Esther Anna Hunt (1875-1951) is known today in California art circles as a keen observer of the traditional culture as displayed in San Francisco's Chinatown. Her paintings and plaster bust models of young girls in traditional costume make regular appearances in auctions of California art. This work appears to have been created by one of Hunt's many early 20th century imitators. The watercolor is signed at lower right corner "A. Fowler" and is dated there April 1912...

An impressionist painting on canvas, unframed, 16" by 20", signed by a contemporary artist "RG", the subject a covered bridge of the northeastern states. The work is in excellent condition, and the standard size means it should be easy and economical to find a suitable frame.

Oil on canvas painting, unsigned, featuring a cluster of green grapes and apples, a woven basket at upper left, 8 1/4" by 11 1/4", 13 1/2" by 16 1/2" in modern day quality reproduction frame, circa 1880's. The canvas stencil on reverse is of Reeves & Sons, 113 Cheapside, London (the well-known art supplies firm moved to that address in 1857 and remained there until 1890). When acquired this work had attached a modern handwritten note with "Lisa Statt Sterling/1800's"...

Late 20th century oil on canvas including a central figure, bird, young women embracing, and flowers, unsigned, painted in the style of the renowned and world-famous French artist Marc Chagall. The work, unframed, measures 24" by 20". The creator was obviously familiar with the paintings and graphic work of Chagall. Very decorative alternative to having a Chagall print.

Found in Massachusetts, a mixed media (pastel, pencil and black ink) old drawing on paper of a clipper ship at sea, 7" by 9 1/2" (15" by 18 1/2" framed behind glass), signed at lower right corner with initials "A.L" or "A. G." or similar. The ship flies an unidentified flag at the stern. I feel this is likely European though it could possibly be of American origin...

A beautifully executed work in pastel, 18" by 25 1/2", in a narrow metal poster-type frame behind glass with no mat, signed at upper left and dated there 1977 in Roman numerals (LXXVII)) by the noted well listed American artist SHELDON C. SCHONEBERG (1926-2013). At upper right, he titled the work "Grosvenor Park, London". The vigorously worked trees, sweep of the curved interaction of park and street, and small cars, flags and figures make for a handsome work...

Fine pastel drawing of a seated young woman, on gray-blue paper, 18 1/2" by 12 1/2" (23 1/2" by 17 1/2" in mid century white frame), unsigned. The artist was clearly very skilled but unfortunately failed to sign the work. An elegant interior is suggested by the orange pottery vessel at far right. The young lady's clothing suggests that the work could be old----maybe early 20th century, despite appearing to be quite fresh. Once again, it is difficult to determine without a date or artist name...

An early 20th century watercolor painting of small structures on a coastline, likely Maine, but most certainly New England, signed at lower left corner by listed English-born, American artist SIDNEY THOMAS CALLOWHILL (1867-1939). Callowhill was born in Worcester, England and was in America by 1885. He worked at the Faience Manufacturing Company for a time, ultimately living for periods in Brooklyn, Baltimore and Boston...

Contemporary watercolor painting of whitish or pinkish roses, executed in a soft-focus manner, signed at lower right by artist Jean Percival. I do not see a listing by this name but we're looking at a talented artist. The work measures 13 1/2" by 9 1/2" inside the double mat opening and 21" by 17 1/2" framed. Silvery frame exhibits light wear. There are reflections in some images.

Among several works I am offering by the artist, this is a set of EIGHT offset color prints after watercolor paintings **(ONLY FIVE ARE SHOWN IN THE PRIMARY IMAGE; EMAIL FOR IMAGES OF THE FINAL THREE)**, each hand signed in lower margin, and each titled, (each 10 1/2" by 13", unframed), by California master watercolor artist MILFORD ZORNES (1908-2008). Zornes is an icon in the world of California watercolor painting, which has come to be known as the "California Style"...

