th century style, the imagery including feathery trees, old classical buildings, a roaring river, mountains, and two tiny figures at center. There is no signature though on the old backing in an old hand someone wrote "Claude" (an acknowledged and widely recognized reference to Claude Le Gellee Lorrain (c. 1600-1682), a highly important French classic master of such scenery). The drawing is on paper laid on other antique paper, and the...

Brooks Pettus (1918-2003) was a noted western American artist who passed away in Kennewick, Washington, leaving behind a large body of work in watercolor and oil that only recently appeared on the market. Pettus earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of New Mexico, and spent time in Albuquerque and Taos in the early 1940's. New Mexico's artistically inspiring landscape stimulated Pettus' aesthetic sense as it has for countless others. Even though he became a professional engineer, mo...

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...

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...

Gouache on paper painting of a lush tropical scene with a few figures and thatched huts under mysterious palm trees, signed at lower right "KOPP" and the word "Rio" after it. This work was likely created in the 1960's or early 1970's at latest, in Brazil. There is no glass nor mat; over time, at top center left in the tree line, and in the sky, the work acquired small paint loss areas, which are overwhelmed b the busyness of the scenery---and they are easily touched up. Measurements 12 1/2" b...

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...

Oil on paper painting, 5 1/2" by 3 3/4" (12 1/2" by 9 3/4" framed), signed at lower right by the noted Alaska artist JEANNE LAURENCE. Jeanne Laurence (1887-1980) was the wife of the famous Alaskan artist Sydney Laurence, and the author of the book "My Life with Sydney Laurence". Jeanne was a talented artist in her own right, her reputation overshadowed by her husband's wide renown in Alaska and beyond. Often she painted, in gouache, Alaskan wildflowers, but landscapes in oil are known, and th...

Circa 1880's painting in oil on a 14" diameter papier mache style plate, unsigned, featuring a winter scene at dusk. This charming antique work by an anonymous artist has nice detail and light. The artist was not professional but certainly had some training and a good eye for color and composition. The work has acquired some small losses, showing as white spots in the imagery, and along the rim. See old original label on reverse with 1880 patent date. Found in coastal New Jersey.

PAIR of watercolor paintings of young women, one walking on a path, appearing very young, sweet and naive, a pitcher in hand (possibly a milk maid), the other a more sophisticated lady in a sun bonnet and elegant dress, watering can in hand, attending to her potted geraniums. Although the works themselves are of the same size, and frames are identical in style, the frames differ slightly in size. The lady in bonnet measures 12" by 7 3/4" (19 1/2" by 15 1/2" framed), the other, 12 1/4" by 7 3/4...

Mixed media on panel painting of two horses tethered to a small tree in a desert landscape, unsigned, 10 1/4" by 13 3/4" (18 1/2" by 21 3/4" in black complementary frame). The painting, according to its previous owner, came from a large group of mostly signed works (in Oro Grande, CA where both artists painted) of the noted, well listed California and western artist JIMMY SWINNERTON (1875-1974). It was also suggested that the painting could be by his painting buddy and friend in the area, BILL...

Watercolor on heavy, pebbled paper, 8 7/8" by 6 1/2" (13 1/4" by 11" in simple framing), signed at lower right and dated there 1830 by the listed French artist JOSEPH FRICERO (1807-1870). The subject is a young, bearded man who appears almost as a religious figure. The drawing is heavily foxed in the field, adding to its antiquity. Some words are written in French on the reverse but the only one I can decipher is "bois" (wood). For a long time I had thought this possibly an Old Master drawin...

A watercolor with white gouache of a barn and another structure on an overcast, gray, snowy day, an old buckboard wagon at right center, the work signed below the mat GENE R DREW. I do not see a listing for the artist, who likely painted this around the year 1970 judging from the framing and non-glare type glass (which will be discarded before shipping). The piece, on Crescent art board, measures 18 3/4" by 25" inside the mat, and 25" by 31" in worn dark oak framing. The scene is poetic and p...

Circa 1940's oil on canvas floral still life painting, 24" by 30", signed at lower right Helen Hayes. This is a competently painted work that has seen some neglect. Sold in as-is condition, since the bottom roughly five inches, as shown in the photos, has significant pinpoint losses. Each is small but the overall effect is almost as if someone dipped the painting in water, leaving a "bathtub ring". Study the photos carefully. Could be restored or if you are a restorer and can do it yoursel...

Three small watercolor paintings of classic scenes of Japan, two signed by artist "Kyo" or similar, each measuring 6 1/4" by 2 7/8". The three are mounted together and framed as one (measuring 13" by 20 1/2"). One painting is of a peaceful village scene; one of a small platform with lanterns; and one of a torii gate. These likely date to the early years of the 20th century. Condition is excellent. The frame has some beading loss, especially at lower left. I have one of the missing pieces ...

