Original old photo of the imposing Palace of Fine Arts building in the Marina section of San Francisco, the photo originally in a brown tone, enhanced tastefully with light blue tints. The building was erected for the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco, and the complex is all that remains of the construction undertaken for that event. Today it and the park-like grounds remain a graceful and familiar part of the San Francisco urban landscape...

Etching featuring a church campanile type tower in an urban setting, signed faintly in the plate on front right corner and signed in pencil in lower right margin "Messick". The print measures 9 1/2" by 7 1/4" inside the existing mat and 13" by 10 1/2" in simple black strip frame. The artist is apparently BENJAMIN MESSICK (1891-1981)...

Contrasty, dramatic charcoal drawing of a figure who appears to be civil rights icon Martin Luther King, 23 1/2" by 17 3/4" inside the mat, 31" by 25" simply framed in wood behind thin Plexi, signed at lower left and dated there 1987 by American artist JESSICA ROCKWELL. Rockwell, a relative of Norman Rockwell, is a talented portraitist currently working out of Clearwater, Florida. The artist lived at one time in Southern California and that is likely why this rather early work was found here...

By the well listed and accomplished American artist EARL HORTER (1881-1940), this is an accomplished watercolor painting of a shack or small house, perhaps at the sandy shore, a flagpole at left, inscribed at lower right "My regards to Mr. Newman/E. Horter 1915"...

This etching appears at first glance to be almost certainly a work of famous Dutch artist Rembrandt van Rijn, but further study shows it to be a 19th century print by Chevalier IGNACE JOSEPH DE CLAUSSIN (1766-1844), ardent, eccentric artist in his own right and a scholar and copyist of graphic work by the Dutch master. De Claussin published in 1824 a catalogue raisonne that at the time was a major contribution to the scholarly study of Rembrandt's prints...

Watercolor painting titled on the mat in ink "Rockport Bay", the subject small craft in a sheltered small harbor framed by distant hills. The artist signed the drawing at lower left "Norma Page Aug. '45" and again signed, this time on the mat, at lower right. There is another word after "Page" that appears as "Douyes" or "Damyes" or similar, but I am unable to locate a listed artist by any of these names...

A pencil drawing of an elegant interior scene with chairs and credenza, center mural and flanking high panels, 15" by 11 1/2" framed in black metal and matted, signed with initials "JRM" at lower left and dated there 1943. On the reverse a previous owner wrote "JOHN RICHARD MOORE 1925-2009 University High Arts Co Founder Panavision Co.". This early work would date to the artist's teens...

PAIR of watercolor still life paintings of floral subjects, 8 1/2" by 7" inside the mat (16" by 14" framed), circa mid 19th century, likely American (purchased in Maine). Note the exquisite detail and color. Hand drawn mats add to the vintage appeal. Later 20th century gold frames are in good condition. One mat has old browning/possible water damage at lower right, not affecting the art.

Large watercolor painting in impressionist manner, the subject an old boat, the "Virginia", stored in drydock by a coast. The work, 14" by 22 1/2" inside the innermost mat (25" by 34" framed) is signed at lower right with a signature that greatly resembles that of noted American illustrator artist JON WHITCOMB (1906-1988). Whitcomb is known for his commercial art for publication, featuring glamorous young women...

Original 19th century lithograph "A Scene in Old Ireland", by Currier and Ives, the famous American printmakers. This is a true antique hand-colored lithograph and not a later restrike. The work is framed in a late 19th century wood frame with gold inner fillet. Wood backing with rotary saw marks indicates it was framed after the 1870's. Measurements are 12" by 15 3/4" as framed (margins are ample but might have been trimmed a little in early days)...

Nicely drawn watercolor and pencil work titled "The Entrance" on backing, signed at lower left by German-born contemporary artist and author "Renata Zerner", and dated 1972. The piece measures 17" by 11" and 20 1/4" by 17 1/4" in the period aluminum frame. The image is quite mysterious and dreamy, a male and a female torso standing on either side of a portal of sorts. The artist has left it to the viewer to decide exactly where "The Entrance" leads. Condition is excellent...

Most would see this work as an etching or engraving and never give it a second look----but, it is, amazingly, an original ink on paper drawing (I guarantee that), measuring 23" by 16 3/4" (34 3/4" by 28 3/4" in dark old oak frame). Floating troubadours in their gondola serenade an upscale looking couple at right, as two other figures seem to be appreciating the pretty spring or summer day. The drawing is signed at lower right with what appears as "C J Meancon", the first letters conjoined...

Oil on canvas laid on board painting of small boats in a harbor nocturne, painted in a highly impressionistic hand, 10" by 14", unframed, signed at lower right by the noted Spanish artist LUIS GRANER Y ARRUFI (1863-1929) (sometimes known simply as Luis Graner)...

