What's It Worth?

Out of the attic and into the spotlight

Bertha Stringer Lee painting

whatsitworth | June 1, 2010

Dear Jane,
I am downsizing and want to make give away a number of things to friends. None of the things have very high value but I like to give gifts that will have special meaning to the recipient.
I have a little painting by Bertha Stringer Lee.  It’s never been one of my favorites but if [...]

Robert Chee contemporary Navajo paintings

whatsitworth | May 24, 2010

Hello Jane:
I found your auction gallery on the internet and saw that you have successfully sold some Native American baskets, beadwork and rugs.  I was wondering if you sold any art by more contemporary Navajo artists.  I have two that I’m interested in selling but don’t think that upstate New York is the best market.
Attached [...]

Sir David Murray

whatsitworth | March 29, 2010

Dear Ms Alexiadis,
I would appreciate your opinion of the value of a painting by David Murray, RA, entitled a “Somerset Farm.” It measures 10 inches by 16 inches unframed, but it is enclosed in an ornate frame.  It appears to be oil on canvas.  His initials, R.M. and what appears to be the date ‘87′ [...]

R.L. McOllister Watercolor and Beaded Purse

whatsitworth | February 22, 2010

Dear What’s It Worth,
I have 4 western paintings that are watercolor by R.L. McOllister that handed down from my grandfather to my father to me.  I am 72 years old and I think these must be 50-100 years old.  They are painted like Charlie Russell’s westerns.  They are 24 x 36 inches.  I can’t forward [...]

Santa Cruz School

whatsitworth | February 8, 2010

Hello Ms. Alexiadis.
I am a fan of your column in the Contra Costa Times and I hope you can help me settle an old family dispute.
I am in possession of a painting purportedly painted by my Great-Grandmother.  There is no signature or other script for identifying the artist or dating the painting.
My G-Grandm’s name was Ellie [...]

P.E. Chillman & C.R. Raymond Paintings

whatsitworth | February 1, 2010

Dear Ms. Alexiadis,
I read your column in the Contra Costa Times here in Walnut Creek ,California and it occurred to me that maybe you could shed some light on two family paintings that I inherited.
Both are watercolors that have been in my family since at least my grandmother (died in the late ’50s) but may [...]

Eugene Garin painting

whatsitworth | January 26, 2010

Dear What’s It Worth,
I would like an appraisal on a painting by Eugene Garin.
Description:
Title:    Tranquillity Bay
Size:    24″ X 30″ without frame
Painting is framed
Oil on Canvas
Commissioned by Artist in 1987
Purchased through Simic Galleries in Carmel.

Dear Joe,
“Appraisal” is an often misused or misunderstood word.  In general, an appraisal is a written report giving an opinion of value of [...]

Stuber Painting

whatsitworth | January 19, 2010

Dear Jane Alexiadis,
I have a painting by Dedrick Stuber, who was a painter in the early to mid 20th century. He became a California painter and painted landscapes and coastal pictures.
The painting is 27″ x 22″, horizontal, on linen. It has severe smoke damage, and has a rip in the linen in the upper tree [...]

Thomas and Matilda Silkscreen Prints

whatsitworth | January 11, 2010

Dear What’s It Worth,
These two wall hangings were given to me by my mother who lived in  England for a while.  The documents I have here read, “limited  edition silk-screen print hand produced by Corinium Art, F.F.G.  Tiley, Sapperton, Cirencester, Gloc GL7 6LE.”  The male is identified  as Thomas Chaucer Esquire; the female is Matilda [...]

Pillin Bowl

whatsitworth | January 4, 2010

Dear Jane,
I recently acquired this bowl and I’m hoping you can identify the artist.  As you can see, the bowl is oddly shaped, is painted with a picture of a green eyed girl and is signed on the back.  I like the bowl and any information you can give me will only enhance my enjoyment.
LB
Livermore

Dear [...]