A familiar scene that brings back fond memories to travelers who have experienced the pleasures of browsing the famous bouquiniste bookstalls along the Seine River in the heart of Paris---Notre Dame dominates the background, while a lively scene transpires, with a yellow-shirted artist and his easel at left, and a mother and her impatient young child at right, leafy trees framing the activity. The work is on canvas and measures 9" by 10 3/4" (15" by 16 1/2" framed)...

A vintage (mid century) illustration of a pink orchid blossom, the background airbrush and the flower hand painted, 14 1/2" by 14 1/2" inside the attractive double mat, the piece 22 1/2" by 22 1/2" as framed in silvery complementary framing, signed at lower right by artist "Childs". The name being a common one, I searched but did not immediately tie this to a listed, known artist. Nevertheless he/she was talented...

An old oil on gray board painting of a stone bridge over the Seine River in central Paris, in high autumn. The work measures 9" by 12" (11 3/4" by 14 3/4" in attractive maybe 1930's frame). The signature at lower left appears to be "E Turner", the "E" placed on top of the "T". If I am reading this correctly, there does not appear to be a listed artist that would correspond. In any event, the work is excellent, and by a trained hand.

A color lithograph print of the year 1937, signed in the plate, 13 1/2" by 10 1/2" (20 1/4" by 17 1/2" in wood frame, no mat), by the noted Spanish modern artist FRANCISCO BORES LOPEZ (1898-1972). The artist, more commonly known as Francisco Bores, was born in Madrid. He went to Paris and associated with the Surrealist movement, and became a friend of important artist Juan Gris...

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...

An original poster issued by the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 1967, to advertise the Jackson Pollock exhibition which took place from April 5 to June 4 of that year. The poster seems to be scarce today; I was not able to find another available copy in a quick online search. Pollock is perhaps the pre-eminent figure of the Abstract Expressionist movement, his paintings now among the most coveted in the world of art...

For the Anglophile, this is a piece of classic old England, a watercolor, 10" by 14", (16 3/8" by 20" as framed), signed at lower left by artist MICHAEL VICARY, the scene a narrow riverboat barge on the Thames under the classic view of Windsor Castle outside London. A few pieces by Vicary have crossed the auction block, but the main appeal of the work lies in its fine detail and craftsmanship...

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...

Nicely executed little watercolor of a woman in her nineteenth century finery, 11" by 7 3/4" as newly framed behind quality Tru Vue glass, unsigned. Her dress looks like circa 1860 but I do not know for sure that this would have been painted then. It would make for a pleasing addition to a woman's bedroom or sitting area.

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.

A watercolor painting of a steep hillside with trees, several structures filling the lower portion of the composition, unsigned, 13 1/2" by 10 1/2" (24 3/4" by 20 1/2" in the dark simulated wood framing. The painting does have some age and would likely be by a listed artist. Mat got wet at some point at bottom and will need to be replaced. Art itself is in excellent condition, the colors fresh...

Watercolor on paper, 14" square and 3 1/4" frame and mat, unsigned, of flowers in a vase. This is the work of a skilled and likely listed artist but I do not see a hint of a signature. It was purchased near Baton Rouge, Louisiana and the reverse framing paper shows what appears to be a Houston, Texas address. Condition is excellent with no stains or foxing.

This is an interesting example of a monotype, in which art is created on a piece of glass which is then pressed against paper to produce a unique image. The artist is well listed and his paintings sell well at Canadian auctions. At first glance, this work could easily pass for a watercolor; a monotype is something of a hybrid, with characteristics of prints and original art. It measures 17 3/8" by 13 1/2" inside the mat; with an additional 5 1/4" of mat and frame on a side...

Watercolor en grisaille drawing of the ornate entry area of a 19th century American home, complete with trellis, shutters, clapboard and fine woodwork, unsigned, measuring 18" by 14" (20 1/2" by 16 7/8" framed in brown wood frame. There is also a pencil study of the doorway on the reverse (see last photo). Any number of artists could have created this. It reminds me of a home you'd see in a watercolor by Edward Lamson Henry. I'd date this to about 1910 through 1930...

