Fille avec au Parapluie Noir sur la Pont Neuf, Paris. Girl with black umbrella on the Pont Neuf Bridge, Paris. Oil on canvas by François Gall. An elegant woman on a bridge over the river Seine. The painting is difficult to shoot.  It’s more subdued and a bit darker than most. Gall was obviously trying to capture the cloudy, rainy day, hence the umbrella and the shadows on her face. The canvas is not in perfect shape – some crazing and slightly loose on the stretcher. Thin paint, tiny canvas buckle upper centre, a bit dirty and unvarnished. However, it’s a wonderful Gall that is so “Paris” in the period of the 1950s. I have a letter from his daughter, Marie-Lise Gall explaining the painting and dating it 1950. Frame is painted carved wood with motley painted texture that shows wear but still quite serviceable. The inner frame is missing some paint. I’ve tried my best to photograph it as it looks.

Oil on panel by H.W. Wagner, listed Canadian artist 1889-1948. Collectors have many of his works. He did a lot of painting in Algonquin Park. This is two paintings in one. There is an oil sketch on the back with a very dark colour pallet suggesting a late day attempt at capturing the rocks and stream – it’s well done although not complete. I guess he decided to do a new painting on the other side of the panel. It is mounted in a previously used frame as there is an inscription on the back that says “Port du Collioure, France. Collioure is a coastal resort is Mediterranean Sea just North of Spanish border”. The frame is wood with a hand  washed finish in dusky grey. Excellent condition.

Late 19th century, early 20th century Italian school. A spectacular oil on wood panel of a forest scene in Italy by François Visconti. An impressive “plain air” subject in the same sentiment as the Barbizon painters in France. Created c. 1870-1880s. There is a pond in the foreground and the farm home in the distance. Beautiful, old master techniques prior to the turn of the century. Wonderful composition. Period wood and gold leaf frame and newer, inner matting. Overall excellent condition. Some crazing. Minor crack in panel, far right side.  Not noticeable unless you look for it. Signed lower left “F. Visconti”. (François). Excellent condition.

Oil on board by Maurice Verrier c. 1955. Showing a very blustery day at harbour side where boats are tethered due to bad weather. Shows strong pallet knife and brushwork. Signed “Verrier” lower right in black paint. Period painted, white-washed wood frame. Shows wear but looks good with this rugged painting. Inner linen tapered, mitred matt. Painting in  excellent condition.

Oil on board by Maurice Verrier c. 1955. Capturing a vase of flowers with a minimalist colour pallet. Signed “Verrier” lower right. Outstanding, custom period painted wood and gesso frame. Also outer wooden frame painted gold. Overall in excellent condition with normal wear. Frame corners are slightly spread, easy fix.

“Bierbaum and Figures” by C. Ticcino. Fabulous pair of oils on wood panels. Glorious Italian river-scape with homesteaders. Signed “C. Ticcino” lower right. Description to the reverse “C. Ticcino – BIERBAUM AND FIGURES IN CONVERSATION, BY A LAKE WITH BOATS”, A pair of complimentary oil paintings on panels, the former signed lower right and titled to the reverse. Frame needs some minor repairs or leave as is. It’s old and original. A charming pair of oils. Painting in excellent condition.

Large oil on board. Paulémile Pissarro.  The flowering apple tree.  This is a famous tree with the Pissarro family.  Many of the Pissarros painted it.  Collect a few of them and you’ll be rich. Master of oil, signed lower left “Paulémile -  Pissarro” in oil.  Frame is modern wood with lots of relief in gold raised, carved pattern. Inner fillet is vinyl linen and gold wood.  Excellent condition.

“Vergillon Soleil”. Large oil on canvas by Paulémile Pissarro. This is a fabulous landscape. Master of oil, signed lower left “Paulémile – Pissarro 1922″ in oil. The title “Vergillon – Soleil” is inscribed on the back stringer by Paulémile and is also signed “Paulémile  Pissarro”. A label states that Pissarro did not partake in the Salon in Paris during the years 1920, 1921, 1922. The frame was recently refinished (I had it done in about 1995) with gold leaf and a hand wash to tone it down. It’s on wood with lots of relief in a raised, carved pattern – very fitting. COA from the Pissarro family. Awesome! Excellent condition.

Oil on canvas by Douglas Riseborough, Well known Canadian artist living in California. He has painted murals in Hawaii, Dubai and others worldwide. As a mualist he is able to paint reality into his work as is depicted on this canvas.  The bowl of water is a masterpiece and the centre of focal attention in this oil. Signed an dated upper left “Douglas Riseborough, 41″ Born in 1922. Frame dark stained, scalloped wood with gold inner fillet. Excellent condition.

“Bouquet de roses et marguerites” Oil on Canvas by Katia Pissarro, wife of Claude Pissarro. It’s quite naive and rather beautiful. Expressive brush strokes and loads of paint give it a big, natural texture. Signed” Katia Pissarro” from the painter’s pallet, lower left. Frame is modern with dark and lighter areas – quite fitting. I have two COAs and Appraisal in hand. One from Katia herself and one from Bruce A. Capra, certified Appraiser’s Guild of America. Perfect condition.

Oil on Canvas. Pablo O’Higgins. He studied under Diego Rivera in the 1930s and ’40s. Fishermen with Onlooker. Painted wooden frame with gold leaf. Matt shows natural wear and slight soiling. Painting has a nice loose brush style and is in excellent condition. Museum label on reverse “Instituto Nacional De Bellas Artes” ‘Museo Nacional De Arte Moderno”. “Oleo Sobre Tela”, 55.5 x 75 cms. Lot #22. Wonderful Mexican, ocean, rural life scene. Circa 1940.

Delightful, original, multi-media, chalk, pastel on paper of a street musician in Mexico. Pablo Esteban O’Higgins 1904-1983, studied under Diego Rivera in the 1930s and ’40s. Full signature “Pablo O’Higgins” lower right. Circa 1948. Frame is modern with gold edges and a dark brown bevelled matt. Excellent condition.

Oil on canvas by L. McIntyre, Canadian. Thought to be Algonquin Park or the Muskoka lakes in Ontario. Lovely late, fall scene with red leaves and a touch of snow suggesting mid October. Quite excellent brush and pallet knife techniques. Signed “L McIntyre” lower right in oil. Frame is modern and it and the matt have some wear and tear – easily replaced.

Oil on mill board. Canadian. Jack Martin, O.S.A. (Ontario Association of Artists). Beautiful small painting of a house in Markham, Ontario.  He was O.S.A. in 1946. Martin showed at the CNE in 1947. This painting signed “J. Martin 1951″. Excellent condition.

Impressionist Mediterranean harbour scene. Oil on panel.  Signed: “J. Harmon” lower right and inscribed. Much writing au verso in French with date, 1925. Beautifully and expertly painted. Excellent condition.