Gouache on paper painting of an idyllic tropical scene in Asia, vegetation towering above a central thatched hut, six figures in the foreground and a grazing water buffalo at lower right, signed at lower left J. P. Geoffory-Dechaume and dated there 58. The painting measures 19 3/4" by 24" and is in a black strip frame with faux bamboo pattern. Most likely the scene pictured is in Southeast Asia but we do not know where. Research to date has not turned up a listed artist by this name, though a...

Large painting of a protest at night in front of an official building, 44" by 31" (50" by 37" framed), unsigned. This is a French work that is most certainly by a listed artist, but he/she remains anonymous. The complexity of the foreground and details of the facade are indications of the skill of the artist. The painting is of a large and impressive size, and would make a decorative addition to a traditional interior. The condition is good overall, with a small area of unrepaired loss as sh...

PAIR of gouache paintings, one 10" by 10 1/2", the other 11 1/4" by 10 1/2" (21" by 20" and 19 1/2" by 19 1/2" as identically framed in birdseye maple), each bearing a placard, one work identified as "House in Saratoga Springs", the other "Band Stand at Kinderhook". The placards also include "Courtesy of Standard Oil of New Jersey". These drawings are very fresh and clean and along with their attractive quality frames are ready for the wall. The artist, HELEN FEDERICO (1921-2012) had a long c...

Oil on canvas painting, unframed, 8" by 10", titled on reverse "Among the Chino Hills", signed there and at lower right "L. Morrill R.", and dated 1930. The Chino Hills are outer suburban areas east of Los Angeles, now largely residential areas with excellent views. This early view shows a more wild untamed landscape in the blond golden California light. The palette is very light and gives an impression of the bright intense light for which Southern California is so well known. The full writ...

Gouache on paper painting of a priest sitting quietly on a terrace overlooking the dramatic Mediterranean coastline, 10" by 5 1/2" as framed, apparently unsigned, but almost certainly by a member of the well-known Gianni family of painters. The work is clean and in excellent condition; old frame has a 2" loss at bottom right. There are a number of painters going under the name "Gianni". Many works of such southern Italian scenes are signed M. Gianni, others Y. Gianni. The auction houses I thin...

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...

Old (pre 1920, possibly as early as late 19th century) watercolor of coastal rocks, 10" by 14", the frame in which found measuring 18 1/2" by 22", signed at lower right "T. G. Stowers". The work, found in New England, was mounted on an old board years ago. As it was loose in the frame, I have removed it for photography, and will ship it between boards. The old frame has some losses and is available at no extra cost. Research to date has not led to a listed artist name that would correspond. ...

Small oil on board painting of houses at left, feathery trees occupying the right hand side of the composition, unsigned, 8" by 11 1/2" (11 1/2" by 15" in mid 20th century frame). The painting reminds one of the Dutch Old Masters though it was very likely executed in the 19th century, perhaps in England. It shows evidence of its age, with soiling, a missing fleck at right center (the white spot) and some smallish scrapes in sky at upper left. Restoration would easily take care of all these is...

Contemporary watercolor painting of a sun-filled, arid landscape with eucalyptus, spiky yucca-like plants, and a lizard (Australian goanna?) in the foreground, the painting signed at lower right "Meg Hocking". The piece is likely from Australia, as the goanna and eucalyptus would suggest. An internet search does not turn up an artist by this name but obviously she knew watercolor painting. The work, unframed (is matted, though) measures 13 3/4" by 9 7/8" inside the mat. Place a frame around ...

ONE OF TWO BY THE SAME ARTIST IN MY SHOP, IDENTICAL SIZE AND FRAMING, oil on board, 18" by 14" (22" by 18" framed), signed at upper right "LEE WILLKE". This work shows a Plains Indian with full roach and faintly mischievous smile. The complex surface is heavily worked. Both of these whimsical works likely date to about the 1950's, and were found at the same location in Maine. I have not been able to locate an artist of this name. I would prefer to sell them as a pair. Please contact me abo...

Large, impressive watercolor painting of mountain laurel shrub and its delicate blossoms (the state flower of Connecticut, growing naturally in the wild, especially at higher elevations, and blooming in the month of May), 19" by 28 1/2" (27 1/2" by 35 1/2" framed), signed at lower right and dated there 1890, by the well listed Massachusetts artist RICHARD ANDREW (1869-1956). Andrew was born in Belfast, (Northern) Ireland and died in Gloucester, Massachusetts. After receiving a fine art educati...