Small Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

14x11.5 image size , 22.5x17.5 backing size The New-York born artist William Gropper was a painter and cartoonist who, with caricature style, focused on social concerns, and was ac...

115 years after they were created, one can view these silhouettes differently than the artist’s intent. After all, the genesis of this work was an editorial illustration for Life Magazine to showcase elaborate women’s hats. They were done for a commercial assignment with a deadline, and picky editors were overseeing the final work. Today, they have a dual meaning. These charming silhouettes are abstractions as much as they are representations. Moreover, each one is a compact little gem stuffed with observational detail. Golden Age female illustrator Jesse Gillespie's mastery of technical skill, is apparent in minute details and composition. Young women, old women, pendants, necklaces, feathers, and laced vails all contribute to the works understated complexity. The identity of the subjects are revealed by small areas of exposed neck and chin. As the viewers eyes goes from left to right - all six silhouettes read as fashion hieroglyphs in a sentence with a visual rhythm and cadence. . Initialed JG lower right., Matted but not framed. Published: Life Magazine, March 17th, 1910. Provenance: Honey and Wax Bookstore ________________________________ From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jessie Gillespie Willing (March 28, 1888 – August 1, 1972) was an American illustrator during the Golden Age of illustration. She was considered the foremost silhouette illustrator of her time, although she did traditional illustration as well. Willing illustrated for books and magazines including Life, The Ladies' Home Journal, Woman's Home Companion, Mother and Child, McClure's Magazine, Childhood Education, the Sunday Magazine, Association Men (the magazine of the YMCA), Farm and Fireside, Every Week, Children: The Magazine for Parents (which became Parents Magazine), and the American Magazine. She is perhaps most well known for her work for the Girl Scouts. Early life Willing was born in Brooklyn on March 28, 1888 to John Thomson Willing (August 4, 1860 – July 8, 1947)[1][2] and Charlotte Elizabeth Van Der Veer Willing (December 1, 1859 – March 4, 1930).[3] Thomson Willing was a noted illustrator and art editor. He was also well known for finding new artistic talent. Jessie Willing was the eldest of three children. Her brother Van Der Veer (November 30, 1889 – January 14, 1919), who died of pneumonia at the age of 29, was an advertising agent.[4] Her sister Elizabeth Hunnewell Willing (July 26, 1908 – August 15, 1991) was one of the first women to graduate from the Philadelphia Divinity School.[5][6] Elizabeth married the Rev. Orrin Judd, rector of St. Mary's Episcopal Church, on September 22, 1931, and was active in church work.[citation needed] The Willing family moved to the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia in 1901 or 1902. Jessie Willing attended the Stevens School, from which she graduated in 1905. She then went on to attend the Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts from 1906 to 1907.[7][8] Career Willing used her middle name Gillespie as her professional surname. She also often signed her illustrations J.G.[9] The story goes that the art editor of Life magazine was in Thomson Willing's office when he was the art editor of the Associated Sunday Magazine syndicate. Thomson Willing had some of Jessie's artwork on his desk, which the Life editor saw and admired. He asked for the artist's information so that he could give her freelance work. Thomson Willing did not want to be accused of nepotism so he persuaded Jessie to use Jessie Gillespie as her professional name, which she did.[10][11] In addition to her extensive illustration work, Willing was also the editor of Heirlooms and Masterpieces from 1922 to 1931 and the art editor of Jewelers' Circular-Keystone from 1933 to 1939.[12] She specialized in jewelry publicity and advertising. In 1966 she won the Gold medal of the Printing Week Graphic Arts Exhibit in Philadelphia for her Christmas catalog for J.E. Caldwell Co., Philadelphia. Willing was a member of the Plastic Club of Philadelphia,[13] the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) and the National Arts Club of New York.[14] She was an honorary life member of the National Arts Club[15] and served on its Board of Governors from 1941-1970. In 1963, she received the Gold Medal of the National Arts Club in recognition of 32 years of selfless devotion.[15] Additionally, she was the national director of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) from 1943 to 1946.[15] Previous to this she served as the Program Chairman of the AIGA and in that position she put together a travelling exhibit on the "history of narrative art from the first recorded picture story to the comic book of the twentieth century."[16][17] Illustrations in books With Tongue and Pen--Frederick Bair, et al. (MacMillan, 1940) Masoud the Bedouin--Alfred Post Carhart (Missionary Education Movement, 1915) The Path of the Gopatis--Zilpha Carruthers (National Dairy Council, 1926) The Schoolmaster and His Son: A Narrative of the Thirty Years War--Karl Heinrich Caspari (Lutheran Publication Society, 1917) On a Rainy Day--Dorothy Canfield Fisher and Sarah Scott Fisher (A.S. Barnes and Co., 1938) Book of Games for Home, School and Playground--William B. Forbush and Harry R Allen...

