An old and antique American painting of a seated young man playing a flute in a vaguely defined interior, 24" by 20" (32 1/2" by 28" in mid 20th century frame), unsigned. The talented artist remains anonymous but was obviously talented and probably listed. Note the mantel clock at left and elegant European-style table and chair. Over the years the painting has darkened dramatically, taking on a yellow-brown cast due to decades of grime and smoke...

A painting on canvas, 10" by 14" (11" by 15" in simple modern frame), featuring a New England homestead, likely Connecticut, complete with split rail fence and stone wall, signed at lower right and dated there 1892 by Wisconsin-born artist GEORGE SELDEN ROORBACH (1860-1930). The artist was in the Northeast in the 1890's, living with his young bride in the vicinity of Mystic, Connecticut, and also instructing in art in New York City. He exhibited at the National Academy of Design in 1891...

An oil on canvas painting of white flowers in a glass vase on a table top, two small porcelain vessels nearby, the work signed at lower right by artist Minerva Smithers. On the stretcher in pencil is written "Matilija Poppy" and then the artist again wrote her name in longhand. A google search shows a Minerva Smithers born in 1877 in Wisconsin, the woman's residence given in the 1940 census as Hawthorne, in Southern California (very near where this was found)...

**FIFTEEN** original gouache drawings on commercial art board, varying sizes, the largest 15" by 20", the smallest 10" by 13 3/4", mostly unsigned but several stamped on reverse with name and address in Van Nuys, California of noted Disney studios illustrator in the 1950's and 1960's, FRANS VAN LAMSWEERDE (1924-1969). These works all feature Holy Land subject matter; acquired at the same time, they evidently were together for many years since the artist's death at a young age...

Brooks Pettus (1918-2003) was a noted western American artist who passed away in Kennewick, Washington, leaving behind a large body of work in watercolor and oil that only recently appeared on the market. Pettus earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of New Mexico, and spent time in Albuquerque and Taos in the early 1940's. New Mexico's artistically inspiring landscape stimulated Pettus' aesthetic sense as it has for countless others...

An oil on panel painting of a red covered bridge in a mountain landscape, a village at left center, 13" by 19 1/2" (16" by 22" framed), signed at lower right by artist Ed Mifflin. I do not see a listing for this name. The scene likely shows Vermont or Maine; possibly there are covered bridges in hilly southern Ohio that might fit. In any event the circa 1960 work is very poetic...

Oil on canvas painting of pinkish flowers in a clay pot against a blue drape, unsigned, circa 1950's/early 1960's, 20" by 16" (22" by 18" in simple wood frame). The work was found in Virginia. Obviously by a trained artist. Note the shadows cast at left---well handled. Condition is excellent. There is a very small disturbed area on frame at top.

Oil on masonite panel painting of a Texas landscape with oaks and bluebonnet in the spring, 16" by 20", unframed, signed at lower left by artist Nancy McDonald. According to the daughter of the artist, Nancy's paintings were sold in the San Antonio area. She belonged to the River Art Group for many years. McDonald passed away in 2011. The painting is attractive and squarely within the "Bluebonnet School" tradition of Texas art...

Acrylic on canvas contemporary painting of palms, depicted in yellow, pinkish-red and greenish-blue against an electric blue background, 18" by 24", unframed, signed at lower right by the artist, Shannon Casey. This is a nicely decorative, breezy work that will surely add a touch of the tropics to your interior. There are a very few minor spots of soiling or abrasion that hardly detract from the overall effect.

An impressionist oil on canvas painting of an old late 19th century American church in a western city, as snowcapped mountains loom at right, signed at lower right corner "Crossen '75". This might be by a listed artist, Michigan-born Preston McCrossen (1894-1981), who worked in New Mexico. amd California. I have googled brick churches in western cities to try to identify the subject...

