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...

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...

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...

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...

Watercolor painting of docked small boats and their rigging, 13" by 9 1/2", 20 1/2" by 17 3/4" framed (no glass), signed at lower left by the artist, A. Romanet (ANDRE ROMANET, 20th century French). The talented watercolorist seems to have worked in the south of France on the Riviera before the war, there being watercolors of Saint-Tropez and Saint-Raphael. Colors are bright and condition is very good overall; I note a tiny puncture in sky at upper left, but it is tiny...

Bold, likely American oil or acrylic on paper painting, with black, white and greenish-blue elements standing out against a red background, 19" by 23 1/2" (24" by 30" in shiny chrome metal type framing), signed in pencil at lower right with initials "M K". The contemporary work includes some identifiable forms, such as a five-pointed star at lower left, and one wonders if the black imagery at top is a human form including head, two breasts, legs, and feet...

Oil on board painting of whitewashed, red tile roof typical California architecture, a garden in bloom in the brilliant sunshine, painted circa 1940 by an anonymous artist. The impressionist technique is outstanding, and I believe that were this signed, we would see the name of a listed artist. Written in old hand in pencil on the reverse of the board is "Pomona College Claremont"...

Oil on canvas bucolic landscape, a figure tending to haystacks in a tawny field, a towering tree looking over it all, 19 1/2" by 30", (26" by 35 1/2 " framed), signed at lower right by late nineteenth century English artist G CLAYTON. There are a few works by the artist in the auction records but I see no biography. Judging from the subject matter,handling, and materials, the work would likely date to about 1890...

PAIR of gouache paintings of Italy, one apparently showing the island of Ischia in moonlight, at the entrance to the Gulf of Naples, the other a coastal scene of the mainland, neither signed, circa 1900. The Ischia work measures 6 1/2" by 9 3/4", the other 7" by 10 3/4" (12" by 14 3/4" and 12 1/2" by 16" framed----the frames slightly different). Such paintings were popular souvenirs that went home with Grand Tour visitors at the turn of the century...

Circa 1900 watercolor of the heart of Venice, Italy, including the familiar sights of canal and gondola, St. Mark's Basilica church and the famous clock tower on the Piazza San Marco, signed at lower left "E.K. Coomber". This work measures 12" by 6 1/4" inside the mat and 18 1/2" by 12" framed. The artist though apparently unknown was talented and a master of the watercolor medium. The artwork is clean, although the photos suggest otherwise; there is foxing and soil on the inside of the glass...

Circa 1960's watercolor painting of a snowy street in New England, a white church at left and bare elm trees framing the scene at right, signed at lower right corner by artist William Carpenter. I do not see a listing that would seem to fit but the artist obviously was talented in the watercolor medium. Condition is very clean. All images were taken through detail-dulling non-glare glass of the period. Measurements 10 1/4" by 11 1/2" (16" by 17" framed).

Pastel drawing of a path among trees at day's end, 9 1/2" by 5 3/4" (13" by 9" framed), signed at lower right by artist E. W. Rost, or possibly E. Vyrost (Vyrost is a Czech surname). The work has a Tonalist or Barbizon feeling. There is an American artist Rost but with different initials, and that artist created mostly etchings. Condition of the drawing is excellent, though the frame has considerable wear, especially at bottom and left.

Watercolor painting of flowers in a vase on a tabletop, 16" by 18 1/2" (20" by 22" framed), signed at lower left corner by noted artist GUY DE BOUTHILLIER. The artist, born in France in 1893 to a French political minister, is said to have studied with Monet, Picasso, and John Singer Sargent (see printed label on reverse, with short biography, from the old Beverly Hills-based Martin Lowitz Gallery)...

Oil on board painting of a young fair-haired woman in a pastoral landscape, caressing a dove in her hands, the subject handled in a dreamy impressionist style, signed at lower right with initials "HBK" and dated there 97. The work measures 12 3/4" by 8 3/4 including a narrow old style gold frame to which the board was mounted long ago. I am attempting to determine who "HBK" might have been. The artist was skilled and created a timeless image. Found in coastal Maine, where it had hung in a ho...

Oil on canvas painting of a calf standing in a tawny meadow, 12" by 12" (15 1/4" by 15 1/4" in simple wood frame), signed at lower left "Hutcheson". This is a simple yet competently painted work by an artist whose identity remains unknown to me. I have searched online and feel this could be by a female Arkansas artist, but that would be just a guess. Condition is excellent.

