Oil on canvas, 20" by 26" (25 3/4" by 32" framed), possibly but not necessarily an Illinois subject, by an Illinois-born artist who went on to notoriety in California impressionist Plein Air painting, ARTHUR HILL GILBERT (1894-1970). This is a rather early (likely circa 1925) work. Gilbert was born in Mount Vernon, Illinois, graduating from the Evanston Academy in 1913 and then going on to two years at nearby Northwestern University...

A beautiful silvery-themed oil on Masonite painting of birch trees in a snowy winter landscape, by the noted California artist VERNON KERR (1938-1982). The work measures 20" by 16" (27 1/2" by 23 1/2" in silvery-goldish frame), is signed at lower left and signed again and titled "Winter Sleeping" on reverse, along with the artist's reference numbers and copyright statement. This is an excellent example of Kerr's work, likely dating to the 1960's or 1970's...

Joseph Mortimer Lichtenauer, Jr. (American, 1876-1966 )

Moods

Oil on canvas, signed and dated lower left corner “Lichtenauer 1904.”

Painting: 28” x 40”

Frame:

Born in New York City, Joseph Mortimer Lichtenauer studied at the Art Students League with Mowbray before moving to Paris where he entered the Académie Julian. There he studied under Merson and Laurens...

A very colorful and whimsical MCM or "Retro" painting of doll-like figures appearing as a hybrid between clowns and Raggedy Ann dolls, by the noted California-based painter at mid century, PAUL BLAINE HENRIE (1932-1999). This circa 1960's or 1970's oil or acrylic on canvas measures 18" by 24" (23" by 29" framed). Condition is excellent, the original goldish frame a bit dusty and dulled by age. Signed at lower center and appears to be dated there "66"...

Vintage American Impressionist Oil Painting Girl Flowers on the Beach by Barton. Oil on 20 x 24" panel signed lower left presented in a quality gallery frame. Harry Lang Barton, artist and illustrator May 12, 1908 - August 12, 2001 Born in Cleveland and raised in Seattle, Harry Barton spent his life doing the thing he truly loved--painting...

Oil on canvas painting of a desert landscape, 18" by 24" (27" by 34" framed), signed at lower right by the listed California painter AILEEN POWERS STEPHENS (1889-1982). The artist also dedicated it to her daughter Helen, in July 1978, on the occasion of the latter's birthday, in an inscription on the reverse. Stephens was born in Kansas into an artistic family. She was related to the important 19th century American sculptor Hiram Powers...

An unframed oil on canvas landscape, 12 3/4" by 16", the subject a large lake in high country, a distant mountain in the background and tall spruce-type trees at left along the rocky shore. I have searched diligently for a signature and cannot find one, which is frustrating, as the work is certainly good enough to have been executed by a listed artist. The canvas was laid down on a board circa 1940 or so judging from the "Brownie Board" age...

Vintage American Impressionist Oil Painting on panel of a Swan on Lake by Harry Barton. From the estate of the artist with stamp on the verso. Presented framed in a quality gallery frame. Overall size 20ʺW × 1ʺD × 16ʺH Harry Lang Barton, artist and illustrator May 12, 1908 - August 12, 2001 Born in Cleveland and raised in Seattle, Harry Barton spent his life doing the thing he truly loved--painting...

Unframed oil, on canvas painting, unsigned, circa 1920's or 1930's, measuring 25" by 32", the subject a rousing toast among a group of men in traditional eastern European or Russian clothing, a lone woman watching warily in the background. The painting is very dirty and as-found with craquelure. Trying to establish authorship, I contacted several prominent auction houses...

Oil on board painting of waves at a rocky coastline, unframed, 15 3/4" by 20", likely by a listed artist but unsigned. The work was executed sometime around 1950 I would surmise. Condition is good and this should fit nicely into an easy-to-find standard size 16" by 20" frame.

An oil on Masonite painting of a classical nude male, signed lower left by noted California artist BEN CARRE (1883-1978) The work measures 17 1/2" by 24 3/4", and as framed 23 1/2" by 29". Carre was born in Paris and was an early set painter for the Paris Opera, Comedie Francaise, and Covent Garden. He became an early art director for the Gaumont Film Studios, painting trompe l'oeil backgrounds at a time in early film making when props were rare and expensive...

A very attractive floral still life, 30" by 24" (37" by 31" framed), quite light and airy with white predominating, signed at lower right by by the hand of noted California-born artist PAUL MATHENIA (1946-). This is a beautifully worked oil on canvas painting of flowers in a table top vase, signed at lower right with the artist's typical signature. Mathenia was born in Bakersfield, California and showed early artistic talent as a youngster...