A watercolor drawing of the famous (since 1862) Cafe du Monde in the old Vieux Carre (French Quarter) of New Orleans, Louisiana, signed at lower left by listed American artist PIERRE MENAGER (1894-1973). The work is dated there 1942. Menager was born in Nantes, France and traveled widely during his life within the southern and western United States, creating art wherever he went. He is best known for landscapes and seascapes of California and the Southwest...

Color etching titled "La Mare" ("the pond"), featuring a whitewashed two story country house or inn by a dirt road next to a pond, signed in pencil below the image "de Croisset". There is a printed label on the backing stating that this is a limited edition. A search by this name does not reveal a listed artist; I suggest that this might be a pen name/pseudonym. The date is probably circa 1930's to about 1950 at the latest...

Color print, 8 1/4 by 12" inside the mat, 14 1/2" by 18" as framed, (no glass), the subject the famous booksellers by the Seine in Paris, Notre Dame cathedral in the distance, numbered at lower left 166 out of editions of 500, and signed at lower right in pencil, 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...

A 19th century European pencil drawing of a classical male figure seated on a drape, holding a staff and a round object, signed with initials at lower right with what appears as "MLB". There is no other hint as to the identity of the artist. The paper has no watermarks. Measurements are 9 1/2" by 7" inside the mat, 14 7/8" by 11 1/4" in inexpensive modern frame behind non glare glass.

Really well executed watercolor of a classic American town's streets and buildings, as seen from a bird's eye view on a gray, snowy winter day, 14" by 11 1/2" inside the present mat, unframed, signed at lower left by artist Warren Blackwell, and dated there 1948. It is surprising that there seems to be no information available on the artist, as his handling of the medium is so skilled and advanced...

A peaceful scene---slow moving creek in a landscape, bordered by trees in what appears to be early autumn, signed at lower left center by Massachusetts listed artist JOHN J. FRANCIS (1862-1933). The work is competently painted by an artist who seems to have specialized in the watercolor medium. His works are often encountered in New England. Auction records seem to be hopeless entangled with another American artist with the same name, born in 1889 and died 1939. That Francis was more of an i...

Late 19th or early 20th century American watercolor of several small sailing craft off a dock, signed at lower right with what appears as "L. Hart" or similar. (There might be a "18" below the signature---possibly as in 1918, but it is difficult to make out with any certainty). The work measures 9 3/4" by 8" (14 3/4" by 13" framed). Let's call the artist a talented amateur who created a pleasant scene. Condition is good. Gilded oak framing has light wear but is complementary to the art. Al...

By the hand of the noted Polish-born Jewish artist who spent most of his life in California, BERNARD BARUCH ZAKHEIM (1896-1985) is this very early (1929) watercolor study "Mural Design for Monterey Calif". We see an image of a number of figures evidently hard at work in a landscape (possibly harvesting). The watercolor, 11 1/2" by 12" and 14" by 15 1/2" framed, dates to less than a decade after the artist arrived in California. Zakheim was born in Poland, and studied art in Danzig, Warsaw, ...

For collectors of early Floridiana, here is a prize---a circa 1930 hand colored photograph of a lazy slough with a clump of distant palms, titled in lower right margin "Miami River, Fla.", and at left margin in pencil is "Harris". This work, measuring 3" by 7" (the photo portion alone), and the entire piece 7" by 10 3/4" in most interesting old original frame, is by the noted photographer best known for his early images of Saint Augustine, W. J. HARRIS. The area depicted is today very close to...

Oil on wood panel still life painting of ceramic vessels, plate, kettle, and candlestick, all arranged on a tabletop, apparently unsigned, but on the reverse of the panel is a "Royal Exhibition" 1930 label, and there is a James Bourlet shipping label as well. The work measures 20" by 24" (27 1/2" by 31 1/2" framed). This beautifully impressionistic work is likely by a listed artist but I am stymied by the lack of a signature. Perhaps more research will turn up the identity of the talented art...

A small gem of a watercolor painting, the subject a traditional house in a landscape with trees, signed at lower right "F Diday fecit", ("fecit" Latin for "did it" or "made it"), circa mid 19th century. The work on laid paper measures 3 1/4" by 5 1/8" inside the beautifully hand drawn lines mat. Presently this is unframed. The drawing is NOT laid down--just hinged to a thin board at top edge, though there is old tape/tape residue on reverse in corners, those corner areas appearing as slightly...