Watercolor on paper painting of a lovely young woman in turn of the century Italy, likely Venice, 13" by 10 1/4" inside the mat, 21" by 17 1/2" in pleasing coppery gold frame, signed at lower right by artist D. G. ANGIOLINI. The artist is obviously highly skilled. Paintings by this D. G. Angiolini generally feature genre scenes of Venice, or views of Venice. At least one online offering of a painting thus signed suggests that this is a pseudonym for highly important Italian 19th century artis...

Oil or acrylic painting on canvas, 12" by 16", presently unframed, with notation on stretcher "CORTONA ITALY SEPT. 2007" and a signature that looks like "Mylius". Cortona is a town in Tuscany. The artist I believe was American. His or her style is charmingly primitive/naive. The color harmony is very pleasing, and condition is excellent. I note only a tiny 1/3" slit in cypress tree at left, so minor that I didn't even notice it until I began to wonder why there is a piece of tape on reverse...

Contemporary painting of a young woman in summery attire, teasing the viewer as she clings to her white wide-brimmed hat, 24" by 36", unframed, signed at right by contemporary American artist R. BAILEY. I do not see information on an artist by this name. The painting is reminiscent of classic 20th century pin-up illustration art. It is in excellent display condition.

Mid twentieth century oil on canvas painting of a European-looking harbor, 30" by 25" (33 1/2" by 28 1/2" framed), signed at lower right in red "M. Davies". The work, signed again on reverse and titled there "The Early Start", is painted in an impressionist hand by a talented artist who I have to date been unable to identify. The work is in very good condition; yellowed varnish could stand to be removed but you would not have to do this. There is a slight smoke smell close up. I would guess...

Oil on board painting of a winter landscape, unsigned, 15" by 18" (17 1/2" by 20 1/2" framed), executed by a talented yet still naive hand, circa late 19th century. A pleasing work for the antique house or Americana and folk art collection. Notably, there is some abrasion and scratches, principally at lower left center near the fence, but also a bit in the trees at left and right and one in the sky, and varnish is yellowed.

PAIR of pastel drawings of stone buildings in Israel, each 13 1/4" by 9 1/4" (19" by 14 3/4" in simple light wood frames), each signed "N. Kobi", one dated '87, the other '89. I do not see a listing for the artist, who seems to have been skilled with pastel. Both works are clean. The frames have wear that could possibly be sanded out.

A PAIR of highly realistic, detailed watercolor paintings one of pears, one of peaches, the peaches 10" by 14", (18" by 21" as framed), the pears 9 1/2" by 15 1/2", (16 3/4" by 22 1/4" framed), both in blond wood frames, behind Plexiglas, both signed in gold paint by Los Angeles area contemporary artist GRACE SWANSON. An online biography reveals that the artist displayed talent while still a youngster; she went on to degrees in art from Loyola Marymount College in Los Angeles. In 2010 an exhi...

Watercolor painting of a young ballerina-like ice skater on a frozen pond, 9" by 12 1/2" (17 1/4" by 20 1/4" framed), signed in red at lower left by gallery artist Craig Smith. There seems to be little internet information on the artist, though another work in my shop by him, an oil, comes with a business card showing that he exhibited at a Carmel, California gallery in the mid 1980's. The present work seems to pre-date that by a number of years----perhaps circa 1950's or 1960's. The artist p...

Watercolor painting of a stand of leafless trees in late autumn, a small stream flowing through, 11" by 8" framed, apparently unsigned. I would imagine this dates to the 1920's or 1930's most likely. I did open up the backing and could find neither signature nor any other information, though I feel the work quite likely by a listed artist. I purchased the painting in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Condition is excellent. The frame has a rustic Adirondacks feeling to it, with a suggestion of sa...

Oil on canvas painting of a rocky windy coastline, likely in Ireland or Scotland I believe, signed at lower right "Peg McCarty". I do not see a listing for the artist. There is a canvas stamp on reverse, of Winsor & Newton, London, England. Measurements 14" by 18" (17 1/2" by 21 1/2" framed). Condition is excellent save for a few drips of foreign matter, brownish, along the ridgeline/horizon at left, and in sea at left center.

Fine old marine art drawing, in compromised condition, as found in Rhode Island, unframed, 13" by 19 1/2", signed at lower left corner "F R Smith". This is almost certainly by late 19th century American artist F. ROLLIN SMITH, who painted watercolors and oils of marine scenes. Little seems to be known of the artist but works do appear at auction. This drawing is a survivor, found in a portfolio of drawings in Providence, Rhode Island. It likely dates to the late 1870's or the 1880's; many of ...