Oil on gray academy board painting, 12" by 17 7/8", 16" by 22" in the rather battered old framing, unsigned, probably executed in the latter years of the nineteenth century in New England. The artist created a comforting scene with a folk art feel, the handling of the trees and structure charmingly primitive. More than likely, this will need a new frame. There is a roughly circular dark area as seen at lower left, about 1" in diameter, that has been abraded. Otherwise the painting just sports...

Strong and vivid painting by Charles Burdick (American 1924-2016) depicting two rearing horses with riders. Frame measures 28 1/4" x 24" and is painted and gilded wood, the sight size of the canvas is 23 1/2" x 19 1/2". Oil on stretched canvas, with paper backing. Signed in lower left. As is typical of Burdick's style, the brush work is deft and full of energy, with fairly heavy impasto of paint over the surface of the canvas. Frame is painted wood, black with gold over embossed areas. Bur...

A 12" by 16" vintage oil on Masonite work, (18 3/4" by 23" **in DAMAGED frame, not shown**), signed at lower left corner by well listed American artist LEONARD C. LANE (1910-1978). The painting is titled on old reverse label "Lighthouse at Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia". The circa 1950's label is from The Little Gallery, Jupiter Inlet Beach Colony, Jupiter Island, Florida. Lane was born in Bristol, England and emigrated to Canada with his family when he was sixteen. He served four years in the R...

THREE unframed/unstretched oil sketches of California landscapes, circa 1930's to 1940's, measurements 11" by 14", 14" by 17", and 18" by 13 1/2", one 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 and s...

PAIR of oil on canvas paintings, each 6 3/4" by 6 3/4" as framed, both signed "Verne", the subjects both still lifes of flowers in table top vessels. These are works by one GLADYS MARIE BAXTER DUCKWORTH (1904-1981). Often the works are erroneously misattributed by online sellers as being by a "Verne Lucinda McCann Gillespie", but Edan Hughes in his dictionary of artists in California has set the record straight. He says the artist was Massachusetts-born, met her husband while living in London un...

Oil on canvasboard painting of a white ranch house in a rugged, semi-arid setting, signed at lower right by artist H. D. SMYTHE and dated 1960. Research to date of this artist name has not been productive. The 20" by 24" work (26" by 30" in wood frame) has acquired some general soiling and light abrasions in a few places. In the past, it was exposed to some moisture as is seen from the back of the board, in the lower portion, but no issues related to that are to be seen on the front side. It ...

A vintage still life oil painting of yellow and orange flowers in a brown jug on a table top, unframed, 30" by 36", 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 and still life, with some landscapes in t...

Eric Tobin winter painting - Late Afternoon Stillness, Johnson, Vermont. Oil on canvas. Size: 12 in. x 16 in. Offered in a silvered wood frame. Signed in lower right and signed and dated 2017 on the reverse. Snow covered fields looking towards Mount Mansfield, in Johnson, VT. Eric Tobin is a contemporary Vermont landscape artist. He resides in the northern part of the state, in Johnson. Tobin was greatly influenced by another Vermont painter, Thomas Curtin, whom Tobin knew from his childhood a...

By the Irish-born artist who came to America as a youngster, WILLIAM J. HENNESSY (1839-1917), this is a charming, intimate little oil on canvas, 6 1/4" by 4 3/4" (11" by 9 1/2" in the 19th century frame), depicting an old man reading by candlelight in an interior, a red cloth in his right hand, the left hand splayed towards a comforting glowing fire in the hearth. Apparently he is alone on a quiet winter's evening, reading the way people had to read before electricity's arrival on the scene. T...

A pair of 8" by 10" oil on canvas paintings, unframed, one signed "Anton", the other "Chapman". One is dominated by lime green colors, with white birches, the other an autumnal scene of barn next to a creek at sunset. The former has "Shuk Ha Carmel, Tel Aviv" written on stretcher, along with "Birthright Trip December-January 2014-2015", the latter "Mountain House 2016/Franklin, NC". The autumnal scene has some paint losses around the edges from frame abrasion. Most if not all would be covere...

Oil on Masonite painting of coastal rocks and waves, framed in an interesting and appealing vintage wood frame, signed at lower right by artist J. Wessely. I do not see a listing for the artist, who created an attractive and dynamic composition. The painting measures 18" by 24" (22 3/4" by 28 3/4" framed). It could date to about the early 1950's, judging from frame and board. The frame has a rugged, "Cabin Art" feeling with bold outdoorsy carving. It shows some moderate wear which could lik...

Circa 1950's oil on canvas of a mountain with cross on top, and what could be a small body of water in the foreground, painted in an impressionist hand. The scene could possibly be Mount Cristo Rey, a landmark with Christ cross on the summit, at the extreme southeast corner of New Mexico, overlooking the El Paso, Texas area. The work measures 16" by 18" and 21 1/2" by 24" framed. Sadly this became badly damaged at some point, with catastrophic tears through the composition. Would make an exc...