A fine old wood engraving dating to the sixteenth century, the title apparently "Saint Paul Giving a Letter to a Messenger" according to handwritten notes on the backing, which also relate that this is from the Biblia series. The artist HANS BROSAMER (circa 1506-1554) was born at Fulda in central Germany. He became known for his fine oil portraits, but also for his wood engravings and copper engravings, many produced for various editions of Luther's German Bible...

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"...

A PAIR of unframed oil on canvas works, one a scene of coastal cliffs and waves, 12" by 12", the other featuring a small lake or pond, 11" by 14" (both unframed). They are each signed by the artist, one M. Mahmoudi. I have not located information on the obviously talented artist, who is likely Californian; found in Los Angeles. Condition is excellent. What appear as white speckles in some images are reflections off the varnish and canvas weave.

This is a wood engraving print titled "Les Visages", by the important French artist GEORGES ROUAULT (1871-1958). The print measures 7" by 8 3/4" inside the mat (13 3/4" by 15 1/2" as framed). I believe that this is from the edition published at a later date (circa 1960's) by the Collectors' Guild of New York; the print is dated in the plate 1927, and signed in the plate at lower right. The condition is very good with even very light toning of the paper. Rouault is a major French Fauvist and Exp...

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 ...

If you're looking for an Asian accent piece for your interior, consider this oil on canvasboard, 23 5/8" by 17 5/8" (a little over 31" by 25" as framed), signed at lower right "Bill Parrish" (or Perrish, or Porrish), not dated but likely mid century from late 1940's to early 1960's, the subject a young Chinese woman in traditional colorful costume, with what I believe is an important Chinese character for something important like "life", "luck", etc. at upper right background. I do not see a li...

Banksy is world-renowned for graffiti art with political themes and dark humor. His spontaneously-appearing works are found on walls, and bridges in many nations, and his art has become a worldwide cultural phenomenon, genuine paintings and prints bringing very large sums at auction. This work, on canvas, unframed, measures 8" by 24", is not a genuine work of the artist, but could be said to be in his style. Very contemporary in feeling, we see a heart at left with a figure with spiked hair a...

Oil on canvas painting of fruits, bottles and other objects, painted in a highly impressionist style, 12" by 16", unframed. The painting bears a signature "G d E" at lower right, added later (very obviously "floats"---dark under UV light) for French artist Georges d'Espagnat (1870-1950). So we have here a likely American painting, I think circa 1950's or so, that is very nicely done and quite decorative. There's very small paint loss at lower edge from past frame abrasion. Canvas is not perf...

A rarely seen hand signed (ball point pen, lower right margin) poster printed to publicize the 1992 Taos Arts Festival, the poster featuring a painting of the Taos Pueblo against snow capped mountains, western horses in the foreground. The piece measures 27" by 20 1/2" as framed (no glass). ILA MAE McAFEE (1897-1995) was an American painter, muralist, illustrator and author born in or near Gunnison, Colorado. She is known for her miniature paintings, for her murals in public buildings (often, ...

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 ...

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. The photos were taken through the glass, which will be discarded as it's broken at lower right anyway; allow for refl...

A typical example of watercolor work by the noted New Orleans artist NESTOR FRUGE (1916-2011), 10 1/2" by 8 1/4" (17 1/4" by 13 1/4" framed), featuring a a New Orleans street scene with ornate cast iron balcony at upper right. Fruge painted mostly watercolors and was a familiar and beloved part of the Jackson Square tourist scene in New Orleans for decades. He painted mainly French Quarter scenes but also on occasion works such as bayou swamp landscape. Fruge's art traveled home with innumerable...

Charity in the Cellar Engraved by Leney, after Hogarth's painting Heath edition The Works of William Hogarth" as published by Baldwin, Cradock and Joy in 1822 with the original plates restored by James Heath, engraver to His Majesty. The Heath edition was the last to print directly from Hogarth's original engraved plates. All William Hogarth prints appearing after this date are copies of these original graphic works of art. Heath edition 1822 An original copperplate engraving — over 195 yea...

