By the Irish-born artist who came to America as a youngster, WILLIAM J. HENNESSY (1839-1917), this is a charming, intimate little oil on canvas, 6 1/4" by 4 3/4" (11" by 9 1/2" in the 19th century frame), depicting an old man reading by candlelight in an interior, a red cloth in his right hand, the left hand splayed towards a comforting glowing fire in the hearth. Apparently he is alone on a quiet winter's evening, reading the way people had to read before electricity's arrival on the scene...

Oil on canvas, " by " (" by " framed), the subject a peaceful glen deep in a forest, painted in a luminous style reminiscent of the American Hudson River School, likely Fairy Glen in North Wales, signed at lower right by the noted well listed English artist WILLIAM MELLOR (1851-1931). Mellor was a highly prolific (I see over 1,200 auction records) artist, born in Barnsley, England. He traveled widely, painting often in Wales and Yorkshire...

A still life painting by the listed Texas artist and teacher, Pattie Richardson East (1894-1994). East studied with Jose Arpa, Birger Sandzen, Harry Anthony De Young, and Joseph Fleck and exhibited extensively. The painting measures about 20" by 24", frame about 28" by 32". Fine example of her work.

A pair of 8" by 10" oil on canvas paintings, unframed, one signed "Anton", the other "Chapman". One is dominated by lime green colors, with white birches, the other an autumnal scene of barn next to a creek at sunset. The former has "Shuk Ha Carmel, Tel Aviv" written on stretcher, along with "Birthright Trip December-January 2014-2015", the latter "Mountain House 2016/Franklin, NC". The autumnal scene has some paint losses around the edges from frame abrasion...

Oil on Masonite painting of coastal rocks and waves, framed in an interesting and appealing vintage wood frame, signed at lower right by artist J. Wessely. I do not see a listing for the artist, who created an attractive and dynamic composition. The painting measures 18" by 24" (22 3/4" by 28 3/4" framed). It could date to about the early 1950's, judging from frame and board. The frame has a rugged, "Cabin Art" feeling with bold outdoorsy carving...

Circa 1950's oil on canvas of a mountain with cross on top, and what could be a small body of water in the foreground, painted in an impressionist hand. The scene could possibly be Mount Cristo Rey, a landmark with Christ cross on the summit, at the extreme southeast corner of New Mexico, overlooking the El Paso, Texas area. The work measures 16" by 18" and 21 1/2" by 24" framed. Sadly this became badly damaged at some point, with catastrophic tears through the composition...

Oil on wood panel landscape in the Netherlands, 13" by 10" (22" by 19" in old, likely original frame), signed at lower left corner by the listed American artist and illustrator EDWIN H. KIEFER (1860-1931). This antique painting features a classic windmill, and a woman classically dressed, carrying a basket, in the left foreground. The late 19th century work is very dirty; a cleaning would work wonders. There is a long vertical crack in the panel at upper left as shown...

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...

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.

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)...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Small oil on board painting of houses at left, feathery trees occupying the right hand side of the composition, unsigned, 8" by 11 1/2" (11 1/2" by 15" in mid 20th century frame). The painting reminds one of the Dutch Old Masters though it was very likely executed in the 19th century, perhaps in England. It shows evidence of its age, with soiling, a missing fleck at right center (the white spot) and some smallish scrapes in sky at upper left. Restoration would easily take care of all these is...

ONE OF TWO BY THE SAME ARTIST IN MY SHOP, IDENTICAL SIZE AND FRAMING, oil on board, 18" by 14" (22" by 18" framed), signed at upper right "LEE WILLKE". This work shows a Plains Indian with full roach and faintly mischievous smile. The complex surface is heavily worked. Both of these whimsical works likely date to about the 1950's, and were found at the same location in Maine. I have not been able to locate an artist of this name. I would prefer to sell them as a pair. Please contact me abo...

Bold, likely American oil or acrylic on paper painting, with black, white and greenish-blue elements standing out against a red background, 19" by 23 1/2" (24" by 30" in shiny chrome metal type framing), signed in pencil at lower right with initials "M K". The contemporary work includes some identifiable forms, such as a five-pointed star at lower left, and one wonders if the black imagery at top is a human form including head, two breasts, legs, and feet. Some paintings by Stuart Davis come t...

Oil on board painting of whitewashed, red tile roof typical California architecture, a garden in bloom in the brilliant sunshine, painted circa 1940 by an anonymous artist. The impressionist technique is outstanding, and I believe that were this signed, we would see the name of a listed artist. Written in old hand in pencil on the reverse of the board is "Pomona College Claremont". Pomona College, now part of the Claremont Colleges, is today a prestigious and selective liberal arts instituti...

Oil on canvas bucolic landscape, a figure tending to haystacks in a tawny field, a towering tree looking over it all, 19 1/2" by 30", (26" by 35 1/2 " framed), signed at lower right by late nineteenth century English artist G CLAYTON. There are a few works by the artist in the auction records but I see no biography. Judging from the subject matter,handling, and materials, the work would likely date to about 1890. This is a poetic work that will fit perfectly with a traditional home or office ...

Oil on board painting of a young fair-haired woman in a pastoral landscape, caressing a dove in her hands, the subject handled in a dreamy impressionist style, signed at lower right with initials "HBK" and dated there 97. The work measures 12 3/4" by 8 3/4 including a narrow old style gold frame to which the board was mounted long ago. I am attempting to determine who "HBK" might have been. The artist was skilled and created a timeless image. Found in coastal Maine, where it had hung in a ho...

Oil on canvas painting of a calf standing in a tawny meadow, 12" by 12" (15 1/4" by 15 1/4" in simple wood frame), signed at lower left "Hutcheson". This is a simple yet competently painted work by an artist whose identity remains unknown to me. I have searched online and feel this could be by a female Arkansas artist, but that would be just a guess. Condition is excellent.

