MISS CHI

Vintage anonymous oil painting on canvas, "MISS CHI - 3-years old Toy Poodle, 1980". 41 x 31.7 x 2 cm (16.14 x 12.48 x 0.78in)...

Watercolor on heavy watercolor paper, 8 1/2" by 11", unframed and with old mat still attached, signed at lower right "B. Singer" and dated there '53. This is a work of noted California painter BURR SINGER (1912-1992). Singer is an important California woman artist, fine oil works bringing to the upper four figures at recent auctions. Born in St...

Oil on canvas landscape with a home and small out building, possibly but not at all necessarily a California scene, measuring 10" by 14" (12 1/4" by 16 1/4" as framed), signed at lower right (I think in ink) "....... E. Miller" and dated there '32. The actual first part of the signature is difficult to read, but on the stretcher in pencil is written "E. E. Miller"...

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...

Circa 1960 oil on canvas painting of the familiar and oft-painted Moulin Rouge night club in the Montmartre section of Paris, 12" by 16" (18" by 22" in the pleasant period frame), signed at lower right by mid century Parisian artist H. PIERREL. I do not see a formal "listing" for the artist, although I have encountered other works by this talented hand. The painting should bring back memories of voyages past, and should please any true Francophile...

This is an oil on board painting of a small house in a forest landscape, apparently unsigned, in the general tradition of the Hudson River School, 13 1/2" by 21 1/2" plus gold framing about 1 1/2" on a side. The work could date from about 1900 to maybe the mid 1920's, I would think. It is a decorative work that gives the feeling of a more expensive painting, when viewed from a distance...

A decidedly modern watercolor painting of five liquor bottles, painted in mid century colors, 11" by 15" inside the mat, 23" by 30" in interesting, vintage rubbed reddish gray wood framing, signed at lower right by artist "Linahan". I have been unable to link this to a known artist. The black outlining style of the imagery and, especially the colors chosen by the artist suggest a late 1950's or early 1960's date...

Attributed to OLIVE MALSTROM CARL (American 1903 - 1988) A watercolor, double sided each scene is of a red farm house or Barn from different views. On one side the signature was covered over . Classic example of the artist style. Size 15 3/4" by 19 3/4"

Found recently in Maine, this is an antique oil on board painting, 12" by 14 3/4" as framed, unsigned, the subject purple grapes and a ripe peach, the autumnal grape leaf suggesting the season of harvest, all on a marble ledge or table, with a distant view beyond. The gray academy board, style and framing suggest a date of execution of about 1880. The painting is very American in feeling, bordering on folk art as there's a naivete. The frame has wear and an obvious loss at lower left corner...

A watercolor on paper of people conversing and socializing in a square or city street, the sheet 15" by 11", the drawing 12 1/2" by 8 1/2" (22 1/2" by 18" in newish gold framing), the work indecipherably signed in red below the linen mat. The signature looks like "Arnold Balg(xxxxx)" or any number of variations of that, but to date I have been unable to tie this to a listed artist...

An impressionistic watercolor painting of trees on the bank of a small lake or pond, signed at lower right by artist "M. MASAHIRO". The vintage work is very faintly painted, almost in the manner of artist Yamada Baske. The tree trunks are the most distinct features, while much of the rest of the scene is filmy, gauzy, ephemeral, foggy. An impressive little work (6 1/2" by 13", 11 3/4" by 18" in metal frame). Allow for reflections in some images...

If you're looking for an Asian accent piece for your interior, consider this oil on canvasboard, 23 5/8" by 17 5/8" (a little over 31" by 25" as framed), signed at lower right "Bill Parrish" (or Perrish, or Porrish), not dated but likely mid century from late 1940's to early 1960's, the subject a young Chinese woman in traditional colorful costume, with what I believe is an important Chinese character for something important like "life", "luck", etc. at upper right background. I do not see a li...

Oil on board painting of the famous Matterhorn in Switzerland, two small wooden structures in the foreground and elegant trees at left completing the composition. The work is signed at lower right "M M Cole" and is dated there 1981. On the reverse of the frame is written "Miriam '81", so, we likely have an American woman as the artist. Measurements are 18" by 22" and 21 1/2" by 25 1/2" as framed. The artist has really done an especially impressive job at depicting the towering peak, arguably ...