Impressionist seascape oil painting on canvasboard, 12" by 16" (16 1/2" by 20 1/2" framed) signed at lower right by Colorado artist ALFRED JAMES WANDS (1904-1998). On the reverse in pencil is written "Artist---Alfred Wands/2065 Ivanhoe St./Denver 7 Colo./Breaking Sea/$50.00". The work likely dates to the 1950's. Wands was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. He attended the Cleveland Art Institute, then went to Europe for studies in Brussels and Munich...

An American circa late 1960's to about 1970 still life painting in oil on rough side of the Masonite, 18" by 14" (24" by 19 1/2" framed), signed at lower left possibly "Pardoe". The red poppies are beautifully rendered and the richness of the red contrasts with the deep blue of the vase. Condition is excellent. A very decorative painting, in a frame of the period.

A vintage still life oil painting, unframed, 30" by 24", signed twice at lower right (one, very faint) by listed Southern California artist BERTHA TOWNSEND COLER (1865-1948). Coler was born in Ohio and studied with Robert Henri and William Merritt Chase in New York City. By 1928 she had moved to Santa Monica, California and for the next two decades was a prolific painter in watercolor and oil, concentrating on portraits and still life, with some landscapes in the mix...

An interesting, folky, oil on canvas painting of a house with stone chimney set in a lush open valley, apparently set in Salinas Valley in California, signed by artist Sharon Moree Giambrocco Ebina, who wrote a long story on the back of the canvas. In that story she explains how the painting is inspired by the movie made from the John Steinbeck book "East of Eden". She also touches on the Japanese inspiration she feels, her signature incorporating the Japanese character for "valley". The work...

An interesting Mid-Century abstract on paper, 12" by 16" inside the mat, 18 3/4" by 23" framed, unsigned. The work could well date to the 1960's, the paper thin and slightly browned. I am not clear on the type of paint used; it is not simple watercolor. Could be a mix of some sort; the gold is metallic and the darkest portions have a gloss when viewed at an angle. Final photo is from the reverse side through the paper seepage. Drawing is loose, will be protected for shipping, needs to be re...

Found in far northern Vermont in the course of an art buying trip some years ago, is this unframed 20" by 16" oil on canvas portrait of a man, apparently signed "Shoelman" at lower right and signed again and dated on the reverse (possibly, 1806, though, more likely, 1846, considering the style---the digit likely a "4"). I acquired the painting near Cambridge/Jeffersonville not far from the Canadian border. At the time the seller said there had been speculation by a previous owner that this wa...

Oil on canvas painting of pink roses in a vase, circa 1890's, signed at lower left in red by listed American artist OSCAR MILLER (1867-1921). The 17" by 14" (27" by 24" framed) painting is beautifully executed by a talented hand. Oscar Miller was born in Manhattan and died in Providence, Rhode Island in 1921. He is known for a variety of subject matter including portraits, marine scenes, genre and still life. This painting has an 8" horizontal tear in the upper portion. It will need to be c...

For your Mid Century interior, a really well-crafted oil on canvas painting, 22" by 28" (30" by 36" in wood frame, possibly the original), signed at lower center "Robert Anderson" and dated nearby "52". On the reverse the artist wrote "Robert P. Anderson/158 Old Road/Sewaren, N.J.". Sewaren is an unincorporated area in Middlesex County, just off the New Jersey turnpike in an industrial area between New Brunswick and Elizabeth, and just west of Staten Island. A search for information on the ar...

Oil on canvas painting of a mill adjacent to a pond, 28" by 22", (33 1/2" by 27 1/4" framed) possibly signed at lower right, but affixed on reverse is an old handwritten slip of paper, with name of artist, subject identification ("Red House, Milltown"), her addresses, and 1924 Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts 119th annual exhibition info, apparently item #95 in that exhibition. The artist is identified thereon as IRENA FRANKEBERGER. Surprisingly, given her talent with impressionist technique, ...

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.

A scene of an adobe with the classic protruding wooden beams, a low wall, springtime pink/white flowering trees and a split rail fence completing the composition. The work is apparently unsigned. It is laid down (glued) to Masonite panel. It shows signs of having been rolled in the past--long parallel vertical cracks in the paint, as shown in several images. Most certainly it is by a listed artist but this one is a mystery. Measurements are 11 3/4" by 15 1/2" (15 1/2" by 19 1/2" in a frame ...

