Gouache on paper on board, 17 1/2" by 12 1/2" and 1 1/2" frame/mat, signed at lower right "MIZEN". This work has the feel of illustration art, and well it should as FREDERIC KIMBALL MIZEN (1888-1964) was a noted illustration artist, having done covers for the Saturday Evening Post. He was a member of the Society of Illustrators. Mizen studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and was a student of the great Taos master Walter Ufer. Mizen's oils sell at major auctions...

This pencil/watercolor drawing on heavy paper, 34 1/2" by 24 1/2" is actually signed by the artist, one "Sil Marraccini" at lower right and is dated 2/11/39. Originally intended as architectural plans, it would today easily qualify as a late Deco/early mid century art work on its own accord. I believe I acquired this in the San Francisco area, where Bank of America began. No doubt this was a plan for the interior details and exterior elevation of a branch of the bank...

Gouache and watercolor on paper landscape titled on reverse "Arab Village Near Jerusalem", measuring 14 5/8" by 19 3/4" (26" by 29" as framed), signed at lower right "WM. D. RAFFEL" and dated 1954. This is a beautifully executed work in fine condition save for a cracked (but not detached) upper left corner due to brittleness likely caused by aging...

Oil on canvas, 20" by 24" (30" by 36" as framed) signed at lower left by well listed and auctioned artist JORDI BONAS (1937-). The scene is a small boat harbor with a traditional church and coastal village in the middle ground. Bonas was born in Barcelona but was in France in his twenties. Exhibitions throughout continental Europe and then the US were held in subsequent years...

Mid nineteenth century watercolor, gouache and gum arabic drawing on paper of a young woman with the ringlet hair and prim dark dress fashionable at the time, holding the back of a Hitchcock chair, all against an extensive landscape. The drawing measures 6" by 4 1/4" inside the mat, and comes with a newish 1" wide gold colored frame. I don't see a signature. The gum arabic has oxidized and aged and is crackly, with tiny losses in the sleeve, and her lower face has lost some detail...

Watercolor and ink drawing of an arch in Paris, 11 3/4" by 15", (19 3/4" by 23" as framed), signed at lower right by noted late 19th and early 20th century artist JULES ADLER (1865-1952). Adler's name is mentioned in texts describing major and significant French artists of the late 19th century, along with such figures as Millet, L'Hermitte, and. Most of his subject matter shows everyday scenes of common people going about their lives in French cities and countryside...

**ONE OF TWO OF THIS PRINT IN MY SHOP**Etching of Victorian children playing in an interior, 10 3/4" by 8 3/8" inside the mat. pencil signed "R. Ernst" at lower right. This is an unusual medium for the artist, best known for his highly finished and detailed oil paintings of orientalist subjects. These oils regularly bring hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction. This etching is all original, including the old soiled mat, and so forth...

An American 19th century oil on canvas still life, circa 1870-1890, measuring 10" by 16" (12 1/2" by 18 1/2" as framed), unsigned, featuring a metal pot with green and red apples, a pitcher, and a glass, in the classic style of nineteenth century American still life art. I wish the artist had signed his or her work, as he or she was quite skilled. The painting has a patch on the reverse, approximately 3 1/2" by 2", corresponding to a repair in the red apple...

This is a stunning, classic plein air style seascape painting (24" by 30", 29 1/2" by 33 1/2" as framed) signed at lower left by California master artist HENRY LEOPOLD RICHTER (1870-1960). A probable original title, "SURF", is written on the stretcher. The handling of color, motion, and especially the balance of sunlight and shadow is quite impressive. Having viewed a number of other works by the artist online, this one really seems to stand out...

This is a large and impressively painted (28 1/4" by 47" just the painting alone) oil on canvas signed at lower left "J. Mathey 21", showing an early autumn landscape with patches of snow and forest depicted in an impressionist manner. The artist, JACQUES MATHEY (1883-1973), was the son of French artist Paul Mathey (1844-1929)...