An interesting and skilfully painted work, depicting a potted cactus on a wood strip floor, evidently in some kind of attic room open to the outside via a door, the result being an image with interesting detail, light, and mystery. Oil on canvas, unframed, the piece measures 28" by 22", and it is unsigned but likely painted circa the last twenty years. Note the detail of the flaking, corroding hardware, painted in an amazingly convincing manner demonstrating the artist's skill and powers of ob...

Circa 1880's painting in oil on a 14" diameter papier mache style plate, unsigned, featuring a winter scene at dusk. This charming antique work by an anonymous artist has nice detail and light. The artist was not professional but certainly had some training and a good eye for color and composition. The work has acquired some small losses, showing as white spots in the imagery, and along the rim. See old original label on reverse with 1880 patent date. Found in coastal New Jersey.

Mixed media on panel painting of two horses tethered to a small tree in a desert landscape, unsigned, 10 1/4" by 13 3/4" (18 1/2" by 21 3/4" in black complementary frame). The painting, according to its previous owner, came from a large group of mostly signed works (in Oro Grande, CA where both artists painted) of the noted, well listed California and western artist JIMMY SWINNERTON (1875-1974). It was also suggested that the painting could be by his painting buddy and friend in the area, BILL...

Circa 1940's oil on canvas floral still life painting, 24" by 30", signed at lower right Helen Hayes. This is a competently painted work that has seen some neglect. Sold in as-is condition, since the bottom roughly five inches, as shown in the photos, has significant pinpoint losses. Each is small but the overall effect is almost as if someone dipped the painting in water, leaving a "bathtub ring". Study the photos carefully. Could be restored or if you are a restorer and can do it yoursel...

Oil on canvas painting, unframed, 8" by 10", titled on reverse "Among the Chino Hills", signed there and at lower right "L. Morrill R.", and dated 1930. The Chino Hills are outer suburban areas east of Los Angeles, now largely residential areas with excellent views. This early view shows a more wild untamed landscape in the blond golden California light. The palette is very light and gives an impression of the bright intense light for which Southern California is so well known. The full writ...

ONE OF TWO BY THE SAME ARTIST IN MY SHOP, IDENTICAL SIZE AND FRAMING, oil on board, 18" by 14" (22" by 18" framed), signed at upper right "LEE WILLKE". This work shows a Plains Indian with full roach and faintly mischievous smile. The complex surface is heavily worked. Both of these whimsical works likely date to about the 1950's, and were found at the same location in Maine. I have not been able to locate an artist of this name. I would prefer to sell them as a pair. Please contact me abo...

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". Pomona College, now part of the Claremont Colleges, is today a prestigious and selective liberal arts instituti...

Oil on canvas painting of a calf standing in a tawny meadow, 12" by 12" (15 1/4" by 15 1/4" in simple wood frame), signed at lower left "Hutcheson". This is a simple yet competently painted work by an artist whose identity remains unknown to me. I have searched online and feel this could be by a female Arkansas artist, but that would be just a guess. Condition is excellent.

Contemporary painting of a young woman in summery attire, teasing the viewer as she clings to her white wide-brimmed hat, 24" by 36", unframed, signed at right by contemporary American artist R. BAILEY. I do not see information on an artist by this name. The painting is reminiscent of classic 20th century pin-up illustration art. It is in excellent display condition.

Oil on board painting of a winter landscape, unsigned, 15" by 18" (17 1/2" by 20 1/2" framed), executed by a talented yet still naive hand, circa late 19th century. A pleasing work for the antique house or Americana and folk art collection. Notably, there is some abrasion and scratches, principally at lower left center near the fence, but also a bit in the trees at left and right and one in the sky, and varnish is yellowed.

A PAIR of contemporary oil on canvas works, one on canvas, 20" by 16" (26 1/2" by 22 1/2" framed), the larger piece on canvas board, 24" by 18" (30 1/2" by 24 1/2" framed), one signed with what appears as "Sichan" or similar. The frames are of identical silvery finish. Frames and paintings are in excellent condition. The expansive view out over a coast, and relaxed patios with their furniture, evoke pleasant thoughts and perhaps memories of vacations past. The archway through which we look o...

A work on canvas, 16" by 20", unframed/unsigned, featuring spatter drips in blue, red, yellow and a touch of green, on a white ground, in the style of famed modern American painter Sam Francis. I think the paint is likely acrylic. The work is a rather more affordable version, compared to the six or seven figure paintings by the master. A pleasing addition to your Mid Century interior, in excellent condition.