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...

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...

(**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 25 1/2" (39" by 31" framed). The scene is of the Golden Gate with the famous bridge half hidden by the fog, as spinnakers of yachts billow in a brisk breeze. The work is signed at lower right "Dietrich" (HERMANN DIETRICH 1916-2003)...

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...

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...

Impressionist painting signed at lower right with conjoined initials "MP", unframed, 24" by 18", the subject three female black dancers, two wearing festive hats. There is considerable energy in the scene and the stylized figures are by a trained hand. The painting likely dates to the 1960's or possibly 1950's. There are some light abrasions at lower left, a flaked area near the extreme lower edge there and another small edge loss at top, and light overall soiling.

This is an original painting in gouache on paper, 23 3/4" by 23 3/4" square, in a narrow metal frame, apparently by an unlisted artist named Gertmenian. This is an Armenian name, and the painting was found in Los Angeles, where there is a large Armenian population. If you're seeking an eye-dazzler of a painting that contains strong primary colors, consider this decorative art...

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...

Vintage still life of fruit executed in a Cubist style, oil on canvasboard, 16" by 20", (19 1/2" by 23" in black strip frame with liner), signed at upper left with a monogram that looks like "MR". The work is nicely worked by a skilled hand and condition is excellent. Frame shows its age. The piece was framed likely in the 1960's.

A small, beautifully crafted oil on canvasboard landscape titled on reverse "Abandoned Farm Santa Clara River", dated June 1999, signed at lower right and again on the reverse, and with artist's business card affixed as well. The painting measures 8" by 10" and 11 1/2" by 13 1/2" in wood frame with liner. Condition is excellent. The artist was born in Pennsylvania and has been in Southern California for most of his life, with much of his subject matter taken from the Oxnard and Ventura area...

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...

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 ...

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...

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 ...

Oil on canvas, 18" by 24" and 1 1/2" wide white and gold painted frame, signed at lower left "EH Deffner '51" and inscribed on reverse "Sweetheart Lake/E.H. Deffner 10-'51/$150.00". This is a beautifully executed work by a talented artist, on whom I have not located a listing. From the subject matter I would suspect this work to be from the Pacific Northwest, like Oregon, Washington, or Northern California. There is a decidedly modernistic handling to the leaves on the tree at right. The ref...

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...

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...

Oil on canvas still life of a small statuette of a horse and a copper vessel on a small table, 13" by 15" (14" by 16 1/2" as framed), signed at lower right "Virginia Weaver". I do not see a listing for the artist but evidently she was quite talented, as the perspective and flattening of the picture plane shows familiarity with modernist trends of the early 20th century. The painting has some condition issues, such as a depression at top that shows as a shadowed area in the photos taken in angl...

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 ...

(**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...

An oil on board painting of a harbor surrounded by old houses, 9 3/4" by 13 1/2" (13 3/4" by 17 3/4" framed), unsigned, circa 1950. The work is by a competent, trained artist and exhibits excellent impressionist technique. It seems to be of American origin as "Patent Pending" is stamped on the reverse of the board.

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...

Oil on canvasboard painting of a white ranch house in a rugged, semi-arid setting, signed at lower right by artist H. D. SMYTHE and dated 1960. Research to date of this artist name has not been productive. The 20" by 24" work (26" by 30" in wood frame) has acquired some general soiling and light abrasions in a few places. In the past, it was exposed to some moisture as is seen from the back of the board, in the lower portion, but no issues related to that are to be seen on the front side. It ...

A vintage California oil on canvas painting of high mountains and the desert at sunset, probably painted circa 1935 through the early 1940's, 20" by 24" (23" by 27" in likely the original frame), signed at lower right by Los Angeles area artist ESSIE KAILEY (1897-1986). Kailey is not apparently a known artist, and was likely a talented amateur. Only due to the wonders of the internet have I been able to determine her birth and death dates and place of burial in Glendale, California at Forest L...

