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...

Watercolor on paper painting of a red barn in a country landscape, a high western mountain in the left background, signed at lower left "Elizabeth Quiroga". The painting measures 12 1/4" by 15 1/4" in its present wood frame. The artist seems to have had a good command of the medium. Condition is excellent. There is a pencil sketch of a barn on the reverse side of the paper. Condition is excellent. Allow for reflections in a few images.

PAIR of watercolor coastal scenes, unsigned, circa 1880, on heavy quality watercolor paper, 11" by 18" inside the old mats (18" by 25" in identical framing), found in Essex, Massachusetts. I purchased these for their inherent quality, despite a few condition issues, and hoped to find a signature when I opened them up, but, did not find either signature or any other inscriptions. I imagine these are by a listed artist who worked in the Cape Ann region or in that part of coastal New England...

Watercolor and ink drawing of a river landscape with ship, bridge and surrounding terrain, 7 1/2" by 9 1/2" (14 1/2" by 16 3/4" in interesting old gold frame), signed at lower left by noted Russian-born American artist JOHN WENGER (1887-1976). The artist was born in Russia, his father a local artist. The young man showed early talent and he was accepted into the Imperial Art Academy on scholarship...

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, unframed, 15 3/4" by 11 3/4", unsigned, the subject a colorful Indonesian or Chinese traditional dancer in elaborate costume, complete with extra long fingernails and fierce-looking mask. The work was likely executed in the past twenty years or so. A Chinese ad for cigarettes is used as backing paper (a tear in that). This is a most decorative piece that took a long time to create.

A PAIR of Mid Century watercolor paintings of central Paris (guaranteed original work, not prints), one featuring the Arc de Triomphe and environs "(L'Etoile"), the other a peaceful view of the quai along the Seine River. Each work is signed at lower right "Van Lod". Other similar works by this artist are seen but his/her identity is something of a mystery. The drawings measure 16" by 20 1/2" inside the mat and 24 1/2" by 28" as framed...

THREE hand colored French 19th century prints featuring early-day Japanese soldiers, each 9 1/4" by 6 3/8" inside the faded old violet mats, to which each is simply taped at top edge. The prints are unframed. Two have a dark foxing mark, and all are of sufficient age to have acquired the signs of age---paper toning, slight handling creases and so forth. Fresh mats and frames will display them properly and preserve them for another 150 or so years...

Watercolor and gouache small painting of a path between trees leading to a clearing beyond, 8" by 10" (12 1/2" by 14 1/2" as framed), signed at lower right by the noted Indiana impressionist, EDWARD SITZMAN (1874-1949). The artist, most closely associated with Indiana, is known for his watercolor and oil paintings of quiet landscapes, usually lacking figures. Watercolors are more commonly seen, the oils relatively scarce...

Interesting gouache abstract painting in subtle grays and blues, signed on the reverse side of the Crescent art board "Jeannine Isaacs". The piece, measuring 9 3/4" square inside the mat opening, comes in an aluminum frame without glass. I do not see a recognized, listed artist by this name. The art probably dates to the 1970's I would suggest. Condition is excellent.

Etching titled lower left margin "The Chain Gate", signed at lower right margin "John LaFarge". The work, 4 1/4" by 5 3/4" inside the mat opening (8" by 10" simply framed) does NOT appear to be by the famous American artist John LaFarge (1835-1910), though a previous owner wrote on the backing information suggesting that it is by that known artist. It might be difficult to ascertain the identity of the John LaFarge who signed this; John La Farge's youngest son, John La Farge Jr...

Oil on canvas painting of a small structure surrounded by a beautiful autumnal forest, 16" by 31 1/2" (21" by 36 1/2" as framed), signed at lower right "C. Jonnevelt" (or Sonnevelt), suggestive of a Scandinavian, Dutch or Belgian artist. The painting, in the tradition of earlier works, was probably executed by a Northern European artist circa 1960 to 1970. Note the skilled handling of the reflections at left...

A fine and accomplished watercolor abstracted drawing in the Cubist style of the early 20th century, unsigned, the sheet 15" by 10", the drawing itself 6 1/2" by 4 1/4", (21" by 15 1/2" nicely framed). I did open this to inspect for a signature and found none, nor any other information as to artist. The work could have some age, or it could be of recent vintage; difficult to tell from looking at the pebbled paper. Most certainly it is a nice drawing and very decorative and attractive as it is...

Oil on canvas laid against panel, 10 1/2" by 13 1/2" (14" by 17" framed), signed at lower right by mid-century artist A. R. NOULIN. The beautifully painted little work reminds of Maurice Utrillo's 1920's paintings of the famed quarter around Sacre Coeur's white church. The shutters on all the buildings, the other details, all so nicely crafted. There are three tiny figures in the street. The painting is on a coarse weave canvas and is laid against a panel (not laid down onto it permanently)...

