Beautiful impressionist pastel drawing of a landscape in California's high desert outside Los Angeles, 12 1/2" by 19", 19 1/2 by 26 1/2" in attractive old gold strip framing (but with no glass), and signed "R W" and dated 1940 at lower right corner. The artist was surely a talent but I am unable to connect the initials to a known artist...

A colorful and compelling Orientalist watercolor on paper painting of a man of North Africa or the Middle East in traditional garb, signed lower right E. L. S., (the "L" larger than the other letters), measuring 12 1/2" by 10" (32 cm. by 25 cm.) and 20" by 13 3/4" in modern day simple framing. On the reverse side is a study, in pencil, of feet. There are no watermarks in the paper. This is by an obviously talented artist but without further information I cannot tie it to a listed name...

A PAIR of contemporary unframed 8" by 10" oil on canvas paintings of whitewashed buildings and blue seas, as one would see in Santorini or another of the famous Greek Islands of the Aegean Sea, one work signed lower right "Billis". These were likely souvenirs of a great vacation, brought home by tourists wanting some imagery to remind them of the spectacular Greek Islands. I have removed the frames, which were damaged and useless...

A PAIR of oil on canvas paintings, one featuring a large sprig of small white flowers and leaves, the other larger one a vessel on a table filled with and surrounded by violets. Both are signed at lower right in red "L. F. Haftzger", and the larger one has "1899" written on the reverse side of the canvas. Measurements are 12" by 17" (18" by 22 1/4" in dark stained oak frame), the other 8" by 15 1/2" (12 3/4" by 20 1/2" framed). I do not see a listing for an artist of this name...

A circa late twentieth century oil on board painting of steep desert mountains behind a lush golf course with palms, likely in the Coachella Valley of Southern California (Palm Springs and environs), 16" by 20", unframed and unsigned. The work is by a talented hand, though likely still an amateur hand. There are a few light surface abrasions and a small loss area in the sky as seen in the photos...

A printed Marriage Blessing, with adjacent watercolor painting of flowers at left and a waterfall with bridge (resembles Multnomah Falls, Oregon) at right...

A nineteenth century painting in the style of Italian Old Master artist Francesco Guardi (1712-1793), measuring 29 1/2" by 23 1/2" (37" by 31" framed), the subject foreground gondolas in the lagoon opening out to the sea beyond, a classic bridge and architecture framing the gondoliers. The great Italian master Guardi was often copied over the centuries. His flickering brush and distinctive silvery light and subtle color have been long imitated but never equaled...

An interesting abstract painting dating to about 1960, created by a German artist, Max Hansen (1898-). The work, oil and perhaps another substance mixed in, applied on canvas laid on panel, measures 25" by 13 1/2" and 30 1/2" by 19 1/2" in the original gray framing. This was acquired from a local family of German heritage, who stated that it was brought to Southern California from Germany more than 50 years ago. Family stated that the artist was "Uncle Max"----Max Hansen, born in 1898...

An interesting Southwestern painting of a sunny courtyard in a Spanish-style building (church or mission) of the American Southwest---likely California, or Mexico---glimpsed through a grand old doorway, signed at lower right by artist Laurence McLaughlin. The 18" by 24" painting (26" by 31 1/2" framed) is not old (maybe 1970's or 1980's) but the traditional subject and technique could make it pass for an older work. Surprisingly I have not been able to locate a listed artist by this name...

This small work is a gem of the naive and primitive school of Central America. Measuring 12 3/4" by 11 1/2" as framed, the painting is signed at lower left by the artist, MARVIN KELLY (GARCIA) and is dated there 1991. On the reverse is an affixed paper label of Galeria Josefina in Managua, Nicaragua, giving the title as "Laguna de Masaya"...

Circa 1880 American Victorian Eastlake style wood frame with gold fillet, the entire frame 15 3/4" by 17 3/4", the rabbet 10" by 12". The wood used is walnut, I believe. There are a few flaws, as shown, but the frame is sound overall and awaits your favorite 19th century print or drawing...

Often confused with artist Lawrence NELSON Wilbur (both auction records and biography almost hopelessly intermingled), this is an oil on canvas impressionist still life painting by the illustrator, Lawrence Wilbur (1897-1960). This listed artist was active in the New York City and Northern New Jersey area at mid century as an illustrator, landscapist, and portraitist. He signed typically with the oblique line below his name, as is seen here. This work seems to be outside his usual subject mat...

A watercolor of the year 2006, signed "Rogers", featuring a close-up architectural view of the upper part of a church or cathedral. The spires and domes kind of resemble a famous church in Venice, Italy, though the scene could be almost anywhere in southern Europe or Latin America. The unframed work measures 6 5/8" by 11 1/2" inside the dark blue over-mat. That mat has a little wear but could be retained if you just want to frame over it for a smaller opening.

Watercolor painting of a mountain landscape in autumn, signed at lower left with what appears as "F. Renaud". A brook or stream occupies the right center. This is a nicely painted work, 4 5/8" by 6 1/2" inside the mat, 8 3/4" by 10 3/4" simply framed. The watercolor probably dates to the 1960's or 1970's. Photos were taken with the present cloudy non-glare glass removed. I suggest discarding it permanently in favor of regular glass. Ready to hang on the wall as-is, though.

A nicely painted landscape of willowy pine trees along a large peaceful lake on a fair weather day, 18" by 20" oil on canvas (24 1/4" by 26 3/4" in original silvery frame with Art Deco flavor) by artist JACOB HORAK. The work does not appear to be signed but there are two remaining old labels on the frame, one showing that this work, titled "Moment of Solitude", was exhibited in 1938 at the Twentieth Annual Exhibition of the Work of Toledo Artists; and another, from 1940, showing it was exhibite...

A PAIR of elegant paintings on panels, oil and gold leaf on board with some possibly chalky gouache in the white horses, each 11 1/2" by 15 1/2", (framed however in different frames, one gold, 18" by 22", the other black, 19" by 23"), the subjects rather mural-like, one unsigned, the other signed at lower right, by the notable American intra-war artist and illustrator PORTER WOODRUFF (1894-1959). The pair is from the collection of deceased (2007) Princeton University Associate Professor of Art ...

Circa 1950's European oil painting of purple and white lilac in a vase, signed at lower right by artist "A. Teder" (likely German or Scandinavian). The painting is in good condition, with just old slightly discolored varnish and a tiny loss or two at left. I have looked in vain for a listing for this talented mid century painter. The frame is in good condition but the liner is shredded and missing. You will want to either replace the liner or reframe entirely. Measurements 19 1/2" by 24" (2...

A highly decorative late 20th century painting after the Dutch 17th through 19th century classic winter landscapes, 33" by 36 1/2" as framed, signed at lower right by artist W. Reynolds. The work is clean and in very nice condition overall. There is some slight crazing at left in the sky, just enough to increase the impression of this being an old painting, and the frame has some light wear that can be touched up. If you are seeking a good-sized work, to complement a traditional interior, but...