Impressionist painting of a small brook in a landscape, bordered by trees, the season perhaps early spring, suggested by the white ground-hugging flowers in the foreground. The unsigned work, on board, measures 19" by 14 1/2" (21 3/4" by 17" in attractive gold frame). The artist could be American, or European...there is old pencil notation on the reverse in American handwriting referring to varnish type. The work was recently cleaned and two hairline horizontal scratches were attended to. T...

Desert scene with distant mountains, possibly a scene in Texas or New Mexico, in oil on artist's board, 8 1/2" by 12 1/2", unframed, signed at lower right "M. Edwards", not dated but likely circa 1920 to about 1940, judging from the technique, soiling and the black board. I don't see a listing for the name but he or she was obviously talented. The painting is very, very dirty and would be a wonderful candidate for a cleaning, which would really transform it. Obviously it needs a frame too, bu...

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.

Oil on canvasboard, 16" by 12" (19 1/2" by 15 1/2" as framed), the subject trees in flaming autumn colors along a quiet dirt forest road, signed at lower right "P.L. King", no date but likely circa late 1940's or 1950's. For a time I had thought it possible that this was a work of the noted American impressionist PAUL KING (1867-1947) but I no longer believe that to be the case, so I am offering it as simply an interesting impressionistic landscape. The painting is in a gold frame and could h...

A vintage oil on board painting of an impossibly endowed southwestern desert scene, (possibly Arizona, since the saguaro grows natively only there) signed at lower right with initials "AHS". The painting, 14" by 18" (19" by 23" including linen covered surface around the painting) likely dates to the 1960's or early 1970's. The artist possessed a primitivist style, almost a naive style, placing into this idealized scene saguaro cacti, other, blooming cacti; ocotillo, agave, and all manner of ot...

Oil on canvas painting of flowers in a green glass vase on a table top, a curtain, fruits in a dish and a cup completing the scene. The work does not appear to be signed on the front; on the reverse side is written "Sprague". The painting, 20" by 16" (24" by 20" in cream colored frame) likely dates to about the year 1950. It is in excellent condition save for a pressure dimple, not quite a full puncture, at upper left----also visible from the reverse side near the end of "Sprague". Most like...

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. The black panel on which this is painted was not meant for art use, leading one to suspect that the artist was a t...

A painting on light blue illustration board, sizable at 24" by 36" including its thin strip frame, signed at lower right by artist B. G. Dorsey. The subject is a white classic New England home with green shutters, pictured in early autumn, the trees turning colors. A lone figure seems to knit at the side of the house, a rowboat is tied up at the convenient dock, and a sailing craft and the ocean beyond appear at left. The idealized scene is classic Americana. It appears to be after American ...

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).

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 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...

A competently painted, luminous little work on canvas, 12" by 16" (17 1/4" by 21" framed), the subject high mountains in full fall color, likely the Rockies in Colorado, Wyoming, Montana or Idaho (or, possibly, even Canada). The artist signed the painting "C H Wells" at lower right. The painting likely dates to the 1970's or 1980's. While I do not see a listing for an artist by this name, he or she was clearly talented. The eye is drawn deep into this spacious and pleasant scene. Condition ...

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.

Early twentieth century impressionist painting of one of New Orleans' famous courtyard subjects, 9 1/4" by 7" as framed, signed at lower right corner "Don Juan". While an interesting name to be sure, I have not been able to find a listed artist corresponding to it. The work though is by an obviously trained and talented hand. The vintage frame makes all in all for a very satisfying little painting sure to please the New Orleans fan. The surface is soiled evenly, consistent with age. Likely...

A landscape work in impressionist style, featuring a cabin in a forest, signed by listed artist DOROTHY C. NEAL. The piece is signed again on the reverse in pencil and titled there "Cabin in the Aspens/quick sketch/Panguitch Lake, Utah '52". Dorothy Neal was born in St. Paul, Minnesota and was in Chicago by 1920 receiving art instruction at the Art Institute. She worked in commercial art there and later in Los Angeles. After World War II she joined a group instructed by California artist Con...