A mysterious and vibrant gouache scene showing a figure looking at their reflection in a mirror as a crescent moon glows in the dark sky, visible through an open door. The artist has...

A delightful and subtle watercolour portrait of a young girl in traditional Portuguese costume. Unsigned. Well presented in a simple gilt frame. On ...

This marvelous portrait on vellum is the work of a rare Dutch Golden Age artist, Casper Casteleyn, who has also drawn a closely related portrait now at the Fondation Custodia in Pari...

The murder of John Lennon. The birth of my children. Nixon’s resignation. Brain surgery. Driven by the desire to express myself, and leave a physical record of my life and times, I’v...

A heartwarming sepia study of a shepherdess comforting her young baby. Well-presented in a contemporary gilt-effect frame. Unsigned. On paper.

A delightful watercolour study by French artist Antoine Calbet. The scene depicts two ladies reclining in a stately garden in high summer. There are sur...

Original drawing on archival paper, circa 1963. Paper Size: 18 x 23 inches. Provenance: Estate of Ian Hornak, East Hampton, New York. Notes: Created during Hornak’s undergraduate st...

Original drawing on archival paper, circa 1964. Paper Size: 18 x 23 inches. Provenance: Estate of Ian Hornak, East Hampton, New York. Notes: Created during Hornak’s undergraduate st...

Original drawing on archival paper, circa 1963. Paper Size: 18 x 23 inches. Provenance: Estate of Ian Hornak, East Hampton, New York. Notes: Created during Hornak’s undergraduate st...

Original drawing on archival paper, circa 1963. Paper Size: 18 x 23 inches. Provenance: Estate of Ian Hornak, East Hampton, New York. Notes: Created during Hornak’s undergraduate st...

Original drawing on archival paper, circa 1964. Paper Size: 18 x 23 inches. Provenance: Estate of Ian Hornak, East Hampton, New York. Notes: Created during Hornak’s undergraduate st...

Original drawing on archival paper, circa 1964. Paper Size: 18 x 23 inches. Provenance: Estate of Ian Hornak, East Hampton, New York. Notes: Created during Hornak’s undergraduate st...

Original drawing on archival paper, circa 1963. Paper Size: 18 x 23 inches. Provenance: Estate of Ian Hornak, East Hampton, New York. Notes: Created during Hornak’s undergraduate st...

A charming portrait study of a Venetian woman. The composition captures the woman looking down at the viewer, standing in a proud stance. She wears a vibrant necklace that offsets he...

Original oil pastel on archival paper of a young girl in a blue blouse. Signed lower right and dated 1971. Condition is very good; no issues. Anton Sipos was living in the United S...

Original drawing on archival paper, circa 1963. Paper Size: 18 x 23 inches. Provenance: Estate of Ian Hornak, East Hampton, New York. Notes: Created during Hornak’s undergraduate st...

Original drawing on archival paper, circa 1963. Paper Size: 18 x 23 inches. Provenance: Estate of Ian Hornak, East Hampton, New York. Notes: Created during Hornak’s undergraduate st...

Original drawing on archival paper, circa 1964. Paper Size: 18 x 23 inches. Provenance: Estate of Ian Hornak, East Hampton, New York. Notes: Created during Hornak’s undergraduate st...

Original drawing on archival paper, circa 1963. Paper Size: 18 x 23 inches. Provenance: Estate of Ian Hornak, East Hampton, New York. Notes: Created during Hornak’s undergraduate st...

Original drawing on archival paper, circa 1963. Paper Size: 18 x 23 inches. Provenance: Estate of Ian Hornak, East Hampton, New York. Notes: Created during Hornak’s undergraduate st...

