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"...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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)...

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)...

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...

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...

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...

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...