Oil on canvasboard painting titled on backing paper "LAVISH FALL PALETTE/LONGS PEAK", signed at lower right by artist RUTH ERWIN (1904-1994). The work, featuring flaming aspen in the Colorado high country in high autumn, a view to monumental Longs Peak in the distance, measures 10" by 8" (18 1/2" by 16" framed). I've gathered a few nuggets of information on the artist through the net. One person wrote what she found on a label attached to the back of an Erwin painting she owned: "....the "pa...

This is a very pleasing country landscape (9 3/4" by 13 3/4" inside the mat, 16 1/2" by 20 1/4" as framed), executed in watercolor on paper by listed 20th century British artist F.L. BLANCHARD. A kind Englishman has emailed me to inform me that the building in the landscape is what is known as an "oasthouse", commonly seen in Kent, and used for processing hops for the brewing of beer. Though there are a number of auction records for this artist Blanchard, in England, and mostly for marine and...

According to Sotheby's London old master specialists, this painting is an ANTIQUE copy of the major museum work "Stormy Landscape with Philemon and Baucis" by artist SIR PETER PAUL RUBENS (1577-1640), one of the major figures in European art history. The original is presently in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, Austria. I can describe the art as oil on joined old oak panels, 17 1/2" by 23 1/4", circa 1700's, showing an extensive fantasy landscape including violent storm and flood, over...

Chalk and charcoal drawing on brown paper, 23 3/4" by 17 3/4", unsigned, in old frame on which is written "ADELE WATSON Ex. Coll. Pasadena Art Inst.". This is a skillfully executed portrait of a seated young woman. There is a bit of red color in the pot at her feet, in the collar area, and in her face, to go along with the white and black chalk. Unfortunately the piece is not signed, but the framing appears to be totally original, and in addition to the inscription, there is a very old, early...

Oil on canvas, 18" by 25" (19 1/2" by 26 1/2" as framed) signed lower left "F. Glyndon". This is a nicely painted landscape of the edge of the forest, with pink blossoms on one of the trees, by FRANK GLYNDON (1847-1937). Glyndon was born in Prague, Bohemia and arrived in New York by ship from Liverpool in 1892. Shortly after 1900, Glyndon lived in Alameda, California. He was known for genre, landscapes, and portrait paintings. Some paintings have recently sold at auction, one, of a night sce...

Impressionist watercolor on textured paper painting of a landscape with houses and trees, signed in ballpoint pen in Hebrew script at lower left and dated there 1972 by listed Israeli artist ZIPORA KOVELMAN (1936-). The work is nicely crafted by an obviously talented hand. There is not a lot of biographical information on her but works in oil and watercolor appear with some frequency at auction in Israel. This measures 7 1/2" by 11 1/2" inside the mat and 14 3/4" by 18 1/2" in a pleasing brig...

Aquatint on paper 20" by 14" (32" by 24 1/2" in tasteful framing, with quality materials), signed in pencil at lower right corner within the image, the subject a lady intensely examining a print from a bulging portfolio in a studio, other works visible in other portfolios and hanging on the wall. Title I believe is "Dans l'Atelier". The colors are somber and elegant. Robbe was a major French printmaker late in the 19th and early in the 20th century. His subject matter included Paris scenes, whi...

Old American watercolor painting, early 1900's, featuring a leafless tree in what is apparently late autumn, a flash of color in the middle distance giving an indication that winter has not completely arrived. The work appears unsigned. Measurements are 15 1/4" by 10" and 18 1/4" by 12 1/2" in the old frame, which shows wear. The watercolor itself has survived the decades in good condition.