A large watercolor painting, apparently unsigned, 20 1/2" by 28 1/2" (52 cm. by 72 cm.) and 27 1/2" by 36" framed. The antique work has been laid on a thin card, earlier in the 20th century, so if there was information on the recto it is hidden. The fascinating scene contains at least 20 figures going about their business, two horses, numerous boats, and windmills in the distance, and carefully rendered architectural facades. The artist must certainly be someone known. I sent photos to Chr...

A PAIR of contemporary oil on canvas works, one on canvas, 20" by 16" (26 1/2" by 22 1/2" framed), the larger piece on canvas board, 24" by 18" (30 1/2" by 24 1/2" framed), one signed with what appears as "Sichan" or similar. The frames are of identical silvery finish. Frames and paintings are in excellent condition. The expansive view out over a coast, and relaxed patios with their furniture, evoke pleasant thoughts and perhaps memories of vacations past. The archway through which we look o...

A work on canvas, 16" by 20", unframed/unsigned, featuring spatter drips in blue, red, yellow and a touch of green, on a white ground, in the style of famed modern American painter Sam Francis. I think the paint is likely acrylic. The work is a rather more affordable version, compared to the six or seven figure paintings by the master. A pleasing addition to your Mid Century interior, in excellent condition.

Classic saguaro type cactus in a yellow pot, set on a gray stone patio, against a bright blue background, measuring 14" by 11", unframed, apparently unsigned. The work is very whimsical and the artist has a cheery touch. A great addition to your Southwestern interior. Excellent condition. There might be a signature on the reverse but it is crossed out and hard to decipher----might read "XXXXX Barsh".

Oil on panel painting, 25 1/2" by 23 1/2" framed, the subject rather difficult to describe, but bridging abstract and realism with some surreal thrown in for good measure, by difficult to categorize American contemporary artist JERRY MCLAUGHLIN (born circa 1925), now a resident of Santa Cruz, California. McLaughlin's meandering career was described in detail in a Metro Santa Cruz article of 1998, and a New York Times article of 2001. The artist was an art director on Madison Avenue, but moved ...

Oil on canvas painting of a street scene, presumably in Israel, 16" by 11 1/4" framed, signed at lower left "Moshe M.". This does not appear to be by Moshe Mokady, the best known artist with whom that name corresponds closely. Nevertheless it is a competently handled work in excellent condition.

Small contemporary unframed painting, 10" by 8", signed at lower right "Harper", of a classic old late Victorian gingerbread house, complete with the turret rooms and wraparound porch that was so common in homes built during that period. It would have been nice had the artist identified the address, but that was not to be. The work is in excellent condition.

Likely painted for the southern tourist trade between about 1920 and 1950 or so, is this oil on a slice of palmetto wood, roughly oval shape, approximate dimensions 10" by 13", the slab 1" thick, signed at bottom left in the image "A. Donhauser". This locale could be anywhere from Texas through Georgia, given the Spanish Moss on the tree. The palmetto slab is unusual and adds interest. An unusual item. There is a small loss on the tree trunk.

Oil on canvas painting by Haitian artist J.B. Gaston, 12 1/2" by 16", unframed, the subject a colorful tropical village among palms, numerous figures going about their regular activities. This work is squarely within the classic style of art we have come to expect from Haiti. It is not an old work but continues a tradition of Haitian art going back to the 1940's. Excellent condition. Will brighten any interior.

Oil on canvas laid on board painting of a tree in late autumn, the leaves still in their golden glory, haystacks filling the meadow. This work measures 8" by 10" and is unsigned and not framed. On the reverse is written in pencil "Oct 7 - 1939". More than likely this is by a listed artist but his or her identity will remain a mystery. Put a frame around it and this will shine.

An original watercolor drawing of a familiar California theme: surfers at the beach, with lifeguard tower, palms, and two parked classic late 1940's Woodies vehicles. The work is signed at lower left "Dry......" ("Drysbock", or similar?) and measures 4 1/2" by 6 1/2". It comes matted but with no frame and glass. Likely is a contemporary work. Looks like a print but guaranteed to be original work.

Recently acquired from a Southern California German-American family liquidating a household, are twenty-one watercolor paintings by "Uncle Max" (Markus "Max" Hansen, 1898-), featuring mostly Old World landscapes and street scenes, with a few interiors in the mix. Some are framed in wood, some unframed, some have glass, some do not, some are signed, some are not. The artist was talented but is unknown outside of the family. Born in 1898, he lived in Eppertshausen between Frankfurt and Darmstad...