Richard Faralla american artist 1916-1996 1992 watercolor " The Great Mill Petaluma CA" 1992 Many original works by this artist are in the SF Museum of Modern art. Matted sight 7" by 8" matt 12" by 15"

Nineteenth century print of a scene including palace and figures strolling, titled in white gouache (by hand) "Florence" at lower center, the color throughout hand applied by a talented artist. This very nearly resembles a drawing rather than a print. Measurements 6 1/4" by 9 1/2" (14" by 18 3/4" in wood frame). The print was trimmed tight to the margin, then laid on a neutral gray/green background, and a white border was then hand applied. All in all a very nice print of traditional subject...

Antique (19th century) hand-colored print of flowers, possibly columbine among them, in a contemporary gold frame with contemporary expensive hand-drawn "French panel" mat. The print and mat and frame are in exceptional, wall-ready condition. Measurements 9 1/4" by 7 1/4" (19" by 17" framed). See other botanical prints in my shop. Allow for a number of reflections in the glass in some images.

India ink on card drawing of a Spanish-California style home, the card 8" by 13 1/2", (plus surrounding simple mat, no glass/frame, hinged at top edge inside the mat), signed on reverse and dated mid-1922, by listed artist CHARLES VOORHIES (1901-1970). Note the 1922 rubber stamps on the back showing this was created at the University of California Architectural Dept., (Berkeley), in that year, while the artist was just a student. Voorhies was born in Portland, Oregon. He studied architecture at...

Ink and watercolor drawing of cows in a field, 13 1/2" by 21 1/2" (20 1/2" by 29" framed), signed at lower center "Sam Smith" The modeling of the animals shows that the artist was a keen observer of their forms and a talented draftsman. Apparently this is not by the listed New Mexico artist Sam Smith (1918-1999) as the signature is not similar and the work itself does not resemble that artist's work. This watercolor is in excellent, fresh, clean condition, the paper very white.

A contemporary original watercolor painting dated 2009, the subject very much a fantasy summary of the Peruvian Andes----including whitewashed old colonial buildings and stone foot bridges, traditional garb, bowler-hat wearing women carrying their babies on their backs, and the quintessential llamas of the region. The work, measuring 9 1/2" by 13 1/2" (20" by 24" in interesting dark faux bamboo frame) is signed at lower right "E Garces '09/Cusco Peru". No doubt this piece came to the US in the...

Watercolor on paper painting of the famous belfry towers and facade of the St. Louis Cathedral on Jackson Square in New Orleans, Louisiana, possibly signed at lower right (illegible), 10 1/4" by 7 1/2" inside the mat, 16" by 10" framed, circa 1960's or 1970's I believe. The work is framed in an old, beveled dark oak quality frame that likely considerably pre-dates the art. When framed, someone wrote the title "St. Louis Cathedral, New Orleans" on the mat below the image. Condition is excellen...

Richard Faralla american artist 1916-1996 1992 colored ink Petaluma CA 1992 Many original works by this artist are in the SF Museum of Modern art. Matted sight 7.5" by 10" matt 12.25" by 14.75"

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...

A pleasing watercolor painting of a small sail boat on a lake, trees beyond, painted in an impressionist hand. Unfortunately the talented artist did not sign the work, which is laid down on a card. Framing circa mid 1960's included the old fashioned detail-dulling non-glare glass which should be discarded. The work measures 14" by 10" inside the mat and 19 1/2" by 14 1/2" framed. Condition is excellent other than being laid down, and rusted tack holes in each corner, easily hidden by framing...

An original, vintage 1987 poster for the National Gallery of Art's 1987-1988 exhibition of the works of famed American modernist artist GEORGIA O'KEEFFE (1887-1986). The offset poster measures 40" by 25 1/2" as framed. Condition is very good, with only a slight damp stain at lower right margin area. O'Keeffe is today one of the most popular American artists. Her modernist works of New York and the American Southwest can bring many millions of dollars at auction. This image is of New York's ...

