An impressionistic andscape painting of a cottage by a pond in the spring, circa 1960's or 1970's, a flowering tree providing color as geese enter a pond. The unframed work measures 16" by 20" and is signed at lower right by artist KAROLY SINKA (1934-) The style is very reminiscent of Hungarian painter Laszlo Neogrady (1896-1962) and also of Hungarian painter Dande (1911-)...

I thought this at first a print, the detail is so life-like and convincing, but closer examination revealed that it is indeed an original drawn work on paper, measuring 9 1/2" by 7" (15" by 13" framed). The artist must have had tremendous patience, or lots of time on his or her hands, to have created each leaf and flower. The work probably dates to the 19th century...

Very antique drawing of a building, maybe a hotel/drinking establishment combination, large for its time and place, dominating a street scene filled with a number of tiny yet interesting figures, including a drummer at right; two horses; and even a dog. This work, apparently unsigned, measures 9 1/4" by 13 3/8". The artist used a soft paper and some kind of gouache or tempera, which allowed him to show fine detail, as well as a light pastel touch in the sky...

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 nicely executed large watercolor painting of a vase with lilies and cattails, on a table top with candlestick prop, the entire sheet 27" by 22 1/2" (31" by 27" framed), signed under the mat by listed American artist LONA MILLER KEPLINGER (1876-1956). The work has an Arts and Crafts feeling. Colors are rich and not sun faded. The artist was born in Indiana and is most closely associated with Maryland, where the 1930 census information shows her living in Bethesda...

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...

Antique watercolor painting, beautifully executed, the image featuring a wrapped ceramic vessel, old leather-bound books, and a pair of red ornate slippers, the work signed at lower right in pencil "Emily J. Hare 1892". The painting, paper laid on a thin board, measures 10 1/2" by 14 1/2" and 14" by 18" framed. Despite the obvious skill of the artist, the only online references I see to this name are to a woman born circa 1871 in Maine to English and Canadian parentage...

(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.

Pencil and watercolor drawing of a young dark-haired woman, seen in profile from the shoulders up, 6 1/4" by 7 1/2" inside the mat, 12 1/4" by 13 1/2" in modern framing, signed rather illegibly in pencil at lower left. The signature could be "Gillian Evans" or similar, though this is a guess. There is an English artist by that name who is known for her portraits of people and animals, though I cannot tie this drawing to her. There is a Great Barrington, Massachusetts framer's label on the re...

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. The painting probably dates to the mid 20th century, perhaps around 1...

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. The old beveled wood panels on which they are painted likely date to the 1880's or thereabou...

Watercolor of a classic English church, the Holy Trinity Church, in the park-like autumnal setting of world-famous Stratford-upon-Avon, the home of everything Shakespeare, of course. The final resting places of Shakespeare and Ann Hathaway are actually in this church. The water which appears as a small pond or lake is the River Avon. This piece measures 10 1/4" by 14 3/8 " (16 3/4" by 21" nicely framed), and is signed at lower left "R. W. Sayle", who was a local painter there. The artist ha...

Watercolor on paper landscape painting of a large body of water, possibly a river, with rickety wooden docks in the foreground and a few small boats in the sun glare off the water, 9 3/4" by 12 3/4" (13 1/2" by 16 1/2" in pleasing gold frame), signed at lower right "Minn Thein" and dated there 2001. This watercolor likely hails from Myanmar (Burma), as the name is commonly encountered in that nation. This might be the Irrawaddy River that winds through the country. Condition is excellent and ...