An interesting contemporary painting of a middle-aged man sitting on a stool in a homey, cozy interior, a fireplace, paned window and painting set off by orange pastel colored walls. The unsigned work, by a trained hand, reminds of some of the interior paintings with figures by David Hockney. The oil on canvas, unframed, measures 30" by 24". It is in excellent condition. A silvery, or simple blond wood strip frame might be complementary.

Oil on Masonite painting of one of the dramatic red eroded formations in Monument Valley, in far northeastern Arizona. The impressionist work is good enough to be by someone listed but there is no signature. Probably dates to about the early 1950's. Measures 9 1/2" by 11 1/2" (16" by 18" nicely framed, with some wear on the frame that could likely be smoothed out).

An antique oil on canvas landscape of a distant snow capped mountain range framed by bright late autumn foliage, 15 1/2" by 30" (21 1/2" by 35" in likely the original frame), signed in red at lower right by artist ADELE BRACY and dated there what appears to be 1898 or 1896 (or, in that vicinity towards the earlier side). This is apparently a copy by a talented amateur of an image well-known in the mid 19th century. An original painting "Late Autumn in the White Mountains" by important American...

Naive, or slightly primitive, almost folk art painting of clapboard 19th century style buildings next to an inlet of the sea, signed at lower right by artist Martha Crosmer. I see a listing for an artist by that name, born 1909, deceased 1995, last known address in Monrovia in Southern California, with earlier roots to Montana, but this painting does not resemble the desert plein air works that artist apparently painted. This scene to me looks more like coastal Maine, the Canadian Maritimes, o...

Oil on canvasboard painting of a lonely rutted dirt track in the California desert, 16" by 20" (21 1/2" by 25 1/2" framed), signed at lower right by artist Helen Hausman. I think the painting probably dates to the 1950's or very early 1960's. It is very dirty with yellowed varnish and grime. A cleaning would work wonders.

A 30" by 40 1/2" work on canvas, featuring a large barn in a tawny presumably California landscape, an early car housed interestingly in the structure, signed at lower right by noted Utah-born, western American artist DONAL JOLLEY (1933-). Jolley was born in Zion National Park, Utah, and settled in Rim Forest, California, high in the San Bernardino Mountains, in 1970. He remains there, creating watercolors and the occasional oil or acrylic work. Jolley showed a very early affinity for drawing...

Oil on board painting of autumnal trees, (California sycamores?), hazy mountains in the distance, unsigned, circa 1930's or 1940's. The work measures 9" by 12" and 11 5/8" by 14 1/2" in old probably original frame. The lack of a signature frustrates an effort to identify this talented artist, who might well be listed. The ornate frame is in good condition save for a missing chip at upper left. Painting is a bit soiled consistent with its age. There is a vertical line of soiling or foreign m...

Antique oil on canvas of cherries on a table top, 8" by 11 3/4" (11 1/2" by 15 1/2" as framed), signed indecipherably at lower left; name could be W C Hammond, Hammons, or Higgins, or? The work is in the tradition of American 19th century still life and likely dates to about 1880. Some very old patches on the reverse attest to old battle scars the painting acquired in its some 150 years of existence. Those old damages are noticeable especially at right center and in the dark area above the fr...

A fine example of California plein air art by listed woman artist MARY MAISON (1886-1954), unframed, 16" by 20", signed at lower right. The work is painted directly on wood panel. Image is of a high mountain, like Mt. San Jacinto or Mt. San Gorgonio near Palm Springs, seen in early spring when snow remains on the summits as the desert blooms far below. The former Mary Cox was born in Bethlehem, PA and studied art in Paris and Philadelphia. By the early 1920's she had settled in Southern Cali...