Small gouache on paper painting of famous Mount Vesuvius volcano towering over Italy's Bay of Naples as it emits puffs of smoke, 6" by 8 3/8" inside the mat, 11 1/4" by 13 1/4" in inexpensive modern framing, unsigned. This is quite possibly or even likely a work of the artist Giuseppe Corelli (1858-1925); compare to another, signed work by that name in my shop. The stillness of the scene, and the handling of the haze and reflection, especially the vertical, long reflection of the boat, is cert...

A black and white photograph of one of the most famous of the French chateaux, the Chateau de Chenonceau on the River Cher in France's Loire Valley, the work signed at lower right margin in ink with what appears as "D. Esicaud/Tours". Tours is a city in the region. The piece measures 18" by 14" and 23 1/2" by 19 3/4" as framed. Condition is excellent. The castle dates to the early 1500's and is a major site on the tourist circuit of France.

This is an image of a young African-American boy grinning while leaning against a building, the image mounted on a board signed by the photographer, Arthur S. Little. After googling the name I find that around the late 'teens and early twenties, there was a photographer in Los Angeles and Ventura by that name, though he does not seem to have had a high profile. I do not believe that this is an original photograph. The item is in good condition. The image itself measures 9 1/4" by 7", and the...

Black ink on paper still life including wine bottle, Asian pot in foreground, potted plant and objects on a distant table, 17 1/4" by 11 1/4" (25" by 19" as framed), signed at lower right by well listed artist WAYNE LA COM (1922-). The economy of draftsmanship in this ink drawing reminds of the skilled pen technique of Henri Matisse and his famous nudes. La Com is known for his skilled watercolors in the 20th century California Scene style. Many works were executed in Hawaii of familiar Hawaiia...

An original 17th century etching, "God Appears to Moses in the Burning Bush", plate 30 from the well-known series of 52 published in 1615 in Rome by Giovanni Giacomo Rossi, the artist being ORAZIO BORGIANNI (1578-1616). These works are after the frescoes by Raphael on the second floor of the Apostolic Church in the Vatican. Borgianni, a Baroque painter who adopted the style of Caravaggio after settling in Rome in 1604, turned to etching in the final years of his short life. The work is signed in...

For years, I have seen these gouache paintings of cockatoos, in the Art Deco style, circulating around Southern California, but I didn't know the identity of the artist, as there seemed to be no listing. Now, with his death in 2012, there is some information online. This drawing is 23" by 17" (28 1/2" by 22 1/2" framed), signed at lower left center in the image, by former child actor-turned artist BILLY SEAY (1922-2012). He was one of the biographers of Sascha Brastoff. The following was tak...

Two paintings are offered here for the price of one! The first done in India ink on prepared cardboard, this finely limned profile shows a man facing left with his right hand tucked into his jacket. It is presented in a gilded, stamped sheet metal frame.

The condition is quite good with several unimportant white streaks, mainly in the jacket. The sight size is 3 1/2" by 2", with an overall size of 5 1/4" by 4".

The second piece is a watercolor and ink on cardboard of a young man n...

Etching titled in pencil by the artist "Stairway, San Gabriel Mission", late 1920's or 1930's, signed in the plate lower left by listed California artist WILLIAM A. ESKEY (1891-1937), 12 1/2" by 7 3/4" as framed in vintage wood. The scene is an iconic one, often captured by artists enamored of the charm and romance of California's early days. Eskey was born in West Virginia and served in the military in France. By 1928 he had settled in North Hollywood and was creating prints, pen and ink drawin...

Richard Faralla american artist 1916-1996 1992 watercolor " The Great Mill Petaluma CA" 1992 Many original works by this artist are in the SF Museum of Modern art. Matted sight 7" by 4" matt 12" by 15"

Richard Faralla american artist 1916-1996 1992 colored ink Petaluma CA 1992 Many original works by this artist are in the SF Museum of Modern art. Matted sight 7.5" by 10" matt 12.25" by 14.75"

Watercolor on paper painting of a classic stone castle with figures outside its portals, 14" by 10 1/2" (26 1/2" by 23" as framed), apparently unsigned. This is a circa 1850 work which has survived in presentable condition. There is foxing in the sky principally, as shown, but no large stains. To be sure, there were a lot of anonymous skilled watercolor artists in the British Isles in the 19th century, though this might well have been created by an artist that would be "listed" today.