For your consideration, a nicely drawn watercolor and gouache work featuring mallard ducks in flight over a marsh, signed in pencil at lower left by noted American illustrator WILLIAM SCHMEDTGEN (1862-1936). The drawing mixes sporting art with illustration art; the lead duck nearest the viewer glances almost mischievously, from the corner of his eye, at the viewer. Measurements are 13 1/4" by 9 1/4" (drawing inside the drawn lines) and 20" by 16 1/2" as framed. Schmedtgen was especially adept ...

An unsigned watercolor painting of three fish very artistically arranged in a triangular pattern on a simple slab, the background neutral and undefined, measurements 15 3/4" by 12 1/2" (17 1/2" by 14 1/2" framed in wood with an intentional blanched distressed finish). The work could conceivably date to the 1940's or 1950's and the quality of the imagery certainly suggests the hand of a trained or listed artist. The older paper is laid down on a modern day white board. Condition is excellent.

A fine, detailed watercolor and gouache painting of a big horn sheep surveying his desert realm, signed at lower right (and copyright symbol) by talented artist Bill Roach. The work measures 19" by 13" inside the mat and 33" by 26" as framed. Surprisingly I do not see any information online on the artist; perhaps a more vigorous search will turn up something about him and his endeavors as a wildlife artist. The work, despite its depiction of a Southwest scene, was acquired in Maine. Conditio...

A beautiful drawing of the year 1878, featuring a number of women and a solitary man, most apparently gossiping at a picnic or other outdoor social meeting in a wooded setting, the place given as "Lake George". The famous upstate lake features in many an American painting of the period, and it was frequented by many notable artists of the time. Given the skill shown in our drawing, the artist was likely one of these notables, perhaps even one of the Hudson River greats. The drawing is taped a...

A highly detailed etching in brown ink, featuring canal-side classic old architecture of Amsterdam, 12 1/2" by 9 3/4" plus narrow wood frame, pencil signed at lower left margin by the very important Dutch-born 20th century artist WILLEM GERARD HOFKER (1902-1981). At right in pencil is "epreuve d'artiste" and "no. 24" in ink. Hofker was born in The Hague and received early art instruction from his father's friend, the famous artist Isaac Israel. By 1927 he had won the Prix de Rome, and by the ...

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 fine old etching of a windmill in a low country landscape, signed in pencil and in the plate with a signature that appears to be "J Harvey" or similar. The work is numbered 23/25 at lower right margin. The name being common, there are a number of listed artists that might correspond to this. The numbering suggests a 20th century origin, numbered prints being far less common in the 19th century. The work takes from Rembrandt or a host of other Dutch artists such as van Ostade, who depicted ...

A unique piece that transcends art and entertainment.........a color poster advertising the November 13, 1989 sale of the famous Billy Wilder art collection at Christie's auction house in New York City. At lower right in blue marker, Wilder wrote "For Bianca---a true pearl/Billy Wilder Oct. 89". Wilder of course was the Austrian-born American filmmaker, screenwriter, producer, artist, and journalist whose career spanned more than five decades. He is regarded as one of the most brilliant and ve...

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...

An original watercolor painting of a pueblo in New Mexico against a dark blue sky, traditional pots displayed in foreground. The work, 13 3/4" by 10" on heavy watercolor paper (24 3/4" by 20 1/2" framed) is unsigned. It dates to the late 20th century and was likely created by a talented amateur artist, perhaps for the tourist trade. The designs on the pottery suggests this is possibly Zia Pueblo.

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 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.

One of two works in my shop by apparently the same artist, (acquired at different times---the other JB01670): a watercolor on paper, 10 3/4" by 7 1/2" (17" by 14" in its simple green frame), signed illegibly (faint, at lower right), the subject a Spanish (most likely) church tower, the foreground dominated by impressive arches and columns. I have included three photos of the faint signature and leave it to the viewer to try to decipher it. My best guess is that this would be one of the famous b...

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 A NUMBER WORKS BY THE ARTIST IN MY SHOP**, this is an etching on paper print, 8 5/8" by 10 1/2" inside the mat (14 1/4" by 16 1/4" as framed), signed in pencil at lower left by noted western American artist GEORGE ELBERT BURR (1859-1939). At lower right is written the title of the work, "Summer Cloud--Apache Trail--Ariz". Burr's etchings and watercolors of the Great Southwest, especially Arizona and Colorado, are eagerly sought after by collectors. This example, showing a towering, bill...

Drawing in watercolor and pencil of a figure staring out at the viewer, 23" by 18" inside the mat (33" by 26" framed), signed at lower right by noted mid 20th century California artist ROGER KUNTZ (1926-1975). I believe this would be a female figure with short hair. She is drawn skillfully in pencil, and finished out with a gray-green watercolor wash. There is a South Bend, Indiana framer's label that likely dates to the 1960's. Kuntz was born in Texas and moved around California as a youth, a...