Watercolor on paper, 13" by 21 1/2" inside the original gold over mat, 20 1/2" by 29" in its original goldish frame (no glass), apparently unsigned, the subject the dramatic waterfalls of the tropics----Iguassu Falls on the Brazil/Argentina border, perhaps, or Victoria Falls in central Africa. Unfortunately there is no title or location given, though these would be good guesses. The work dates to the late 19th century, I'd think, given the work, the framing, the circular-saw (post 1870) wood b...

By the noted illustrator artist RICHARD STINE (1941-) this is a rarely seen original painting, the subject a tree in a strangely empty landscape. The work, measuring 12 1/2" by 9 1/2" in wood strip frame, is painted in gouache, either on the smooth side of a masonite panel, or on heavy paper or board subsequently laid to the masonite. The artist signed at lower right and again on reverse, with his Summerland, CA (adjacent to Santa Barbara) address. Stine is a familiar name due to his uniquely...

A group of three small watercolors of scenes in rural Hambleden, England, by late 20th century English artist (Mrs.) P. Begley. The three each measure 5 1/2" by 8" (10 1/2" by 12 1/2" identically framed). Each is signed with conjoined initials PB in lower left corner and the artist wrote her address and titles on reverse backing. The works probably date to circa 1980. Pleasing scenes of the classic, peaceful countryside of England. Hambleden is near the Thames, immediately west of Greater Lo...

oil on Masonite contemporary style quayside scene, 9 1/2" by 14" (24 cm. by 36 cm.) with 1 3/4" frame and liner, signed at lower right "L. Neuquelman". Neuquelman's larger works, some in a Pointillist style, sell well into the thousands at European (mostly French) auctions; his style is in the School of Paris circle and he was at some point a "Wally Findlay artist" (works sold through the high-end retail Wally Findlay Gallery, which had contracts with select contemporary artists, for their outp...

An extensive classical Italian Mediterranean landscape on paper, signed at lower right by artist CARL NACKE (1876-after 1931). Measuring 15 1/2" by 23 1/4", the work's colors are unusually fresh considering the age of the piece. The watercolor is unframed, laid on a board, as found in a Georgia estate. Nacke was an artist best known for his work on fine porcelains at German porcelain factories; these porcelains appear at auction in Europe.

Good-sized watercolor painting of one of the famous canals of Venice, a gondolier and his vessel featured in the foreground, signed at lower left by the artist, B. Venuti. This work, 22" by 15" (31" by 23 1/2" in gilded old oak early twentieth century framing), probably dates to about the turn of the century. I do not see a listing for an artist by this name, though there is a "Benvenuti" who painted similar works, so I entertain the possibility that this might have been signed with a pen name...

A fine early watercolor with gum arabic highlighting, the subject a stag in a landscape, by a well-listed English 19th century artist, NEWTON SMITH FIELDING (1799-1856). The work measures 5 3/8" by 8" and is laid on another piece of paper. Including the present mat, dimensions are 16" by 20". The signature is actually on that second piece of paper, in pencil, at lower center. Fielding was born in England and died in Paris. Evidently he showed early talent as his works were exhibited at the ...

Oil on canvas nocturne style painting of a wave, 24" by 30" (28" by 34" as framed) by listed California artist ERNEST BROWNING SMITH (1866-1951). Smith is a familiar artist on the plein air scene and I believe his works are presently underrated in the marketplace. The artist had a trademark style; often the scenes in my experience are simplified, devoid of figures, and in a limited color palette. This nocturne is executed in shades of blue. It does not appear to be signed on the front but i...

Ink drawing, 7 1/2" by 9 1/2" inside the mat (15" by 17" as framed), signed at lower right by artist DAVE POWELL (born 1954), son of noted deceased Western American artists Ace Powell and Nancy McLaughlin Powell. There are no less than five figures in this complex and skillfully executed drawing. They are Tlingit warriors complete with traditional hats, war daggers, and capes. Charmingly, three classic totem poles appear at far left, with the images of Raven, Eagle, and Bear discernible, and ...