A colorful image of an idyllic tropical beach ringed by coconut palms and bordered by emerald green water, signed at lower right by contemporary San Diego artist Vonda Velasquez. The work, mixed media on heavy paper (gouache and maybe oil?) measures 13 3/4" by 21 1/2" (24" by 31" in matching blue-green frame) and is signed at lower right and the artist's business card is affixed on the backing paper. The work is clean, frame is in good condition.

Drawing in gouache on very delicate, thin, brownish, fibrous paper, 9" by 6" inside the mat (15 3/4" by 12 1/2" as simply framed in wood), the scene a grand classical archway in a southern Spanish city like Granada or Sevilla, a prominent figure of a lady in the foreground and a number of much smaller figures beyond the arch and at right. The work is signed at lower left with what appears to be "C. R. DeWitt"--SPAIN". I've looked online and surprisingly cannot find an artist by this name. He ...

Fine engraving by Cousen, titled at bottom center "The Woodland Gate", after the original painting by English Royal Academician WILLIAM COLLINS (1788-1847), measuring 8 1/4" by 10 5/8" inside the mat with hand-drawn lines, 16" by 17 1/2" in silvery framing. This is a fine decorative print that is in extremely clean, wall-ready condition. According to information on the internet, Collins' work was prized more highly in the late 19th century than that of Constable and Turner. He was made a full...

Pencil on paper drawing of two men who appear to be having a serious disagreement, the top hatted figure at left about to swing his cane into the other, all while a woman in bonnet watches from rear left in horror. It's a whimsical, humorous piece, measuring 8 3/4" by 7 1/4" inside the mat, 16" by 15" framed. The paper is very thin and delicate, and has acquired a few noticeable folds and creases in its more than 150 years, as shown. The paper is NOT laid down. There is no signature, though ...

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...

This is a nineteenth century European painting facsimile, consisting of hand coloring over a photo-mechanical print, the finished product quite convincing and possessing considerable decorative value. The work measures 10" by 7 3/4" (16" by 13" framed). The name of the artist who created the original painting from which this was derived appears in red at lower right, the name "Marqueta" or similar. These facsimiles of oil paintings can fool even some gallery and auction house personnel if the...

Original lithograph print, sheet 14 7/8" by 11", simply framed (removed from frame for photography), unsigned, titled "Diego" (the brother of Alberto), circa 1961. The backing board bears an early 1960's label from the east coast store "Korvette art gallery", on which is written the artist name, title, medium, and the notation "from Behind The Mirror" Maeght Paris. On the reverse of the paper is printing in French. See photos. The work is clean and undamaged from the front though it was tap...

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 canvas painting of the arcaded breezeways at the famous Mission San Juan Capistrano in Southern California, 8" by 10", unframed, signed with initials at lower right and possibly again by the artist on the reverse. In addition there is an original old slip of paper giving the artist's biography. Schmidt was born in Gladbeck, Westphalia, Germany after the end of World War I. By age 15 he was already receiving art instruction. Today he is best known for his detailed works of historical b...

Oil on canvas painting, unsigned, contemporary, unframed, 24" by 36", executed in retro 1960's and 1970's colors: olive, powder blue, orange, white. If your interior is modern and skewing towards the "Pan Am" days, then this will surely please. It has a few light scuffs and soiling that might be removable with light soapy water--see photos.

Wood engraving on paper, 11" by 15 3/4", 15 1/2" by 20 1/2" framed,titled at bottom "HOME FROM THE WAR", by the famed American artist WINSLOW HOMER (1836-1910). The image was published on June 13, 1863. This is a classic example of Homer's Civil War period wood engravings in Harper's Weekly newspaper, which was one of the most avidly followed periodicals in a now unimaginable age when electronic media did not exist. Newshounds of that age who wanted to follow the events of the unfolding Civil Wa...