Watercolor coastal scene with rocks and sea birds, tiny sails on the horizon, signed at lower left by artist Wang Zhi Bin (including artist seal) and dated there 10. 1991. A nicely executed work by an artist about which information seems to be lacking. Measures 16 1/4" by 23 1/4" inside the mat, and 23 1/2" by 30 1/2" in light-colored frame. The work is in excellent condition.

Watercolor landscape, likely of the world-famous view from the Nuuanu Pali on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, painted in a modernist wet-on-wet technique, signed at lower right "Richardson", and dated there '54. The artist's common name makes identification of the work's creator difficult, but the viewer can see the talent. The work measures 13 1/2" by 19 1/4" inside the mat, and 22 1/2" by 28" framed. It is taped at the edges to that matting. Presently there is 1/16" plastic sheet protecting ...

Original scarce to rare etching of the year 1910, "The Avenue, Valenciennes", signed at lower right margin in pencil by the important American etcher, illustrator, critic, author and teacher JOSEPH PENNELL (1857-1926). The print measures 10" by 13" inside the mat (12 1/2" by 15 1/2" in the framing). After the signature, the "imp." indicates that Pennell would have printed this himself. The artist needs little introduction, as he was one of America's most prolific graphic artists, having produce...

An impressionist watercolor painting titled on the backing "CHARLES RIVER", 18 1/2" by 29 1/4" inside the present mat, 30" by 42" in attractive grayish weathered-wood style frame, signed at lower right corner by artist JIM HUGHES. This is a likely circa 1960's or 1970's work, the subject the 80 mile long river in eastern Massachusetts that runs in a generally north and east direction from its source in Hopkinton southwest of Boston. Famously, it runs between Cambridge and Boston and its banks ...

Finely rendered watercolor painting of a scene of North Africa, likely Tunisia, Algeria or Morocco, signed at lower right in red by listed American artist WILFRID "Wally" BERG (1908-2002). A boy in the foreground in local clothing watches over a herd of grazing sheep, as sun-washed old buildings and mosque fill the background. The work measures 17" by 22" (25 1/2" by 29 1/4" framed). Berg was born in Michigan into a large family. He showed early promise as an artist, while roving the countr...

A vintage early 20th century photography of a dirt road bordered by thick vegetation, with hand coloring applied to the trees and elsewhere, signed and blind stamped at lower right by the noted pioneering Oregon coastal photographer, FRANK WOODFIELD (1879-1955). The piece measures 9" by 11" in its circa 1920's frame. A little internet research reveals that this is by an Astoria, Oregon-born entrepreneur who was introduced to photography in 1910 by one Elmer Alan Coe. Soon Woodfield's natural ...

Elegant, smart, modern composition of geometric forms, painted on canvas in a limited range of subdued colors, signed at lower right with initials "jmc". The painting dates to the 1970's or 1980's, most likely. Measuring 24 1/2" by 18 3/4" in narrow black wood framing, its heritage can be traced directly to the Suprematist movement launched in 1915 by Russian artist Kasimir Malevich. The radical abstract movement emphasized geometric forms in space including lines, squares and circles, painte...

Circular watercolor painting of grapes, tendrils and leaves on the vine, 26" diameter as framed in circular frame. The painting likely dates to the early part of the 20th century. I do not see a signature. Condition of the watercolor is excellent, though the frame has significant cracks at bottom as shown. Hang this near your wine storage cave.

A contemporary drawing in gouache in the classic Indian manner, depicting mounted royalty on elephants, other mounted apparently royal figures (maharaja?) on a camel and horse, in an exotic landscape including a palace in the distance. The work is in the style commonly seen for at least 500 years in India and Persia. The artist has taken great care with the amazing details. Measures 13 1/2" by 10 3/4" framed. Possibly acquired originally in India (see reverse partial sticker).

A small very nicely painted contemporary work in watercolor and gouache, the subject water's edge with tidal rocks and sand. Measuring 10 1/2" by 12 3/4" framed and nicely matted, the work is signed at lower left corner by artist "Greenaway". The framing sticker on the reverse from San Luis Obispo suggests the possibility that the scene is somewhere on the central California coast.

Lithograph with hand coloring from the Imperial folio quadrupeds series circa 1846, plate number 119, depicting the species Myodes hudsonius (the Hudson's Bay lemming), by the important American naturalist artist and lithographer JOHN JAMES AUDUBON (1785-1851). Audubon was assisted by his son John Woodhouse Audubon, and the printing was by J. T. Bowen of Philadelphia. The creator of this print hardly needs introduction, seeing as that he is considered one of the foremost naturalist illustrators ...

A late twentieth century abstract work meant to hang on the wall, the extreme dimensions 31" by 35", signed (incised) at left with what appears as (copyright symbol) and then "Bidenor" or "Ridenor" or even "Richards" or similar and dated there 1988, numbered 2 of 50 in Roman numerals. The "Memphis"-looking work is made of relatively heavy pressboard panels subsequently laminated with various surfaces, some dull/matte, one glossy like simulated marble, one like brushed aluminum or stainless steel...