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...

A skilled pencil drawing of decorative towers of a church or mosque complex, next to a river, apparently in a milder climate location (see palm trees), signed at lower right "STOLZE". The towers, which somewhat resemble those fantasy towers of St. Basil's in Moscow, seem to be part of a mosque complex, as tiny crescent moons appear to be affixed at the tops of the towers. On the reverse is written "by Martin Stolze" There are several "Stolze" names among listed artists, but none of those artis...

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 ...

A pastel drawing of waves breaking on a beach as two gulls cruise overhead, signed at lower left by artist H. Stewart. The work measures 10 1/2" by 13 3/4" (19" by 25" in gold frame with some wear). There are several possibilities as to the identity of the (likely American) artist but even if listed the artist would not be major. This can be enjoyed as the skilled depiction of a familiar and timeless scene.......ocean waves breaking on a beach. Allow for reflections in a few images, which we...

A watercolor painting of an old fishing boat at the docks, signed at lower center "LYKOS A.I.A.". The 17" by 22 3/4" work (29 1/2" by 35" in painted white/light blue frame) is by GEORGE LYKOS, a prominent San Diego area architect even by the year 1954, according to internet information. He was an architect, designer, and artist who mentored generations of later artists in the San Diego area. The artist was no doubt aware of California Scene watercolor painting of the time. This was found in ...

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.

A very antique unsigned red chalk drawing on laid paper, late 17th or early 18th century, measuring 9 7/8" by 7 1/2" (25 cm. by 19 cm.), 15 1/2" by 12 1/2" as framed, proclaimed at bottom in neat professional hand lettering, on the mat, to be by the Italian master Guercino (1592-1666). The old master drawings expert of a major auction house did not believe this to be by Guercino, and suggested Lanfranco or Albani as possible directions to pursue. I have opened up the backing and discovered th...

An 18th or early 19th century painting of a noble gentleman, oil on canvas, 30 1/2" by 23 1/2" on the stretchers 35" by 27 3/4" framed. This work does not appear to be actually signed, though there is much writing in blurred old ink on the stretcher in old German hand, seemingly identifying the sitter. The old style script and the way the ink has spread into the wood makes it all difficult to read. I do see, I think, "Franz Joseph Augustin von Stichner" or similar, and elsewhere the word "...

Antique watercolor painting of a castle-like structure in an extensive landscape, 7 1/4" by 10 7/8", 14" by 17" in frame, signed with initials "M. N" and dated 1882 and, curiously, also 1888, at lower left corner. This is likely by an amateur watercolorist. The work is a survivor, with paper browning, broken off corners, and a small puncture at center right. Presently it is loose and unmounted within the framing.

A 9 1/8" by 6 7/8" crayon on paper drawing, (24 1/2" by 20 3/4" as presently framed), signed at lower left in pencil "M. Hoff" and on the backing is written apparently in artist's handwriting "MARGO HOFF/THREE ROOFS/CRAYON DRAWING". Margo Hoff was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1910. By 1934 she was in Chicago where she received training at the Art Institute. Before the war she was able to travel extensively in Europe. During the 1940's, Mexican art exerted its influence on her, as it did with ma...

An oil on canvas painting of a young prince or son born of a noble family, 30" by 24 3/4", unframed, unsigned. The boy's face to my eye reminds of Goya, so perhaps this could be of Spanish origin (though, "FRANCE" is written on the stretcher in modern hand). The painting was relined sometime in the mid 20th century. There are some scratches at upper right which appear as white marks in the photos, some minor edge losses at lower left, and there is an even craquelure over much of the surface.

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...

This is a fine old drawing of an old-style wooden house with porch, an ancient old tree arching over the structure and two tiny figures at left. The drawing on paper, laid on a board, measures 14" by 9 1/2" inside the mat and 19" by 14 1/2" as framed. There does not appear to be a signature anywhere, but considering the quality of the imagery we must conclude that the artist was trained and listed. Found in Riverside, California, with Santa Barbara framer's sticker on the backing. Condition ...

Watercolor painting of a scene that appears to be a youngster with adults at the entrance of a school, a total of five figures in the composition. The work, 13" by 10 1/4" (20" by 18" in a contemporary gold frame, no mat) is signed at lower center by well listed German artist CARL HUBNER (1814-1879). Hubner was educated in art at the Art Academy in Dusseldorf. He received instruction from Carl Ferdinand Sohn and Wilhelm von Schadow. An academic painter, trained in the academic tradition of G...