An impressive bit of Americana---a large lithograph portrait in oval form, the print created by Peter S. Duval Co. of Philadelphia circa 1856, after a bust portrait by the noted American artist Rembrandt Peale (1778-1860). The Duval operation was highly regarded in its day for the quality of the prints produced. This print is very impressively framed, enhancing its decorative appeal, with a gilt design painted within the wood; the naturalistic design, of cattails and reeds, is reminiscent of p...

A beautifully painted work, 10 1/4" by 14 1/4" inside the mat, unframed, apparently by a Massachusetts artist by the name of Edith Currier Walker. This was purchased in Newburyport, Massachusetts, in a shrink wrap sleeve, with a handwritten label that stated this was by an Edith Currier Walker. The work is not signed on the front but on the reverse is some writing that looks like "E v. C Wa.....". There is a listed artist by this name from Oregon and California, but a google search shows that...

For the connoisseur of pastoral, traditional 17th century Dutch landscape painting, this is actually a contemporary work on panel, by Southern California artist WILLIAM GALVEZ of Placentia. The technique, featuring fine detail and a smooth glazed surface, and the handling of the subject matter, including silhouetted tree, last light of day effects, humble abode, and tiny figures and animals, demonstrate the artist's familiarity with the Dutch Old Masters of previous centuries. The painting mea...

An attractive contemporary abstract painting, unsigned, 20" by 24", unframed, painted in acrylics by an anonymous artist. The airy and light palette----an artful combination of white, gray-silvery metallic, yellowish-orange peach/tropical melon (and that too slightly metallic in places) colors are quite elegant and contemporary in feeling. The geometry of the design reminds a bit of artists like Richard Diebenkorn. Condition is excellent overall, with a tiny unnoticeable pressure dimple menti...

A naive ink drawing, possibly by a child, charmingly titled "EXCHANGES", featuring a mounted cowboy on right firing at an Indian with chief's headdress, firing an arrow at the cowboy while crouching behind a protective rock. A cactus at far left and steer skull at right complete the composition. Probably dates to the early to mid 20th century. It is a simple image, but states a message in a rather straightforward manner. Size is 8" by 12" in simple wood framing.

A colorful contemporary painting of villagers in Africa going about their daily activities, 15" by 18 1/2" in hand painted colorful frame, unsigned. On the reverse in an English-influenced style of handwriting is written: "Village Life/Two women are carrying buckets of water and the other is sweeping while the other is pounding. Boys are herding cattle and the mother is bathing the baby while men are drinking beer. Two women are carrying bundles of firewood". This charming inscription, whic...

An oil on canvas painting, unsigned, the subject the Arizona desert (we know that because of the saguaro cacti that are not found elsewhere), 22" by 30" (29 1/2" by 38" framed). The painting is deliberately painted in a very pale fuzzy blonde light, with pastel tones, making it somewhat difficult to photograph due to the lack of strong contrasts. The materials suggest a circa 1950's or late 1940's date of execution.

An American impressionist coastal seascape painting on the rough side of a Masonite panel, 12" by 16" (19" by 22 1/2" in quality gold frame), signed at lower right by artist Erna Gruenbaum. Oddly, considering the quality, there is no listing of an artist by this name. The painting probably dates to the 1950's or thereabouts. The frame has very light wear but retains its value.

A late 19th century etching of a young woman, measuring 5 3/4" by 4" inside the mat, the laid paper sheet 10" by 7 1/4", and 19 1/4" by 15 1/2" nicely framed, with a monogram in the plate at right center and an illegible pencil signature at lower right that appears to begin with "J". As the work somewhat resembles some portrait etchings by the famous artist Whistler, and the monogram almost appears as an early Whistlerian "butterfly" before it evolved, I thought the work possibly by Whistler...