Here is a classic old painting on gray academy board, the subject roses in a vase, 20 1/2" by 14 1/4" as framed, signed at lower right "M Say" or similar. It likely dates to circa 1900, at a time when young ladies were expected to take up painting as a domestic skill, and still life of roses was always a most popular subject. Today these works are sought after by those decorating in the shabby chic style. The work has some flaws typical of century-old works, including soiling, minor scuffs, ...

Beautifully executed by an unknown but obviously talented artist is this 10" by 8" oil on canvas of a seated woman draped in fabric, against a darker drape background. The work is contemporary. It was found unframed and for illustration purposes I have "married" it to a frame that somewhat fits it, however, the frame is marginally unsuitable because it is a bit shallow for an oil painting's stretcher. If desired this frame can be included and you can work a bit on securing this inside the fra...

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. I'd think that the painting would have been executed in the 1980's th...

Oil on Masonite panel painting of a thicket of trees in the snow, 16" by 12", 19 1/4" by 15 1/2" framed, signed at lower left by artist S C Swiderski and dated there '86 with copyright symbol. The bare trees are accompanied by a lone pine or spruce which gives a bit of green color to an otherwise silvery white/blue palette. The impressionist work is very attractive and it is in excellent condition. Note how the artist used the wooden end of the brush to create a groove in the wet paint. The ...

Oil on canvas laid on board paint of daffodils or jonquils in a painted ceramic vase, 16 1/2" by 13" framed, signed at lower right "N. Green". The painting I think if American and looks to date to circa 1940's or early 1950's at the latest. There is no apparent biography for an artist matching this name, but he or she was clearly talented. I opened the back to see if there might be more information but the red board to which the canvas is affixed is itself glued in the center to the backing c...

Oil on canvas of a mysterious red cabbage on a string and an orange gourd on a tiled surface, windows beyond looking out onto a hilly landscape, 16" by 20" (23 1/2" by 27" signed "Hernandez" and dated 1995 at lower right. The painting should probably be reframed, as the cream liner is soiled. The painting has some yellowed varnish but otherwise is in good condition.

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. Weave of the canvas and the technique all suggest th...

Oil on canvas painting, signed at lower left "Charles T. Harris", late 20th century, the subject a red rock dramatic cliff of the Southwest, framed artistically by a large overhanging branch arching in from the right side. The work is very clean and ready to hang. This came from a local estate. The artist is talented but from what I can tell not listed. Size is 20" by 30" plus 2 1/2" wide on a side wood frame.

This is a folky painting of someone's favorite St. Bernard dog, circa 1870's or 1880's (ONE OF TWO SUCH WORKS IN MY SHOP). Measuring 21" by 16" on the original very old stretchers and 12 1/2" by 12 1/2" (and 17 1/2" by 17 1/2" as framed), the painting is a sweet and classic rendition of a treasured pet of the Victorian era. Vintage dog paintings are very popular and collectable. This one has evidence of its great age, with a darkened surface, no varnish, soil/blanching, very slight stretcher bar...

Coastal seascape painting on pebbly surface old gray art board, likely the California coast but possibly Maine, circa early twentieth century, unsigned, measuring 7" by 17" (14 1/2" by 25" in its interesting blackish with reddish design frame). The work and framing is very presentable as-is, with just very slight wear to the frame. At the left edge one can see where the portion hidden by framing is fresher in color; therefore we can state that a cleaning would remove the somewhat yellowed varn...

Old oil on canvas laid on board landscape painting of a steep-sided canyon, framed by tall foreground trees, the work signed at very bottom left center (hidden by frame) "H. Baumgartner". Measurements are 16" by 12" and 18 1/2" by 14 1/2" in old wood framing. I would guess the age as circa 1930's or 1940's. While there are German artists that would correspond to this name, their work is unlike this piece. It was found here in Los Angeles, so this could well be a California painting by an art...