A large unframed oil, 34" by 46", unsigned, a vintage mid-century work ***AFTER*** a DEAN CORNWELL (1892-1960) painting which was executed in 1953 for a New York Life Insurance Co. calendar, in commemoration of the 300th anniversary of the incorporation of New York City. The painting is meticulously painted and I contacted auctions dealing with illustration art to see if it might be a study for the finished work. The response is that it is most likely simply a work after Cornwell, so it is off...

A vintage portrait painting of a red-haired, middle-aged lady in circa late 1930's to 1940 style hat, 13" by 10", (22 1/2" by 19" framed), signed at lower right by listed Southern California artist BERTHA TOWNSEND COLER (1865-1948). The painting, oil on canvas laid on Masonite, exudes a very spontaneous, free, sketchy feeling that is quite appealing, demonstrating the skill of the artist. An original label still affixed to the reverse provides the title, "The Green Hat", original $45 price and...

A classic old landscape with figures, old structures and feathery trees, somewhat in the Old Master tradition, but created in the mid 19th century, likely in New York, by an unknown yet obviously accomplished artist. The oil on canvas, unframed, measures 24" by 32 1/4". On the reverse are two canvas stencil stamps, one from London, (G. Rowney & Co.), one from New York (Goupil & Co., 289 Broadway). The presence of the two stencils suggests that a blank canvas was imported on a wholesal...

Oil on canvas painting of a pinkish jug and blue-green vase on a neutral background, 15 1/2" by 11 1/2" (17 1/2" by 13 3/4" framed in light wood) signed at upper left "K Petersen". The impressionist work is skillfully painted though I do not see any information on the artist. Condition is excellent---ready for display.

Oil on pine wood panel, 6 1/2" by 8 1/2" (11" by 13" in old frame), unsigned, the subject figures in a clearing surrounded by feathery trees, a tiny brush stroke also indicating the presence of a scampering dog accompanying the small party. A charming old antique work in the Hudson River tradition; disappointing not to have found a signature, but I would think the artist listed. The painting has normal old light soiling, and the frame has some edge chips missing in a few places. The work like...

In the style of masters like William Harnett, John F. Peto, Otto Kaye and others, this is a painting of an ink bottle, old style fountain pen, pipe and matches, stamped envelope and calendar, signed at lower right "Roy Fay". The letter, in the trompe l'oeil" (French for "fool the eye") tradition, is addressed to himself, in "Pasadena, Cal", and is interestingly postmarked in Kansas. The calendar is from the "Ohio Grocery", of Pasadena, and the calendar sheet reads November 1912. The painting...

Oil on board landscape, unsigned, the subject a panorama of red rock cliffs and distant butte, likely in Arizona, or possibly Utah, the scene framed by tree at right. The work has some age, a guess would place this circa 1955 to about 1965. Certainly it is good enough to have been painted by a listed artist. The condition is acceptably good. There is a little moisture warp (not stained, just a warp) from possible past storage perhaps in a garage setting, and the back of the board is rough fr...

Oil on canvasboard circa 1960 painting of a variety of flowers in a ceramic yellow vase artistically placed on a textile with another ceramic vessel nearby, signed at lower left "Betty Way". The work, which measures 24" by 18", also bears a label on the reverse with the artist's name and address in Springfield, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia. To date I have not located a known artist by this name. A Betty Way of Harrisburg, PA was a newspaper circulation manager. There might well be ...

Oil on panel painting of pink desert mountains and flowering dunes in the foreground, 16" by 20" (25" by 29" in wood carved frame), signed in the paint at lower left with a signature that appears as "Bo W(xxxxxxx)". The circa 1960 oil is by an artist who certainly must have been familiar with the palette knife California desert scenes, with rich impasto, of John Hilton (1904-1983). The style and feeling is similar. The painting could benefit from a cleaning, after fifty years. A gold frame ...

Oil on canvasboard painting, 14" by 18" (17 1/2" by 21 1/2" in simple wood frame), signed on the reverse by artist James E. Carson of Andover, Massachusetts and titled there "Lobster Cove". This is a peaceful scene, most likely of the Lobster Cove near Annisquam and Gloucester, MA, but I see there is also a Lobster Cove in Maine. Regardless of the exact location, this is a classic scene of New England, captured by a talented artist. There is a listed illustrator by this name but I cannot dete...