Oil on canvas, 12" by 15 3/4", unframed and unsigned, the subject a pensive figure, likely a male, seated on a breezy patio with French doors, curtains and a Paris-style small cafe table and chairs, a tea or coffee service on the table. The anonymous artist created a very appealing, contemporary little work, with impressive impressionist technique. The painting is in excellent condition with just a bit of stretcher bar show-through at top. A silvery frame would complement the painting; it wou...

Two paintings are offered here for the price of one! The first done in India ink on prepared cardboard, this finely limned profile shows a man facing left with his right hand tucked into his jacket. It is presented in a gilded, stamped sheet metal frame.

The condition is quite good with several unimportant white streaks, mainly in the jacket. The sight size is 3 1/2" by 2", with an overall size of 5 1/4" by 4".

The second piece is a watercolor and ink on cardboard of a young man n...

A familiar scene that brings back fond memories to travelers who have experienced the pleasures of browsing the famous bouquiniste bookstalls along the Seine River in the heart of Paris---Notre Dame dominates the background, while a lively scene transpires, with a yellow-shirted artist and his easel at left, and a mother and her impatient young child at right, leafy trees framing the activity. The work is on canvas and measures 9" by 10 3/4" (15" by 16 1/2" framed). The artist, Andre Rousseau,...

Small gouache on paper painting of famous Mount Vesuvius volcano towering over Italy's Bay of Naples as it emits puffs of smoke, 6" by 8 3/8" inside the mat, 11 1/4" by 13 1/4" in inexpensive modern framing, unsigned. This is quite possibly or even likely a work of the artist Giuseppe Corelli (1858-1925); compare to another, signed work by that name in my shop. The stillness of the scene, and the handling of the haze and reflection, especially the vertical, long reflection of the boat, is cert...

Watercolor on paper painting of a mid nineteenth century American house, 9 1/2" by 6 1/2" (17" by 13" framed), signed at lower right "Barney Moore" and dated there 1941. I do not see information on the artist but he was obviously talented. The house is of an architectural style that would have been common in the 1860's or 1870's, in many American neighborhoods east of the MIssissippi. Condition is excellent. Someone wrote "Moore 1946" on the reverse paper.

This is an unsigned, unframed, double-sided watercolor on heavy watercolor paper, 14 1/2" by 10 1/4", one side featuring a partially nude woman with arms behind her head, a decorative flowered textile of some sort covering the lower portion of her body; the other side features an outdoor amphitheater nighttime performance---perhaps, it has been suggested, the Hollywood Bowl. The vintage piece was acquired from a large collection of art that came from the estate of Brooks Pettus (1918-2003). Tho...

A circa 1950's watercolor on heavy paper featuring a brick 19th century home on an orderly property including white split rail fencing, and a barn at right. Perhaps this is a gentleman's farm property in the eastern states, anywhere from Virginia through Ohio and up to New England. The artist, WILLIAM NETHERY, signed the watercolor at lower left and wrote "Passing Storm" on the mat at lower left, while also signing the mat again at lower right. I have not been able to discover any information...

A watercolor painting of a tall pagoda, 20 1/2" by 11" (24 3/4" by 15" framed), signed at lower right by artist JI WON CHANG and dated 1968. This being a common Chinese name, it is difficult to tie this work to a particular artist, and there are no apparent auction records under this name. Nevertheless we see a competently created work, in a difficult to master medium; consider the complex fleshing-out of the tower's detail. Fifty year old mat has discolored and should be replaced with an aci...

An attractive plein air oil on canvas painting of the desert in spring with blooming pink verbena on the dunes, 13" by 15", unframed, signed at lower left by listed California artist GRACE T. HOWELL (1876-1966). Howell was born in Denver and showed early art talent. Married in 1897, she moved to Southern California in 1927, living in La Mesa, near San Diego. She painted the California deserts and coast. This oil could use a light cleaning to bring it to optimum condition. See another painti...

Oil on canvas laid on board painting of a late autumn landscape, complete with flaming trees and distant hillside across a lake, 9 1/2" by 13" (13"by 17" in old likely original frame),signed at lower right by American artist Isabel Scott. The painting likely dates to the years before 1950---possibly to the 1930's I am thinking. Condition is excellent. I do not see biographical information on any artist that would correspond to this name. A pleasing and affordable autumnal scene firmly in the...

For years, I have seen these gouache paintings of cockatoos, in the Art Deco style, circulating around Southern California, but I didn't know the identity of the artist, as there seemed to be no listing. Now, with his death in 2012, there is some information online. This drawing is 23" by 17" (28 1/2" by 22 1/2" framed), signed at lower left center in the image, by former child actor-turned artist BILLY SEAY (1922-2012). He was one of the biographers of Sascha Brastoff. The following was tak...

