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...

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...

Oil on canvas laid on Masonite, 20" by 16" (27" by 23" nicely framed in gold California style frame by Summit Frames of San Diego), unsigned, attributed to the famed American sculptor and artist, JOHN GUTZON BORGLUM (1867-1941). The painting features a large tree such as would be found in a California redwood or sequoia forest. The attribution comes in the form of some cryptic notes on paperwork affixed to the reverse side, and a placard placed on the front side...

Oil on board painting of colorful flowers in a blue ceramic vessel on a tabletop, 20" by 26" (26 1/2" by 32 1/2" as framed), apparently unsigned, the work dating to probably the years around 1930. There is an old crack at upper right as shown, not especially visible to the casual viewer, and I note some flaking and unstable paint in the lower 1/4 of the painting (see bright yellow underpaint showing through----ask for more detailed photos of this).

This is a perhaps circa 1930's or 1940's work in an earlier naive style, with a fisherman, sailing craft, and cabin on the shore. On canvas, simply tacked to the frame on the reverse side, the piece measures 21" by 30 1/2". I imagine this could be called "cabin art". If you're looking for a primitive piece for a country home, or even your urban home, consider this charming work...

Oil on canvasboard, 16" by 20" and 1 1/4" dark stained oak frame, signed at lower left with initial "D", and executed en grisaille (grays, whites, black). This is a work by an accomplished artist, showing what appears to be a solemn funeral gathering, with a minister reading from the bible as a black gravedigger looks on at right. The style of dress of the mourners suggests the 19th century as the period depicted...

Oil on canvas painting of pink roses in a glass vase with metal kettle on a table top, 20" by 24" (25 1/2" by 29 1/2" framed), signed at lower right by artist Nell Smith. I do not see a listing for this name. The age of the painting judging by style, frame and stretcher would be circa 1940. Condition is good save for overall soiling and a roughly 1 3/4" narrow paint loss area at top right. Overall a very "Shabby Chic" work.

Small oil on canvas laid on board, 9" by 7" framed, unsigned, the view being an extensive hazy landscape with high snowy peaks in the distance, a spindly tree in the middle ground. I have searched without success for a signature. Likely dates before 1940 and more than likely by a listed artist. Light areas in immediate foreground are probably old losses, which have been in turn varnished over.

Arnold Friedman, 1874-1945, New York City. Modernist painter known for Abstract Views, Figures and Still Life. Oil on canvas, 20"H by 24"w, signed lightly LL. It is in a period frame. Provenance: Purchased from the artist by Rosenberg Gallery, Direct descent through family to present owner. Friedman is considered an extremely gifted and original American Modern painter by scholars and art historians today...

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

James House - born Benton Harbor, MI. 1902.

Studied - PAFA, Exhibited - PAFA 1939 - 1946

Dallas Mus. Fine Art, WMAA, MOMA, MMA, author of "Fifty Drawings" - 1930.

This exuberant oil on canvas depicts an abstract figure of a bicyclist after a race [see photo of reverse]

In good vintage condition

Measures app. 28" by 42"

Oil on canvas, 27" by 30" (33" by 36" as framed), the subject the roiling waves, a headland visible in the distance, signed at lower right and, I think, dated there "40", by well listed American artist and illustrator FREDERIC TELLANDER (1878-1977). This is a good-sized work, offered most definitely in as-is condition...

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

Unframed oil on paper on board painting of a desert Southwest landscape, 8 1/2" by 12", signed at lower right M. Edwards. The painting probably dates to the 1920's or 1930's I would guess. It has accumulated a lot of soiling and varnish has yellowed, so it desperately needs a cleaning. Note the left extreme edge, which must have been behind a frame, to get some idea of the potential after cleaning. There is also a small dig at right edge, and upper right corner of the paper is missing...

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 ...

Everett Lloyd Bryant landscape oil painting on canvas signed lower right. Measuring 28"L x 36"W. Everett Lloyd Bryant studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts with Thomas Anschutz, William Merritt Chase, and Hugh Breckenridge. A member of the Baltimore Watercolor Society, Philadelphia Watercolor Club, and California Watercolor Society, Bryant exhibited at the Salons of the Societe Nationale des Beaux-Arts in Paris (1895), the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (1904-24), Art Insti...

Oil on canvas landscape painting of a river in a wooded landscape at dusk, (19 1/2" by 23 1/2" framed), signed at lower right by the listed artist IRA McDADE (1867-1954). The scene could be Pennsylvania or Texas, as the artist is associated with both states. Born in Pittsburgh at the end of the Civil War, he studied art at the Pittsburgh School of Art and for a time under well-known Pennsylvania artist A. F. King. Further studies ensued in Europe at the Academie Julian and in Germany at Leipz...

Oil on canvasboard painting of a home and greenery with a high mountain backdrop, signed at lower left faintly "J. F. Gasser" and inscribed on reverse "Original/by Rev. J. F. Gasser/April 1937/La Crescenta Calif". The work measures 12" by 16" (16" by 19 1/2" framed). The artist does not appear to be listed or known but was talented. An early scene in what is today a highly desirable upscale Los Angeles suburb backing up to the scenic Angeles National Forest.