A fine woodcut print on Japan type thin, delicate paper, 8 1/2" by 6 1/2" inside the mat, no frame, signed in pencil at lower right and dated there 1931, a monogram in the printed image at lower left, adn inscribed "To Hal" at lower left, by the well listed artist IGNATZ SAHULA-DYCKE (1900-1982). The dramatic subject is mysterious and difficult to describe: a woman, perhaps somewhat sinister or even possibly Death, comforts a young girl, as a younger boy looks on from the right lower corner. ...

A gouache on paper painting of a traditional Russian church, 9 1/2" by 7 1/2" (16 3/8" by 13 1/4" in simple light simulated wood frame), not apparently signed but with a few penciled words in Russian on the reverse side. Nicely executed by a talented hand. Note the four pointed "Christmas star" at upper right. At lower left corner there is a diagonal crack in the paper, not a significant issue.

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

ONE OF A NUMBER BY THE ARTIST IN MY SHOP**This is a small etching (the sheet 6 1/4" by 8 1/8", respectably matted but not framed), by the noted California artist HARRIET GENE ROUDEBUSH (1908-1998), titled at lower left margin "View From the Fairmount" and pencil signed at lower right by the artist. The artist depicts a bird's eye view looking east towards the Bay Bridge and Ferry Building, from the top of Nob Hill, on which sits the opulent Fairmount Hotel. Roudebush was born in Portland, Orego...

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

After the great world-renowned master MARC CHAGALL (1887-1985), this is the 1972 Galerie Maeght lithograph poster "Artist as Phoenix", issued in an edition of 5000. The print has fresh bright colors, although it is evenly rumpled from age (no creases, just not a flat surface). It can be shipped rolled in a tube (for lower cost shipping than indicated) or with green metal mid-century spring-clip style poster frame (the present shipping quote). Chagall's imagery drawing upon his youth in Jewish ...

Oil on canvas laid on panel painting of a tropical river with adjacent structures, royal poinciana tree (sometimes known as flame tree or flamboyant), banana trees, and a wood raft in the middle of the river. The piece is signed at lower left. It measures 10" by 14" and 14" by 17 1/2" framed. The scene could be in Asia (Philippines, or Indonesian?), or Latin America, perhaps Brazilian---difficult to determine, but I lean towards Latin America, the signature not appearing Asian. The artist was...

An English early to mid nineteenth century watercolor, featuring a house or cottage with cross-hatched windows, an arch at left with two small figures nearby, and tree at right. The work is apparently unsigned. The hand is a little stiff and primitive, but the work is antique and charming. Someone spent a considerable sum on the pleasing newish gold frame and hand-drawn "French mat" with lines and glittery goldish foil border. Frame is in generally excellent condition, just a small dig at lo...

Colorful landscape painting of a modest dwelling perched on a rise above a turquoise aqua colored sea, leaning coconut palms framing the scene and two small sail boats in the distance, signed at lower left "Dickerson". The work, on panel, measures 12" by 15 1/2" (14 1/2" by 18" simply framed). The scene could be Hawaii or the Caribbean; hard to tell. The impressionist palette, and especially the various shades of blue, make for an appealing painting. A bright gold frame would be a worthwhile ...

A most unusual painting, found in Maine, of all places: a circa early 1930's unframed oil on canvas, 26" by 18 1/2", unsigned, featuring an idealized dark-haired lady in a costume appearing almost Spanish, a basket full of oranges sitting on the path next to her, a classic California mission with bell tower in the distance along the scenic coastline, while two young men dressed in 1930 style look on in admiration. The "Golden California" art appears almost as if it could have been destined to ...

Watercolor and gouache on paper scene of young trees along a bucolic dirt road in a hilly landscape, 12" by 15", (19 1/2" by 23" as framed), signed at lower right "C .GRANT DAVIDSON", and signed again in longhand in a margin area, dated there 1894. This is a work by CHARLES GRANT DAVIDSON (1865-1945), an American artist based out of New York who painted oil and watercolor scenes in the northeastern states. He is often confused with a British artist by the same name. This painting was mounted, ...