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...

(**One of two works by the artist in my shop**). Unlike most commonly seen works by this artist, which are actually serigraph prints, this is an original oil on canvas painting, measuring 34" by 18" (unframed). The scene, which could be described as a floral fantasy, incorporating at least two human heads floating within the composition, is rather typical of the work of the artist, HERMANN DIETRICH (1916-2003). Dietrich's online profile has only in recent years become more developed. Born in...

Ideal additions to a child's room, these three colorful original paintings, each 8" by 10", unframed, are fine examples of naive or "primitive" art from Haiti. Each is signed by artist "E Maxime". The fantasy landscapes of wild animals surrounded by tropical vegetation of a wide array of vivid colors and unusual shapes are bound to stimulate a child's imagination. But if you are an adult and you also find the color and composition fascinating, you will not be alone. Haitian art is very popul...

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...

19TH c. French Miniature Portrait, Well executed French miniature painting, depicting an 18th century lady in impressive attire wearing fashionable hat, the portrait is 2.5"H x 2"W housed in a 5.5"H x 4.5"w oval shape wooden frame. Condition report: very fine painting with water damage to the background.

An unframed oil on canvas painting of a dreamy waterfall, the deep and mysterious gorge featuring palm trees and at left a small flower-bedecked modest home, the 24" by 18" work signed at lower right "Carolyn". Condition is excellent, the work needing only a frame. The rendering of the palms reminds a bit of the way Filipino artist Romeo Tabuena painted such scenes.

Impressionist watercolor on textured paper painting of a landscape with houses and trees, signed in ballpoint pen in Hebrew script at lower left and dated there 1972 by listed Israeli artist ZIPORA KOVELMAN (1936-). The work is nicely crafted by an obviously talented hand. There is not a lot of biographical information on her but works in oil and watercolor appear with some frequency at auction in Israel. This measures 7 1/2" by 11 1/2" inside the mat and 14 3/4" by 18 1/2" in a pleasing brig...

Mid 20th century painting of a vessel containing a plant with interesting leaves and orange tightly closed flowers, executed in an impressionist style with a modernist feel, on a 16" by 20" canvasboard, unframed, signed in black capital letters at lower left "Chatterton". Neither the signature nor subject matter resemble those of noted artist Clarence Chatterton, who was a student of Edward Hopper. I am offering it simply as an interesting still life painting. Condition: some light abrasions ...

Oil on canvas painting of an elegantly dressed lady on a terrace or balcony, a Parisian-style table and chairs with champagne bottle at left, 36" by 18, unsigned and unframed. This Matisse-inspired work was likely painted circa 1970's by a talented amateur artist. The violets, blues and white make for a harmonious color balance and the light is suffused rather than intense and sharp. The painting is slightly soiled and dull consistent with its age but is otherwise ready for display; a frame w...

Icon-style painting in gouache on board, late 20th century, executed in the style of ancient religious icons, the painting 10 1/2" by 8" inside the mat, 19 3/4" by 17 1/4" in its pleasing, quality light oak frame. The painting is titled "Saint Neofytos", which literally means, according to a Greek-speaker with whom I consulted (for a lack of a better term), the "NEWLY INITIATED ONE". In addition there is ballpoint pen handwritten notation on the reverse, which translates as "Painted 15 years a...

Painting on canvas of urban skyline with foreground boats, painted in modern and stylish grays, black, white and red, signed at lower right "LF Mark" or similar. The piece, in strip typical late sixties or early seventies frame, measures 18 1/2" by 26". Condition is very good save for a small puncture at lower left that actually blends in with the design and is not all that easy to find. Frame at left and lower right is also ever so slightly askew. Would make a tasteful addition to your Mid ...

Oil on canvas painting, unsigned, contemporary, unframed, 24" by 36", executed in retro 1960's and 1970's colors: olive, powder blue, orange, white. If your interior is modern and skewing towards the "Pan Am" days, then this will surely please. It has a few light scuffs and soiling that might be removable with light soapy water--see photos.

A very pretty impressionist work that appears to show spindly eucalyptus-like trees in a hazy landscape, some small red tile roofs suggesting this could be California or possibly Mediterranean Europe. The piece is signed at lower right "J R HUPPI" or similar. It measures 9" by 12" (canvas laid on board) and 16" by 19" as framed. There is a Salt Lake City framers or gallery stamp on the frame ("Tivoli Gallery"). A light cleaning to remove some yellowed varnish would be beneficial. Found in S...