A fine watercolor painting of coastal waves and rocks, 9 1/2" by 13 1/4" (15" by 19" framed), signed at lower right by listed California artist GLADYS DAY and titled in old ink on the backing "Rocks at La Jolla Calif./by Gladys Day/Del Mar Ave/Chula Vista". Written again on the backing by a previous owner: "For Peggy S. Block/Wind and Sea in winter/with the sand washed out/See the old kelp cutter in the hazy distance?/With love, Mom/Berrell E. Pronold". Born in England, Gladys Day created art...

The pair of antique paintings will make for a highly decorative addition to a home. One of the apparently unsigned and undated works features mostly vegetables, with a game bird and possibly a fish, while in the other work, fruit predominates. The rustic paintings were executed by a competent though not highly refined hand. Measurements are similar but not identical. The vegetable piece measures 19 1/2" by 28" and 26" by 34 1/4" framed; the fruit work 23 1/2" by 31 3/4" and 31" by 39" frame...

Decorative old engraving of early New York, printed in Paris, circa 1850, with quality contemporary framing and hand drawn mat lines. This lovely print is ready to hang in your traditional fine interior. The print is exceptionally clean and fresh as is the mat (photo shows what appears as a scratch in glass at upper left, it was simply foreign matter I removed easily after the photo). The work bears a label of Summa Gallery, Brooklyn Heights, New York. Measurements 12 1/4" by 13 1/4".

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 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 ...

An unusual and difficult to photograph trio: two heavy copper etching plates and one tin or zinc lithograph plate, the latter signed clearly Emil Kosa Jr., and one of the copper plates signed with reverse-etched conjoined initials that spell out EK and probably also "Jr". All were acquired by me at the same time, so, I believe it likely that all three are by the hand of the noted California artist EMIL KOSA, JR. (1903-1968). The lithograph plate shows an image of an indian chief or perhaps A...

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 ...

Large size (39" by 27 1/2" framed) pastel of hollyhocks in bloom, apparently unsigned, drawn on canvas. The work probably dates to the first third of the 20th century, when the flower was more popular and more commonly planted around houses. Most pastels are on paper, so a work on canvas is more unusual. Due to the size and the glass, a local Southern California buyer would be very welcomed. Except for a small bit of contact with the glass, the drawing is in fine condition.

Watercolor painting of the famous 17th century church of Santa Prisca in Taxco, Mexico, signed at lower right "Carrillo" and dated there 1966. The decorative piece measures 20" by 16" in clean gold frame with blue mat. It is in excellent condition considering that the drawing was made nearly fifty years ago. Taxco then as now was a tourist center, conveniently near Mexico City. The church is renowned for its Baroque period Churrigueresque interior. A fun piece for your Southwest style setti...

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

A scarce oil on canvas PAINTING (not the usual prints seen), signed at lower left by the noted French 20th century impressionist painter CHARLES BLONDIN (1913-1991). Blondin was active in Paris in the post war years, painting and creating very popular editions of prints which he numbered and hand signed, and oil paintings as well. This work measures 8 3/4" by 10 1/2" (14 1/2" by 16" in appropriate mid century frame). Condition is excellent. Probably dates to late 1950's or early 1960's. See a n...

A rare example of the 1918 lithograph print featuring German poet Ivar von Lucken, pencil signed faintly at lower right corner by famed Austrian expressionist artist OSKAR KOKOSCHKA (1886-1980). The print is quite rare, having been originally produced in an edition of only fifty examples; just a handful have appeared at auction in the past 25 years. Kokoschka needs little introduction, to collectors of important 20th century European art. Also talented as a poet and playwright, Kokoschka was ...

More than 10 detailed, fine pen and ink drawings, on one sheet measuring 19 3/4" by 16", most featuring male figures, signed at upper left center "Al Wiles". Wiles was active in the Seattle area at mid century. The style of the drawing takes from Jose Luis Cuevas, a little bit of Surrealism in spots from Salvador Dali, and Eugene Berman. The pen work is impressive up close. The drawing came from a home filled with major Northwestern American art of the Seattle School including Kenneth Callaha...

Detailed antique watercolor drawing of a country villa in a park-like setting, an elegant horse-drawn carriage approaching from left, 6" by 9 3/8" (11 1/4" by 14 1/2" in modern day frame), signed at lower right "Herter" and dated there 1838. The villa seems to have Italian or other Mediterranean architectural characteristics, so perhaps we are in Italy, and the artist is a traveler from Germany. This is all speculation as I cannot locate an appropriate artist of this name. The drawing, coming...

A fine print by the noted artist THEOPHILE STEINLEN (1859-1923), titled "La Rafle" (The Roundup----of prostitutes!), color lithograph, pencil signed in olive-green at lower right, numbered in same pencil 99 lower left, with the blind stamp lower left of Ed. Kleinmann, Paris. The work measures 13 1/8" by 10 1/8" inside the mat (not examined out of frame, appears clean). Steinlen of course was the major Swiss artist known for his drawings and prints (and, notably, posters) during the late years...

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...