A watercolor painting of a steep hillside with trees, several structures filling the lower portion of the composition, unsigned, 13 1/2" by 10 1/2" (24 3/4" by 20 1/2" in the dark simulated wood framing. The painting does have some age and would likely be by a listed artist. Mat got wet at some point at bottom and will need to be replaced. Art itself is in excellent condition, the colors fresh. There is a water stain on the reverse side of the paper, unrelated to the mat situation; but there...

A pleasing image of what appears to be a colonial church, perhaps in Brazil, or elsewhere in Latin America, or Mediterranean Europe (Portugal?----the architecture of the building suggests Brazil or Portugal) where palm trees grow; the apparently unsigned work, 7 1/2" by 5 1/2" (12" by 10" in gold framing) is, I believe, a monotype. That would be something of a hybrid bridging printmaking and drawing---a unique work made by the artist pressing paper against a glass or other surface on which the ...

In the tradition of Victorian rose paintings of the late 19th and early 20th century, here is an unframed work, canvas laid on board, 11 1/2" by 21 1/2", signed at lower right "IDMAY". The painting likely dates to the early years of the 20th century, a time when young girls were encouraged to take up the "ladylike" skill of flower painting. "IDMAY" might have been Ida Mae----one of these young ladies. Our artist was of average skill, but her handiwork has outlived her. Ideal for the Shabby C...

Late 19th century watercolor painting of the famous Spanish Steps in Rome, an historical church forming the backdrop to a scene still iconic today. The painting is signed at lower left "Conti"; it is possible it is a work of the listed artist Tito Conti (1842-1924) but I cannot say for certain that he was the artist. The piece, which measures 12 3/4" by 8 3/4" inside the mat, and 22 1/2" by 18" as framed. Note the exceptionally fine detail throughout; the traditional clothing of the foreground ...

Old painting, 8 1/4" by 6 3/4" (16 1/2" by 15" framed), circa 1870, unsigned, the subject a young girl with blonde hair and intense blue eyes standing in a courtyard or patio area in front of a dwelling, a curious cat peering from the entrance seen at left. The girl is dressed in traditional picturesque clothing of the time. Someone in the past affixed to the bottom of the frame a placard identifying the artist as Ludwig Knaus (1829-1910), a well-known German painter of the second half of the ...

Old watercolor painting of yellow daffodils in a green vase, 13 3/4" by 13" (19 1/2" by 19" in old, likely original frame), signed at lower right "KAY". There are a number of last names of listed artist by that name, but it would be difficult to point to any particular one as our painter. The work likely dates to about 1930 give or take about ten years. The color scheme and framing, not to mention the pottery vase, really give a feeling of Arts and Crafts. Would work well in a Mission style ...

A circa 1880 American painting on canvas of a white clapboard house on a farm or rural land, the structure surrounded by bare trees, white fences and outbuildings, a sitting dog strategically placed at center staring directly at the viewer. The work measures 18" by 22" and 22" by 25" framed. It is in very original condition, so original that we might be looking at a heavily soiled surface that would brighten dramatically with a professional cleaning, though there is no doubt that the color pal...

Oil on canvas laid on board painting of a man and two female companions, relaxing in a sun dappled forest in summer, the gentleman playing a guitar, the women in feminine dress with bonnets and hats. The work, (24" by 30", and mid 20th century frame 4" on a side), has for years defied my efforts to identify the artist, as the signature at lower right is very difficult indeed. It appears to begin with a "B", and I have tried combinations such as "Brettschneider" to no avail. My best guess as t...

An original gouache on illustration board drawing of a native American dancer performing the "eagle dance" of the Southwest, measuring 8" by 6 1/2" (12 1/2" by 11" in wood frame), signed at lower right by artist H. Kunkle and dated '79. Definitely an original gouache drawing, not a serigraph or reproduction of any kind. See close-up images. I have not been able to locate information on an artist by this name. The work is loose in the frame, needs to be nailed in again. Double mat is very cl...

Old mountain and canyon landscape with foreground water and fog in the trees, 22 1/2" by 12 3/4" framed, unsigned, painted on old gray art board. The work likely dates to about the first quarter of the 20th century or possibly last years of the 19th. The vertical format would complement a narrow small wall. Old gold frame has some chip losses especially at corners. The whitish clouds in the sky might exhibit some definite paint wear; but to the degree that this almost blends into the clouds,...