A painting of the California desert, painted in impressionist style, oil on canvasboard, 14" by 18", unframed, titled on reverse in old hand, "Palm Desert Cal. Smoke Trees". The artist was born in Illinois, working in St. Louis before moving to Southern California in 1918. He studied at Scripps College in Claremont east of Los Angeles. Wheeler started painting rather late in life, at 50, according to a label with biography affixed to the reverse side. He moved to Palm Desert near Palm Springs...

This is a perhaps circa 1930's or 1940's work in an earlier naive style, with a fisherman, sailing craft, and cabin on the shore. On canvas, simply tacked to the frame on the reverse side, the piece measures 21" by 30 1/2". I imagine this could be called "cabin art". If you're looking for a primitive piece for a country home, or even your urban home, consider this charming work. The condition is good save for a small puncture at extreme upper right corner, which when manipulated so that the ...

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...

A circa 1960's vintage oil on Masonite painting, 30" by 18" (36 1/2" by 24 1/2" as framed), unsigned, the subject a peaceful creek or marsh land area in late autumn, one tree in full autumnal colors. This is a very nicely painted work, which could benefit from a light cleaning, but you would not have to have that done. Condition is excellent, frame has a bit of wear consistent with age. The artist handled the light and reflections beautifully.

Oil on board, measuring 13 1/2" by 13 1/2" and 1 1/2" wide gold frame, unsigned, depicting a number of California poppies vignetted against a neutral background. This is a very decorative painting of the California state flower, executed in late Victorian times or early 20th century when such paintings were all the vogue. This one has survived in excellent condition and would be perfect for a Mission, Arts and Crafts, or Southwest style interior. Frame has small losses.

This is an oil on canvas painting (measuring 7 3/4" by 9 3/4", plus very thin simple wood frame), laid down on a board, by the noted Northern California artist JOHN HENRY RAMM (1879-1948). It is titled on the reverse in the artist's own distinctive handwriting "Looking Down Bush Street" and initialed and dated 1930 (not signed on front, but, this is definitely the artist's way of signing; I have handled a number of his works in the past). I am personally very familiar with downtown San Franc...

Oil on canvas, 18" by 12 1/2", unframed, signed at lower right "F M Shane", and inscribed on reverse of the canvas, "Loveland Canon/Road to Estes Park/Colorado/1925". This work is somewhat primitive but the artist has created an interesting painting. There is a listed artist Frederick Emmanuel Shane (1906-1992), a Missouri regionalist who also painted in Colorado; conceivably this could be an early work of that artist, for some reason signed "F M Shane". The painting appears to have been fra...

An American oil on panel painting, unsigned, likely circa 1920, unframed, featuring a landscape including a lake, some distant low mountains, and yellowing foliage in foreground suggesting autumn as the season. The piece measures 14" by 22". Surface is dirty---could really use a cleaning/varnish---and there is paint chipping along left, top, and bottom edges, as well as a small loss at left center in the foliage. Needs some TLC but the essentials are all there. On reverse is written "(May?) ...

Oil on board painting of a harbor with small boats, 11 3/4" by 14", (15 1/2" by 17 1/2" in stained oak frame), said by a handwritten note on the reverse to be Morro Bay in central California. The note reads "View of Morro Bay/by Mary Harrington on trip of California coast with friends Mr. & Mrs. Dan Castro 1961". The painting might be signed by the artist at lower right; difficult to see among the browned varnish. There is a listing for an artist by this name but I cannot determine if the...

A work on canvas, 16" by 20", unframed/unsigned, featuring spatter drips in blue, red, yellow and a touch of green, on a white ground, in the style of famed modern American painter Sam Francis. I think the paint is likely acrylic. The work is a rather more affordable version, compared to the six or seven figure paintings by the master. A pleasing addition to your Mid Century interior, in excellent condition.