Oil on canvas still life painting in a very minimal modernist style, with lots of white background giving the painting a very contemporary, airy feel, 18" by 24", in strip frame, signed in pencil somewhat illegibly at lower right. The signature appears to start with "Sarah" or "Sarai", the last name likely beginning with a "T". Painting is in fine condition overall though I note several small smudges at lower center. Judging from the quality of this minimalist image I would think the artist t...

A PAIR of unframed oil on canvas works, one a scene of coastal cliffs and waves, 12" by 12", the other featuring a small lake or pond, 11" by 14" (both unframed). They are each signed by the artist, one M. Mahmoudi. I have not located information on the obviously talented artist, who is likely Californian; found in Los Angeles. Condition is excellent. What appear as white speckles in some images are reflections off the varnish and canvas weave.

Oil on canvas painting of grouse in the snow among pines, 16" by 20", signed at lower right "Berta C. Richards 50", and titled in ink on the reverse "Spring Around the Corner/in Colo Foot Hills/Berta C. Richards/1950". I do not see a listing for the artist but this vintage oil is competently executed by a talented hand. The condition is excellent, since this has been protected actually behind glass, in the veneer-type frame often seen on Currier and Ives prints. I think you might well want to...

A contemporary impressionist landscape of the hills of Texas in the spring when the famous bluebonnet bloom, signed at lower left by artist "Julienne". This is a work of a talented artist, the signature of whom might well be a take-off on the famous and important Texas bluebonnet artist Julian Onderdonk (1882-1922); conversely, the artist may just happen to be named "Julienne". The undulating landscape is quite green, and the bluebonnet in the foreground carpet the ground, so the season is lik...

Watercolor on paper painting of a classic stone castle with figures outside its portals, 14" by 10 1/2" (26 1/2" by 23" as framed), apparently unsigned. This is a circa 1850 work which has survived in presentable condition. There is foxing in the sky principally, as shown, but no large stains. To be sure, there were a lot of anonymous skilled watercolor artists in the British Isles in the 19th century, though this might well have been created by an artist that would be "listed" today.

Attractive, nicely worked pastel landscape of California in the fall, 14" by 17 3/4" (24" by 27 1/2" presently in gold metal frame), signed at lower left "Dorothy Dennison" and dated there 1962. The piece is very clean and fresh. The artist was obviously a skilled practitioner when it came to this difficult to master medium.

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". The work, by repute, came from the estate of framed American actress...

Oil on canvas painting of fruits, bottles and other objects, painted in a highly impressionist style, 12" by 16", unframed. The painting bears a signature "G d E" at lower right, added later (very obviously "floats"---dark under UV light) for French artist Georges d'Espagnat (1870-1950). So we have here a likely American painting, I think circa 1950's or so, that is very nicely done and quite decorative. There's very small paint loss at lower edge from past frame abrasion. Canvas is not perf...

A nicely executed watercolor painting of a Mediterranean or Spanish style courtyard, the stuccoed white buildings with red tile roofs and grills on windows. Apparently unsigned, the work measures 10" by 13 1/4" (18" by 21 1/4" in circa 1960's or 1970's frame). This could be a scene of Spain, Central or South America, or, even, Southern California. Condition is excellent.

Unsigned oil on canvas, circa 1970's or 1980's, unframed, 28" by 22", the subject a ceremonial dance mask and head wear such as might be seen in use in the course of special events on one of the reservations in Arizona or New Mexico. During the late 1980's I was at Zia Pueblo in New Mexico, and was privileged to watch one of these ceremonies. The work is colorful and includes many classic iconic symbols of the Southwest, such as the thunderbird, the snake, the saguaro cactus, tipi, and possibl...

Banksy is world-renowned for graffiti art with political themes and dark humor. His spontaneously-appearing works are found on walls, and bridges in many nations, and his art has become a worldwide cultural phenomenon, genuine paintings and prints bringing very large sums at auction. This work, on canvas, unframed, measures 8" by 24", is not a genuine work of the artist, but could be said to be in his style. Very contemporary in feeling, we see a heart at left with a figure with spiked hair a...