Oil on canvas painting of pears and glass vase with flowers arranged artistically on white and striped cloths, signed at lower right and again on the reverse side of the canvas by listed American woman artist SUSAN CROOK INGERSOLL (1908-). The unframed work measures 22" by 18" and is in very good condition, with just a bit of stretcher bar show-through. Colors are vivid and rich, and the modernity of the arrangement is striking. To a certain extent, there is some resemblance to the naturalism...

A contemporary painting in semi-abstract style, the image apparently of a horse and his flowing mane, staring at the viewer. The work is unsigned. Acrylic on canvas, 16" by 20" (a regular size, easily framed). A twist on equine art.

An oil on canvas painting of a clipper in full sail on the high seas, 16" by 20" (19 3/4" by 23 3/4" framed), signed at lower right in red by artist PAUL MASON and dated there with what appears as 1936. The work features attractive impressionist technique and colors. A search for information on the artist was not productive. There is a framer's label from Boston's Beacon Hill area, so we can likely assume that the artist was a New Englander. The surface is dry and there are some tiny losses ...

An old "cabin art" oil on soft paper board primitive style painting of Northern California's famed Mt. Shasta, towering over a rugged landscape including waterfall, tall trees, steep gorge, and a charming log house at left with smoke coming from the chimney. The painting measures 24 1/2" by 19 1/2", unframed. The board is warped, the surface uneven, and there is a snaking 8" crack in the board at right and small puncture at lower center. The work is delicate and requires very careful handling...

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 ...

A small tight little contemporary acrylic or oil on canvas painting for that small wall, 7 7/8" by 7 7/8", unframed, with reverse dedication "For Shell Sam and Mina", and signed there on stretcher by artist Warren Boothby. Condition is excellent. Found in the Pacific Northwest; the style resembles that of the influential, famed artist associated with that area, Mark Tobey.

A work by the noted California plein air artist RALPH HOLMES (1876-1963), featuring a stark arid landscape of the Southwest: a scene from Capitol Reef National Park in southern Utah (previously Capitol Reef National Monument), one of Holmes' favorite locales for painting. ***The 24" by 30" (28 1/2" by 34 1/2" in the probably original frame) painting is in need of restoration; there are numerous cuts and tears in the canvas, but it is hardly beyond recovery. I have received an estimate of $120...

A vintage still life oil painting of yellow daffodils and other spring flowers in a tall silvery jug on a table top, 32" by 25", 37 1/2" by 30" as framed, signed at lower right by listed Southern California artist BERTHA TOWNSEND COLER (1865-1948). Coler was born in Ohio and studied with Robert Henri and William Merritt Chase in New York City. By 1928 she had moved to Santa Monica, California and for the next two decades was a prolific painter in watercolor and oil, concentrating on portraits a...

Oil or acrylic on canvas painting, measuring 30" square, unframed/unsigned, the subject a young woman, painted in the style of famous twentieth century artist Patrick Nagel (1945-1984). This is offered as a decorative "style of" work. The only information on the frame is the word "Mexico" (as in, origin of the frame I would imagine) and the number 30, the dimension. The painting is wrapped around the stretcher so that the edges are all therefore painted. The surface could be described as dul...

A late 20th century oil on canvas painting of a landscape, 30" by 30", unframed, signed at lower right "M T O'Brien". The colors used are light and airy----pinks, light blues, whites predominating. The creek or pond is very impressionistically presented. Great for a beach house or other sunny abode.

Oil on canvas scene of a flower-bedecked coastline, 24" by 30", unframed, signed at lower right by the noted, popular, prolific California contemporary artist, GARY RAY (1952-). This is an impressive example of Ray's work, with a thick, rich impasto, and size larger than most. The scene reminds of the Santa Barbara or Laguna Beach regions. Ray is a 4th generation Californian, born in Venice near Santa Monica. He paints in a highly impressionist style which resembles that of Edgar Payne and H...