Oil or acrylic painting on canvas, 12" by 16", presently unframed, with notation on stretcher "CORTONA ITALY SEPT. 2007" and a signature that looks like "Mylius". Cortona is a town in Tuscany. The artist I believe was American. His or her style is charmingly primitive/naive. The color harmony is very pleasing, and condition is excellent. I note only a tiny 1/3" slit in cypress tree at left, so minor that I didn't even notice it until I began to wonder why there is a piece of tape on reverse...

Contemporary painting of a young woman in summery attire, teasing the viewer as she clings to her white wide-brimmed hat, 24" by 36", unframed, signed at right by contemporary American artist R. BAILEY. I do not see information on an artist by this name. The painting is reminiscent of classic 20th century pin-up illustration art. It is in excellent display condition.

Mid twentieth century oil on canvas painting of a European-looking harbor, 30" by 25" (33 1/2" by 28 1/2" framed), signed at lower right in red "M. Davies". The work, signed again on reverse and titled there "The Early Start", is painted in an impressionist hand by a talented artist who I have to date been unable to identify. The work is in very good condition; yellowed varnish could stand to be removed but you would not have to do this. There is a slight smoke smell close up. I would guess...

Oil on board painting of a winter landscape, unsigned, 15" by 18" (17 1/2" by 20 1/2" framed), executed by a talented yet still naive hand, circa late 19th century. A pleasing work for the antique house or Americana and folk art collection. Notably, there is some abrasion and scratches, principally at lower left center near the fence, but also a bit in the trees at left and right and one in the sky, and varnish is yellowed.

Oil on canvas painting of a rocky windy coastline, likely in Ireland or Scotland I believe, signed at lower right "Peg McCarty". I do not see a listing for the artist. There is a canvas stamp on reverse, of Winsor & Newton, London, England. Measurements 14" by 18" (17 1/2" by 21 1/2" framed). Condition is excellent save for a few drips of foreign matter, brownish, along the ridgeline/horizon at left, and in sea at left center.

A PAIR of contemporary oil on canvas works, one on canvas, 20" by 16" (26 1/2" by 22 1/2" framed), the larger piece on canvas board, 24" by 18" (30 1/2" by 24 1/2" framed), one signed with what appears as "Sichan" or similar. The frames are of identical silvery finish. Frames and paintings are in excellent condition. The expansive view out over a coast, and relaxed patios with their furniture, evoke pleasant thoughts and perhaps memories of vacations past. The archway through which we look o...

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.

Classic saguaro type cactus in a yellow pot, set on a gray stone patio, against a bright blue background, measuring 14" by 11", unframed, apparently unsigned. The work is very whimsical and the artist has a cheery touch. A great addition to your Southwestern interior. Excellent condition. There might be a signature on the reverse but it is crossed out and hard to decipher----might read "XXXXX Barsh".

Oil on panel painting, 25 1/2" by 23 1/2" framed, the subject rather difficult to describe, but bridging abstract and realism with some surreal thrown in for good measure, by difficult to categorize American contemporary artist JERRY MCLAUGHLIN (born circa 1925), now a resident of Santa Cruz, California. McLaughlin's meandering career was described in detail in a Metro Santa Cruz article of 1998, and a New York Times article of 2001. The artist was an art director on Madison Avenue, but moved ...

Small contemporary unframed painting, 10" by 8", signed at lower right "Harper", of a classic old late Victorian gingerbread house, complete with the turret rooms and wraparound porch that was so common in homes built during that period. It would have been nice had the artist identified the address, but that was not to be. The work is in excellent condition.

Likely painted for the southern tourist trade between about 1920 and 1950 or so, is this oil on a slice of palmetto wood, roughly oval shape, approximate dimensions 10" by 13", the slab 1" thick, signed at bottom left in the image "A. Donhauser". This locale could be anywhere from Texas through Georgia, given the Spanish Moss on the tree. The palmetto slab is unusual and adds interest. An unusual item. There is a small loss on the tree trunk.

Oil on canvas painting by Haitian artist J.B. Gaston, 12 1/2" by 16", unframed, the subject a colorful tropical village among palms, numerous figures going about their regular activities. This work is squarely within the classic style of art we have come to expect from Haiti. It is not an old work but continues a tradition of Haitian art going back to the 1940's. Excellent condition. Will brighten any interior.

Oil on canvas laid on board painting of a tree in late autumn, the leaves still in their golden glory, haystacks filling the meadow. This work measures 8" by 10" and is unsigned and not framed. On the reverse is written in pencil "Oct 7 - 1939". More than likely this is by a listed artist but his or her identity will remain a mystery. Put a frame around it and this will shine.

In the tradition of Victorian rose paintings of the late 19th and early 20th century, here is an unframed work, canvas laid on board, 11 1/2" by 21 1/2", signed at lower right "IDMAY". The painting likely dates to the early years of the 20th century, a time when young girls were encouraged to take up the "ladylike" skill of flower painting. "IDMAY" might have been Ida Mae----one of these young ladies. Our artist was of average skill, but her handiwork has outlived her. Ideal for the Shabby C...

Old painting, 8 1/4" by 6 3/4" (16 1/2" by 15" framed), circa 1870, unsigned, the subject a young girl with blonde hair and intense blue eyes standing in a courtyard or patio area in front of a dwelling, a curious cat peering from the entrance seen at left. The girl is dressed in traditional picturesque clothing of the time. Someone in the past affixed to the bottom of the frame a placard identifying the artist as Ludwig Knaus (1829-1910), a well-known German painter of the second half of the ...