A watercolor

[eleny]

Some time last year I found this watercolor at my ARC thrift. It's signed in printed lettering "R. Halbe, 1959".

My research found an Rudolph Halbe who was a California artist, originally from Poland. But I don't have any hopes that this is one of his and worth much. From what I read he worked in oils. I like this painting no matter. I'd be happy if it was a local person. It's cheerful and hanging out on the enclosed front porch over a couch that has a slipcover of roses on a white background. Real summery out there.

Today, I cleaned it up and rubbed the frame with some clear Helmsman urethane. The frame was pretty scratched up. Now it doesn't look like it's been abused. Not too shabby for $6.99.

The frame and photo are just a tiny tweak lighter than what my monitor shows. The frame is yellow wood, not reddish. But here it is.

[wakemeupwhenitsover]

1. i think it's charming.

:thumbsup:

did you ever hear the story about the couple who bought the $10 painting at an estate sale and it sold at sotheby's (or maybe christie's) for i can't remember how much. several hundred thousand dollars. and everyone ended up suing everybody.

[eleny]

2. Pretty wild

Sounds like they could make a movie out of those events.

[Duer 157099]

3. I like that painting. This one looks like it could be the same artist

http://www.japanese-shinhanga-woodblock-prints.com//paintings/202Halbe.htm

[eleny]

7. This one is by "Edeard" Halbe

At first I wondered about him, too. But the painting was done in 1915 and Rudolph Halbe came to America in 1919. It does make me wonder if they were related.

[Duer 157099]

4. This one is Rudolph

The style does look the same to me (still looking...)

http://www.edanhughes.com/detail.cfm?ArtworkID=1922

[eleny]

6. I sent a note to Mr Hughes yesterday

He was nice enough to get right back to me. He needs to find the painting at his place. I asked him how that seashore painting was singed since that might give a clue if it was similar to mine. I sent him the url to my upload at Photobucket.

[Duer 157099]

5. Contact these guys

They want to buy Halbe art, so send them a photo and see what they say?

http://www.california-art.com/page.cfm?pageid=5021&artistid=272