Painting of two children hugging tenderly, 24" by 20", unframed, signed at upper left by the noted Brazil-California 20th century artist OZZ FRANCA (1928-1991). Franca is perhaps best known for his paintings of Native American women, and "Big Eye" children, but he also painted a wide range of other subject matter. The Askart listing says he painted, among other subjects, fantasy, dreams/mystery, female figure, still life, cityscapes, seascapes, and pure abstraction. The artist grew up in Sao ...

Large impressionist painting of violet mountains, pond and green meadow with white fence, 24" by 30" (31" by 37" framed), signed at lower left by artist HENRIETTA S. RUDDER, further titled "Mountains" on reverse where there is a label of the 1989 Artists Guild of the Norton Gallery Fifth Annual Exhibition (probably West Palm Beach, Florida), providing the artist's name, and the original price of $500. The painting is created primarily with palette knife, the paint richly and generously applied....

A vintage still life oil painting of flowers in a white vase against a dark background space, 24" by 18", 32" by 25" as framed, signed at lower right by listed Southern California artist BERTHA TOWNSEND COLER (1865-1948). Coler was born in Ohio and studied with Robert Henri and William Merritt Chase in New York City. By 1928 she had moved to Santa Monica, California and for the next two decades was a prolific painter in watercolor and oil, concentrating on portraits and still life, with some lan...

Lovely impressionist oil painting of trees bordering a small river or lake, painted on canvas, 22" by 18" (26" by 21 1/2" framed), signed at lower right "Michael Kawasaki", and signed again on the reverse and dated there 1997. I have not located information on the obviously talented and trained artist. The work's impressionistic brushstrokes, the handling of light and color, is just fabulous, reminiscent of the French impressionists of the late 19th century. Condition is superb; ready for the...

An impressionist still life of vase and flowers on a table top in an interior, 23 1/2" by 17 1/2" (29" by 22 3/4" framed), signed at lower right by artist HAIG ALTOUN and dated there 1940. The work is beautifully executed by a trained hand but strangely I do not see a listing for an artist by this name, which is of Armenian extraction. Condition is excellent.

By the hand of well listed California artist ARNOLD BRAY (1892-1972), a small unframed oil on canvasboard (16" by 12") titled on reverse in pencil "Show Girl", signed and dated at lower right 1948. Bray was born in Odessa, Russia and came to San Francisco with his family at age 10. He studied at the California School of Fine Arts and later taught there. Bray assisted San Francisco artist Lucien Labaudt when the latter artist was commissioned by the WPA in 1936 to create a mural for the Willi...

Oil on canvas laid on board painting of the Grand Canyon, 17" by 21" (20" by 24" as framed), apparently unsigned, circa 1940's, possibly earlier, executed in a naive manner that borders on or crosses the line to folk art. I think the technique is intentionally naive and primitive, as opposed to just the less-refined work of an amateur artist. The frame (see close-up) adds to the folk art aspects. This is a fine addition to your Southwest or Southwest folk art collection.

A vintage circa 1930's oil on canvas still life of various kinds of flowers in a blue vase on a table top, signed at extreme lower right "N B Wise" or "M B Wise". There is a fragment of a gallery label on reverse and last letters indicated ".......ati", so I believe this might have Cincinnati, Ohio in its past. I do not see a listing for an artist by this name. The work measures 26" by 22" (29 1/2" by 25" in old appealing gold frame). The painting has soiling consistent with its age and a di...

Oil on canvas landscape of steep red rock cliffs bordering a canyon in which a lone rider and his horse are to be seen at lower right, 20" by 24" (24" by 28" in white frame), signed at lower left by well listed Texas and New Mexico-associated artist (JOHN) GAITHA BROWNING (1912-1992). The painting is titled on the reverse canvas in pencil "Red Rocks Country". Browning was born in northern Mississippi and moved to Texas with his family as a youth, where he studied art with Harry Anthony DeYoung...