Colorful, interesting watercolor with a modernist, almost Expressionist feeling, unsigned, 16" by 12" (23" by 17" in present frame). There is a label on the backing from the Fenway Art Center in Boston, which was run by two listed artists, Richard and Giragos Der Garabedian, leading me to believe that this could have been work by one of them, even though the style/subject does not fit with their known works. However on the back of the sheet is written in pencil "LA Night Scene June 1985 With L...

A very interesting and scarce double-page color lithograph print by the famous Spanish artist, JOAN MIRO (1893-1983), published in 1961 in "Derriere Le Miroir", measurements inside the mat 14 1/2" x 21", 21" by 27" as framed in metal frame. The perfect, classic addition to your contemporary interior. Condition seems to be very good overall, I note just a little browning, probably from tape residue showing from the reverse side, at very top and even less at very bottom. A new mat would take ca...

Large, impressive 1981 painting of an arched stone footbridge over a brook in a leafy, park-like setting, 38" by 50" framed, signed at lower right TOSTRUP. There is a listed artist by the name of Axel Tostrup (born 1947) but I am not certain that this is that artist. What is certain is that the painting is beautifully executed by a talented hand. The sun-dappled effect would have been difficult to achieve; the work features excellent handling of light and shadow. It is in excellent condition...

Original 16" by 18" ink on paper drawing of two men in slickers in an overloaded canoe in a rainstorm, their faces reacting to the increasing challenges as they are apparently taking on water, signed at lower right by the noted American illustrator HENRY "HY" SUMNER WATSON (1868-1933). The drawing was evidently produced for eventual publication by Outing Publishing Co., as their violet "PAID" stamp dated April 10, 1907 and "Book Department" appears on the reverse. Also there, giving some insig...

Colorful contemporary Central American or Brazilian landscape painting of a hillside village with figures, animals, tropical vegetation and a church, 7 1/2" by 10 3/4" (15 1/4" by 18 1/2" framed), signed at lower left with what appears as "Mitaki". The work is highly decorative and in excellent, wall-ready condition. Considering the architecture, landscape, and black-appearing tiny figures, I would lean towards the work being of perhaps northeast Brazilian origin, (Natal or Salvador area).

A very sweet oil on canvas painting of several young ice skaters in Holland in winter, the scene completed by a classic windmill in the left distance and snowy roofs at right. The work is signed at lower right in red "M. Leuty" or "Lenty". I do not see an obvious listed artist that would correspond. Measurements are 22" by 16", and 26" by 20" framed. Despite the European subject matter, the artist could be American; materials used suggest that possibility. There is a small old repair in the...

Painting on canvas of a corgi dog in a landscape that suggests the beach, signed on the reverse with initials EG, which correspond to Eric Gregory. The painting is titled by the artist "Corgi study". Condition is excellent. The artist has not only created a simple portrait of a corgi; it is art, considering the placement of the animal within the landscape----off to the side, rather than centered. Not exactly Rodrigue's famous Blue Dog---but possibly inspired? Measurements are 18" by 24" (no...

This is a fine pencil drawing of a Victorian style wood home, 16" by 11 1/2" (24 3/4" by 18 3/4" framed), signed at lower right "David" and dated there '73. One is reminded of Edward Hopper's haunted, lonely dune houses or even the infamous back-lot Bates Motel house from the movie "Psycho" where Anthony Perkins did his thing. Condition is excellent. Found in San Francisco, the city where many treasured gingerbread houses of Victorian times still stand.

Attractive 1940's watercolor painting of coastal surf and rocks, 11 1/2" by 15 1/2" (18" by 22" in attractive gold carved frame), signed at lower left by listed California artist CARL RUBEN WALLINE (1884-1976). Affixed to the backing is a very old Spectrum Club/Long Beach label and the title "Breakers", and the date June 8, 194(X). The watercolor is very light and impressionistic; there could be even sun fading, or this effect could be the way the artist painted it; difficult to determine. T...

