Watercolor and ink on paper, 7 1/4" by 9 1/4", (13 1/2" by 15 1/2" in gold color metal frame), the subject a blue-striped lighthouse and keeper's home adjacent, signed at base of that lighthouse by California watercolor artist RITCHIE ALLEN BENSON (1941-1996). This is a nicely executed work and it is in excellent, fresh condition with no foxing nor water staining. Benson was born in the Los Angeles area and died in Washington state, but there is limited biographical information on him...

A vintage mid 20th century watercolor painting of a sun-washed Mediterranean village including white church, red roofed buildings and mule-drawn cart, signed at lower left by artist "Costi" (or similar). The work measures 13" by 9 3/4" (19 1/2" by 16 1/2" in attractive silvery frame). Watercolor and frame are in excellent condition.

Oil on board painting of trees in a landscape, 11" by 9" in narrow original frame, signed at lower right by listed artist "A. KLUG". The painting is executed in a very impressionist hand, and is quite lovely, but is also very dirty. A professional cleaning would really be well worthwhile investment. The frame being old is showing its age, with losses as seen. The artist is listed in Davenport's dictionary of artists but there does not seem to be much information available on him or her.

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).

Apparently unsigned watercolor on heavy paper painting of an arid landscape in the American Southwest, including a distant mountain, barbed wire fencing at a dirt crossroads, and fading evening clouds, 14" by 17 1/2" as framed in a faux burl frame. When I first saw the image I was reminded of some of the watercolor art of Peter Hurd---the memorable scenes he painted of New Mexico. There is no evidence that he painted this one, but perhaps the artist was inspired by Hurd's imagery...

Watercolor and ink on paper, and possibly a little gum arabic in spots, for highlight shine, no glass, 7 1/4" by 9 1/4", (15 1/4" by 17 1/2 " in its simple wood frame), the subject a boat harbor no doubt on the central coast of California, signed at lower right center by California watercolor artist RITCHIE ALLEN BENSON (1941-1996). This is a nicely executed work and it is in excellent, fresh condition with no foxing nor water staining, despite having traveled without protective glass...

Oil on canvasboard, 12" by 16" (17" by 21" as framed), signed at lower right by artist CURT PAULSON. I do not see a listing but the artist had a skilled hand. The style reminds a bit of California desert painters William Darling or Fred Chisnall. There is impasto, vigorous brush stroke, and a grayish blue light over the scene. Apparently original whitish antiqued frame completes this ready for the wall package. Condition is excellent.

An unframed oil on canvas landscape, 12 3/4" by 16", the subject a large lake in high country, a distant mountain in the background and tall spruce-type trees at left along the rocky shore. I have searched diligently for a signature and cannot find one, which is frustrating, as the work is certainly good enough to have been executed by a listed artist. The canvas was laid down on a board circa 1940 or so judging from the "Brownie Board" age...

A charming work in watercolor with white gouache highlights, 13 1/2" by 10 1/2" (19" by 16" framed), featuring a young woman in the hugely popular Gibson tradition of the early years of the century, viewing her image in a hand-held decorative Art Nouveau mirror as she applies her lipstick. The work is signed at left "L. B. Hill" and dated 1910. Gibson had many imitators of his illustration style, some very talented and some less talented. This piece would be ideal in a woman's dressing area...

A nicely painted oil on panel, 10" by 9 1/2" (15 1/2" by 14 3/4" as framed), the subject a stone wall surrounding an estate, with an entry portal, the word "Robe" at lower right, and "MLM" at left as presumably the signature. On the reverse is an old label from a framer in Mulhouse (eastern France near the Swiss border and Basel), and pencil writing "M Mougot" (or, "Maugot", or "Mangot", as a possible full name of the artist)...

A vintage, old, pastel on paper drawing of old steep-roofed houses in a mountain landscape, 10 1/2" by 15 1/2" (14 1/2" by 19" as framed, no glass), signed at lower right corner with initials that appear as "SHC.". The work probably dates to the 1920's or 1930's, judging from the style, and framing materials. The old paper has browned heavily and one can see a ghost image of the drawing on the reverse side...

Haitian art is rightly popular for its color and exotic subject matter. This little painting, 9 1/4" by 7 1/4', set into a larger quality frame/mat, 22" by 19 3/4", depicts a thatched roof hut, figures carrying items on their heads, and lush tropical mountains and vegetation. The artist signed his name "Serge Louis" and the date 1995. The painting is exceptionally clean and ready to hang on the wall.

In the style of popular Thomas Kinkade or Marty Bell, this is an original oil on canvas, 11" by 14" (17" by 20" framed), the subject a cozy cottage-like house set in a flowering garden, the welcoming lights all on. The painting is signed at lower left "N LaFond". If you enjoy the Kinkade style but would like an original work instead of a print, you may well like this piece. Condition is excellent, frame has a little wear.

Oil on canvasboard painting of Paris Montmartre section, the dome of famous Sacre Coeur looming white in the distance above the rooftops, signed lower left "Michel" and dated there 1960. The work measures 24" by 18" (27" by 21" in simple white wood framing). The piece has beautiful depth and a balanced satisfying palette of colors. Condition is excellent.

Pastel on paper, unframed, 14 1/2" by 12 1/4", signed at lower right with the initials "DP". This is a drawing of the distinctive 10,000+ ft. mountain of the Cascades Range in Washington state, Mt. Baker. The artist was obviously skilled in the use of pastel, but I am not able to say who the artist might have been. I thought it could possibly be Dewitt Parshall, California artist, but don't know if he worked in the Northwest...

Attractive nicely framed American watercolor that dates likely to about the 1940's, signed at lower left with what appears as "A W Edwards". The landscape measures 13" by 18" (21" by 25 1/4" framed). Obviously the artist was skilled at and trained in the use of watercolor. More research might turn up information on the identity of this painter. Condition is excellent. Hand drawn mat lines add to the appeal.

An early 20th century watercolor painting of small structures on a coastline, likely Maine, but most certainly New England, signed at lower left corner by listed English-born, American artist SIDNEY THOMAS CALLOWHILL (1867-1939). Callowhill was born in Worcester, England and was in America by 1885. He worked at the Faience Manufacturing Company for a time, ultimately living for periods in Brooklyn, Baltimore and Boston...

Oil on canvas contemporary landscape of a jagged high mountain peak, trees and a large boulder catching the atmospheric light in the foreground, unframed, 36" by 24", signed at lower right with a signature that resembles "Joseph Eugene" or "Joseph Evgeny". The artist has handled dawn or sunset light to great effect, as did many of the Hudson River artists. An alpenglow lights up the peak, and a sunbeam lights up the boulder...