Colorful, heavily impressionistic acrylic painting with palette knife, the subject beached wooden boats in a sunny Mediterranean coastal landscape, signed at lower left by listed French artist PIERRE MAS (1933-). The work measures 11 1/4" by 27" as framed. Mas used copious amounts of wet-looking, lush paint, creating an interesting surface and texture. Colors are very complementary and harmonious, the turquoise particularly pleasing. Overall, the painting is a most attractive Mid Century wor...

Watercolor and gouache painting of a ship or boat on roiling, stormy seas, circa 1970's, signed at lower left by artist "Andro", whose worn business card remains affixed to the backing. The work measures 23 1/2" x 17" and 25 1/2" by 19" as framed. The apparent zip code on the business card, 91203, I believe, is Glendale, California. The work is loose in the framing, slipping around. Frame is worn and will likely need to be replaced.

A very accomplished pastel drawing in high key tropical-style colors, featuring a bird's eye view of the landscape around San Gimignano, the popular ancient Tuscan hilltop town in Italy, southwest of Florence, much beloved and frequented by tourists from around the world. The work, 13" by 10 1/4" (20" by 16" framed) is signed at lower right by contemporary artist Helen C. Butler. On the backing is a printed sticker of the artist giving the title. Excellent fresh, clean condition. Allow for r...

Richard Faralla american artist 1916-1996 1992 watercolor " The Great Mill Petaluma CA" 1992 Many original works by this artist are in the SF Museum of Modern art. Matted sight 7" by 4" matt 12" by 15"

Oil on canvas, 24" by 36" (28 1/2" by 42" as framed), unsigned, showing a Victorian/Gothic type castle ruin by a river, by moonlight. ***UNFORTUNATELY THE PAINTING HAS BEEN SEVERELY DAMAGED IN SHIPPING (vertical rip clear through---started with a pre-existing three inch tear which weakened the canvas and made it vulnerable to further damage), so, will need major restoration. Call or email me for more details. **THE ANTIQUE GOLD FRAME HAS VALUE IN AND OF ITSELF***, should you choose to focus on...

Oil on canvasboard painting of an extensive panoramic desert viewed from forested heights, signed at lower right and signed again with title "Over Mahave Desert Sept. 19, 1944" on the reverse. The work, 10 3/4" by 14", is unframed. Lydia Floret is a listed artist. Several pieces have sold at auction---another desert scene, a boy with a toy train, and a landscape of the New Hope Canal (eastern Pennsylvania's Bucks County). An internet search shows a woman of that name, age 30, as a lodger in ...

A circa 1960's painting of a clown playing a most curious blue violin, signed at lower right with what appears as "J. A. Evans" (or, Evers, or similar). The oil on canvas measures 20" by 16" (24" by 20" framed). There are few tiny flecks of missing paint, very minor, but generally the work is in good condition.

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. A fun and whimsical website including blog sho...

Watercolor and sepia brown ink on thin paper drawing of swans in a pond surrounded by vegetation, the sheet itself 5 3/8" by 11 5/8", apparently unsigned/undated, and with no watermarks I can see. If I had to guess as to age and origin I would say circa 1800 English, possibly later 18th century. The drawing is in very good condition for its age, with quite fresh colors. Someone in more recent times affixed it with adhesive to the overmat, but only at the bottom margin where there was original...

Oil on masonite painting of a small adobe structure in a landscape, 11" by 14" and narrow frame, signed in green at lower left corner "Clapp". The work is impressionistic, and the subject suggestive of New Mexico. I checked with an authority on the works of Canadian/California artist William Henry Clapp (1879-1954) to see if he thought this might be by that artist, which would enhance its value significantly. He did not believe the work to be by that artist, citing style and signature, and sa...

Oil on canvasboard painting of the famous Place du Tertre view of Sacre Coeur church in Paris' Montmartre district, measuring 20" by 16" (24" by 19 3/4" framed). Although the work is stamped "All Reproduction Rights Are Reserved By The Artist", there does not appear to be a signature. On a piece of old tape affixed to the back is the name "J Bush 9/20" but I suspect this may be unrelated to the artist. The work is very nicely painted by someone who obviously had a command of impressionist oil...

Found in Connecticut, this beautifully drawn still life features poinsettia in a blue and white vase, other props including a Greek or Russian icon, a book and a plate, the work signed at lower right by artist Charlotte Newton. There is an askart listing for an artist of that name, born in Missouri in 1839, a resident of Los Angeles by 1880, who passed away in 1914. The presence of the poinsettia leads me to believe that this might well be a work by this California artist, but it is difficult...