A **PAIR** of oil on canvas laid on board paintings of New Orleans scenes, each 16" by 7" (and 19" by 10" identically framed), each signed "Mansfield". The works are by listed artist GEORGE DRUMMOND MANSFIELD (who also sometimes signed "Drummond"). The works are often in vertical format like these, and sold in pairs. One of the present works features the famous St. Louis cathedral with Andrew Jackson statue, the other the famous Brulatour Courtyard (I think). The works date to probably about ...

Oil on board, 21" by 31" (27" by 37" framed), unsigned, the view late autumn or early winter in high western mountains, snow already on the ground and peaks but brown leaves still holding on to a few trees. The work is really very nicely done and I believe it quite likely that the artist is listed, but unfortunately it is just not signed. The painting likely dates to about the 1950's or early 1960's at latest. Colors are harmonious, reflections are painted masterfully, and overall it's just a...

Oil on canvas painting of a desert, late 20th century, 12" by 16" (19" by 23" framed), signed at lower left 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 lacking at this time.

Watercolor painting of yellow roses on their prickly stems, 11" by 7 3/4" (16 1/2" by 12 3/4" framed), unsigned, circa late 19th century or early 20th. There is an old framer's label on the reverse backing from Boston. Condition is good, mat should be replaced, as well as old-style acidic old sawn wood backing boards. The mat edges did leave browning to mark their presence but that would be hidden completely by a new mat.

Found in Florida, a PAIR of watercolor on paper paintings, each signed "H. Crouse 50", one featuring a young dark-haired woman dancing animatedly in flamenco style dress, the other featuring a young man with sombrero and traditional shoulder cloth and sandals. The works measure 14 3/4" by 10 3/4" inside the existing mats, and 22" by 18" in thin gold strip framing. The subjects might be Mexican, or Central American, or Cuban. There are old framer's shop stamps on the backing, circa 1950's, fro...

Gouache painting of a gingerbread, Victorian house in Georgetown, Colorado, 12 1/2" by 10", 20 3/4" by 16 1/4" framed. The painting is signed at lower left "M H Brown" and dated there 57 or 59, and the word "Georgetown" identifies the setting. A modern framer's sticker on the backing from Georgetown, Colorado confirms the locale. Georgetown is an historic town filled with examples of Victorian architecture from the boom days of the 19th century in that part of the country. This painting is ...

Nicely executed impressionist pastel drawing of coastal rocks and surf, 9" by 12" (14 1/2" by 17 1/2" framed), unsigned. This came from a collection of Northern California art, including pastel drawings by Carl Sammons, so I would at least entertain the possibility that he could have been the artist, but alas, this is truly unsigned. The work is on paper laid on a board. Condition is excellent with just a little contact with the old style non-glare glass, which should be replaced. The photos...

This decorative, complex gouache drawing appears to be possibly a wallpaper design of the Art Deco period, or, it could just be a drawing in its own right. On the reverse is written the name "T.M. Abell". The eye-teasing geometric design seems to vibrate almost in the way that Op-Art of later decades vibrates and challenges the eye. Colors are greens, oranges and yellows, with white and black lightning-bolt type diagonal borders making for a most dramatic pattern. Googling the name written o...

Oil on Masonite painting of a high desert of the Southwest, 8" by 9 3/4", unframed, signed in red with initials at lower left. Probably dates to the 1960's or 1970's. Put an eight by ten inch frame on it and you will have a very nice little landscape for your wall.

Oil on canvas painting, probably English late 19th century, unsigned, of a small body of water, two cottages and a man in a rowboat completing this traditional subject. The work measures 16" by 19 1/2" (24" by 28" in newish framing). The painting could almost be called "Hudson River style" but it is clearly of European origin. Condition appears good overall to the casual observer. Up close there are some issues: I note a small loss at far left in tree, what was once a large roughly 8" boome...

Vintage oil on panel painting of the coastline at Santa Monica in Southern California, 7" by 9" framed, signed at lower right "K. Latour". Written on an old label on the reverse is "Scene looking right from Palisades at Santa Monica Calif./remember?". The painting likely dates to about the 1940's or early 1950's. Ready to hang on your small empty wall. The vintage frame has slight corner separation and wear at upper left.

A watercolor painting of unusual architecture (a white building with arch that looks almost Indian or Islamic) reflected on a wet pavement, two figures standing in center under that arch, 15" by 22 1/4", unframed (though it is matted, as found), signed at lower right by listed California artist ROBERT LANDRY (1921-1991). Landry was born in Washington, DC and studied art there and in Minneapolis. After serving in the Second World War, he was able to take advantage of the G.I. Bill. Soon after ...