A most unusual and interesting DOUBLE-SIDED pencil drawing on wove paper, one side featuring an indian in headdress snatching a child off the shore, a tiny fenced white settlement visible in the upper left corner; the other side features a white man in frontier clothing holding his rifle as a native brave swings his tomahawk. Both sides are signed "E Thompson artist". I am not aware of a known artist by this name so this will rest squarely in the folk art or historical categories. The subtle ...

Australian aboriginal art, painted on eucalyptus bark in the traditional manner, the imagery featuring four long-necked birds and leaves, against a patterned background. The work might bear the name of the artist on the reverse, written in white chalk, but that is indecipherable. The word "Mapuru" is readable; this is a remote, pure, isolated area of northeast Arnhem Land in the tropical north of the country, about 600 km. east of Darwin. Measurements are 21" by 12 1/2". The bark has natural...

Early California watercolor painting, circa 1920's or 1930's I would guess, possibly earlier, titled at lower left Cathedral Peak/Emerald Bay, signed at lower right "A.L.M.". This is a view of Lake Tahoe and the grand scenery at the south end of that famous mountain lake. The painting measures 11 1/2" by 8 1/2" inside the mat, and 16 1/4" by 14 1/4" as simply framed. The style suggests the artist might have been a student or possibly familiar with the work of influential Northern California w...

A fine circa 1930's watercolor painting of a sunny lane in Bermuda, a tall lone palm dominating the whitewashed walls and distinctive tiered roofs of Bermuda. Carson was a frequent winter visitor to the island after about 1932, and his contribution to Bermuda art history has been recognized in the Masterworks Bermuda collection. From time to time, oils and watercolors come to the market, but they are scarce. The artist was born in Massachusetts and trained in Boston and at the Art Students Le...

An interesting pastel drawing of older high rise apartment buildings in a major city, perhaps New York, signed at lower right with initials "EM" or "EW" and dated there 1939. The work, 15" by 11" (21" by 16 1/4" in simple gold metal frame), deals very skillfully with what could potentially be quite sterile subject matter in the wrong hands. This could be seen as a commentary on the anonymity of high rise living in any city. If you live in a complex such as Peter Stuyvesant Village in New York...

Reuben Ward Binks (British, 1880-1950) - English Setter, "Rap", gouache portrait painting, dated 1936. Size: 14 in x 19 in. (sight). Signed and dated by artist in the lower left; titled in lower right. A finely rendered portrait of an English setter, 'Rap' at a stance, with a mixed oak forest in late autumn as a background. Reuben Ward Binks was the leading artist of his day in portraits of dogs. He created dog paintings for several members of the British royal family, including King Edward VI...

Pre-1940 painting of mountains and waterfall, unsigned, measuring 16" by 30" (19 1/4" by 33 1/2" framed), in the loosely impressionist style popular since the early years of the century. Ideal for vacation cabin or other rustic home. As found---some digs and light scratches are present. See photos.

A print with some subtle color in the printing process, the subject typical houses along a canal, likely in The Netherlands, signed in pencil at lower right below the image "Van Gelden". On the reverse is a label giving the name of the artist, stating that this is a copper plate proof etching, published in Paris in limited edition. Measurements are 9 1/4" by 11 1/4" inside the mat, 16 1/4" by 18" framed.

Watercolor on heavy pebbled watercolor, 10 1/4" by 13 3/4" (17 1/2" by 20 1/2" in simple, worn frame), unsigned, the subject an impressive sailing craft in a small boat harbor. The painting has a nice impressionist touch, and, apparently, some age (at least 1960's or before). On the reverse someone did some math calculations, writing the numbers in a distinctive old hand that is of a previous generation. The clean mat with gold inner edging can be retained; a new frame would work wonders.

For the den or man cave of the fly fisherman, here is a rustic painting on plywood panel of a trout leaping to catch what appears to be a large yellow moth or butterfly flitting just above the water's surface. The painting is actually titled "Butterfly" at bottom center. At right corner is the name of the artist, W. L. Mohl or Mahl, and "White Pine Pk. 1939". There is a "White Pine Peak" in both Utah and Nevada. This was found in Fresno, in central California. The work measures 23 1/2" by 1...