Pastel drawing of trees in early autumn by a large body of water, signed at lower right M. Moore, measuring 13 1/2" by 19" (21" by 26" framed). The viewer is reminded of Canadian art--landscapes of Ontario in the fall, for example--though this might just be a generic scene from the imagination of the artist. A colorful original work with considerable decorative quality. The drawing is slipping around a bit under the mat so will have to be re-affixed to backing.

Watercolor on paper painting of a mid nineteenth century American house, 9 1/2" by 6 1/2" (17" by 13" framed), signed at lower right "Barney Moore" and dated there 1941. I do not see information on the artist but he was obviously talented. The house is of an architectural style that would have been common in the 1860's or 1870's, in many American neighborhoods east of the MIssissippi. Condition is excellent. Someone wrote "Moore 1946" on the reverse paper.

A simple yet satisfying little watercolor depicting central Paris along the river Seine, Notre Dame in the center distance. The work is signed at lower left by French mid century artist Fernand Guignier and dated there 1966. Guignier is listed, with some auction records, but there does not appear to be an extensive biography. Typical works are in watercolor medium and feature Montmartre and scenes around the Seine in the center of the "City of Light". The condition appears excellent (not examin...

Oil on panel, 9 1/4" by 12 1/2" (14 1/4" by 17 1/4" as framed), signed at lower left in red "Karla Mirabal", and inscribed on label on reverse, "Judge M. R. Mirabal Homestead in New Mexico" "Artist Karla King--So Calif and New Mexico--Artists of West--WHAA". This is probably of historical interest, depicting as it does an early home. The work is very impasto and impressionistic. The painting is a bit soiled but could be placed on the wall as is. Note the two young girls on the porch.

By the well-listed American artist JOSEPH MARGULIES (1896-1984) is this etching and aquatint print officially titled "Forever at Study", featuring two orthodox Jewish men studying the Holy Books. The work measures 10" by 12 1/4" inside the present mat opening and 15 1/4" by 19 1/4" as framed. Margulies was active in the New York City area and on Cape Ann in Massachusetts (Gloucester area). His common subject matter included scenes of New York City, portraits, landscapes, seascapes, genre sce...

Oil on canvas, 24" by 36" (28" by 39" as framed), UNSIGNED, but certainly by the popular listed California artist HERBERT SARTELLE (1885-1955) (I will stand by this). This is a classic mountain scene favored by the artist (he seems to have painted that particular mountain over and over again), with large eucalyptus trees and a lake with distant mountains, all executed in Sartelle's unique impressionistic style and characteristic color palette. The painting probably dates to the 1940s or 1950s. I...

A nineteenth century watercolor painting of high purple mountains looming above an arid landscape framed by two trees at right, unsigned, 6 1/2" by 9 1/2" plus 3/4" wide framing. Found in California, and I lean towards this being a view in that state, though it could be elsewhere in the West or even conceivably in a place like Italy. The houses at far left do not help to solve the riddle. The piece, glued to the backing board, is definitely quite old. There is foxing throughout the sky, and ...

This is a decorative painting of the sweep of the Bay of Naples and its famous Mt. Vesuvius volcano, executed in the classic manner with a few figures scattered in the foreground. A gnarled pine at center provides a dramatic focus point. The painting, 12" by 20" (15" by 23" framed) is old looking but probably dates to the mid 20th century; see staples on the tacking edge, and the reverse of the canvas doesn't look all that old---basically it's a case of looking older than it is. There appears...

An original pencil and watercolor drawing, titled on the reverse possibly in the artist's hand "L'entree des Tuileries a Paris", signed at lower right by the well-known, widely honored and sought after artist, ANDRE HAMBOURG (1909-1999). The drawing, of the famous Tuileries gardens in central Paris, measures 5 1/2" by 8" inside the mat opening. It is nicely framed in gold leaf (12 1/2" by 15") with hand-drawn mat lines. The work likely dates to the 1960's through 1980's. Hambourg was born in...