Watercolor on paper painting, each 9 1/2" by 7 1/2" (17 1/2" by 14 1/2" in shiny black inexpensive frame), signed in pencil at lower right by the California artist and fashion illustrator ESTHER WYNN, who passed away in 1990 according to recent information acquired from relatives. So far there is no askart listing for this artist but I imagine that will change. She was a talented illustrator, often, of vintage fashion design, and created designs for cards as well. A web search reveals other wate...

PAIR of unframed 12" by 9" oil on canvas paintings of colorful hanging flower baskets on traditional-style porches, each signed by artist Jan Beri. Found in Southern California. Add standard size easy to find frames and you can place these on a small wall in need of color. Nicely done paintings by a contemporary artist of talent.

Watercolor painting of a stately ruin consisting of columns and a lintel, the setting a panoramic knoll by the azure sea, an island in the distance, signed in red in Greek. The small work measures 4" by 7" (8 1/4" by 12 1/4" in thin strip frame, not professionally matted). The work probably dates to about the 1960's and may be a tourist piece to remind someone of their Mediterranean vacation. Condition is excellent. The piece was photographed in late afternoon light that suggests a yellowish...

Vintage hazy focus, colorized photo of coastal Santa Monica, looking north and west towards Malibu, 11 1/2" by 9 5/8" as framed in pleasing Southwest style design wood frame. On the frame reverse is written in and old hand in ink "Santa Monica Bay" and "No. 5044". This was found in Connecticut and I recently brought it back home. During its journey around the country it acquired some surface scratches and other issues, as shown in the photos. From a normal viewing distance these are not as ...

Original gelatin silver print photograph, 16 5/8" by 15 1/2" (28 1/2" by 22" framed), titled on reverse label of the artist "Morris Broderson/Los Angeles, California/February 5, 1985", pencil signed in the mount by the noted, acclaimed American contemporary photographer, MARIANA COOK (1955-). Broderson (1928-2011) was a congenitally deaf California artist, who overcame his handicap to achieve wide recognition in the visual arts. Cook is self-described as the last protegee of Ansel Adams; indee...

A decorative print after a seventeenth century ink drawing by Dutch Golden Age painter GERBRAND VAN DEN EECKHOUT (1621-1674), titled on reverse label "Zeichner vor einem Bauernhause Sitzend" ("Artist Seated in Front of a Farmhouse"). The print measures 5 3/4" by 7 3/4" (15 3/4" by 17" framed). The brownish ink and pebbled paper creates a very convincing piece that could almost be mistaken for an actual old drawing. Add some Old Master charm to your interior without spending what Old Master dr...

A nicely worked watercolor of a church dominating over its obviously European village, 15 1/2" by 18 3/4" (21 1/2" by 25" framed), signed at lower right with what appears as "W Kuns" or "Whuns" or similar. The watercolor is clean, with some browning at the very edges from long contact with the mat. Probably executed circa the 1960's, possibly, in the Baltic states (possibly, Latvian) or another part of eastern Europe.

A miniature or small gouache hillside landscape painting (3" by 4 1/4"), 7 3/4" by 9 3/4" in silvery stand-up frame, signed at lower left "R. Becker". The artist is Russ or Russell Becker, according to a Christmas 1995 hand-written holiday note on the inside of the blue card to which this is affixed. I do not see an obvious artist by this name, but he was clearly talented. The scene appears western, given the reddish rocky outcrop. Condition is excellent.

An interesting contemporary abstract painting on canvas, 25 1/4" by 25 1/4" as framed, signed illegibly at lower right corner, featuring blackish and reddish rectangles arranged in a manner suggesting the works of famed twentieth century American artist Mark Rothko. This stylish work will easily complement your modern or mid century interior. Condition is excellent. Probably dates to the 1980's or 1990's. Nice texturing and skilled blending techniques (edge blurring) is evident. The white, ...

American watercolor painting on heavy watercolor paper, of trees in a shaded landscape, circa mid 20th century. The unsigned work measures 15 1/2" by 22 1/2" (unframed). Condition is excellent; small pinholes in corners where the artist had this affixed while working on it. Could probably be sent rolled in a tube for savings on shipping.

A piece for your vacation or ski home or rustic country cabin: three panels framed in wood, with color prints featuring Native American Indians. In one panel, a brave fires an arrow as his dogs watch; in the middle panel, Indians around a camp fire watch as one of their members fires a flaming arrow to the sky; and in the final panel, a brave with headdress sits, cradling a rifle in his lap. The prints were made by 1905 by the Taber-Prang Art Company of Springfield, Massachusetts (as seen at ...