Muscular Man pencil drawing on wove paper (circa 1900-1920), by Bernard Sleigh, RBSA (Provenance: from the artist's studio). An exquisite drawing which is possibly a study for a larg...

A charming watercolour study after Allan Ramsey. The portrait depicts Ramsay's first wife Margaret Lindsay Ramsay. She was a member of the Scottish Clan Murray and the eldest daughte...

Portrait of a Woman by Orovida Pissarro (1893-1968) Egg tempera on silk laid down on stretched linen 47.6 x 37 cm (18 ³/₄ x 14 ⁵/₈ inches) Signed and dated upper right, OROVIDA 1936 Provenance: Christie's London, 1985 Kunstgalerij De Vuyst, Belgium Private collection, London Private collection, London, by descent Artist biography: Orovida Camille Pissarro...

Feeling (2018) is a watercolor by contemporary artist Annemarie Ambrosoli that measures 49,5x29,5 cm. It is framed with a cream white passepartout, measuring 63,7x43,5 cm and with a...

August Dressler is one of the painters of the New Objectivity. He is one of the lesser-known artists of the Weimar era, but he too, like his famous contemporaries Georg Grosz, John H...

An expressive pastel sketch of a young woman with dark hair. Well presented in a simple wood frame. Signed to the lower right. On paper.

August Dressler is one of the painters of the New Objectivity. He is one of the lesser-known artists of the Weimar era, but he too, like his famous contemporaries Georg Grosz, John H...

August Dressler is one of the painters of the New Objectivity. He is one of the lesser-known artists of the Weimar era, but he too, like his famous contemporaries Georg Grosz, John H...

A dynamic watercolour and pastel study of a female figure, posed on a chaise longue in the artist's studio. Signed with monogram to the lower left. On watercolour paper.

A fine Victorian portrait of a young child wearing a white bonnet with lace collar and gown. The artist has captured the sitter's complexion with great skill, perfectly depicting the...

A charming watercolour scene depicting a sleeping boy on the verge of a lake. Unsigned. Well presented in an oval frame with a beaded running pattern and acanthus details. On paper.

A delightful continental school portrait in watercolours, depicting an elegant female seated in a dramatic mountainous landscape. The artist captures the sitter in profile near the c...

A very finely drawn portrait of a little girl holding a wicker basket and picture of Jesus and the Virgin Mary. Signed to the lower edge and inscribed in French 'July 18899'. On paper.

This charming portrait of Miss Smernove by British artist, James Stephanoff (1784-1874) is rendered with a masterful touch. It depicts the confident young lady wearing a white high-w...

An expressive gouache study depicting a man in a wheelchair clutching a box in his lap. The man is encased by winding tree branches that wind through the composition. The artist uses...

A fine watercolour portrait depicting a mother and her infant child seated in armchair. The composition takes inspiration from the delicate portraiture work of early 19th century art...

A fine detailed watercolour on paper by Royal Academician William Dring who was a noted portrait artist of the 20th century. This portrait depicts a young woman in profile - and was painted circa 1937. A very evocative Art Deco portrait. In excellent condition and framed in gallery frame. A fine example of mid 20th century British portraiture...

A charming watercolour study of a smiling Italian man playing the fiddle. Signed to the lower left. Presented in a sept gilt frame with pierce details, hatching and shell ornamentati...

Graphite on paper, signed lower right Image size: 17 x 21 inches (43.25 x 53.25 cm) Contemporary frame James Stroudley Stroudley was born in London on 17 June 1906, the son of Jam...

French painter (19th century) - Four erotic scenes. 17 x 24 cm without frames, 21.5 x 28.5 cm with frames. Antique ink drawings on paper, in wood...

A fine portrait of a North African gentleman making cloth. Captured in exquisite detail, the artist perfectly portrays the cloth makers delicate touch with the textiles as he looks d...

20" x 19" Framed Original - Acrylic, Watercolour, and Ball Point Pen on Paper Hand Signed by Johnathan Ball

Red chalk and graphite over paper Image size: 19 x 13 1/2 inches (48.25 x 34.25 cm) Contemporary style frame The name Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood referred to the groups’ opposition t...

23.5" x 18.5" Framed Original - Watercolour and Ballpoint Pen on Board Hand Signed by Johnathan Ball

Portrait Drawing of a Man at a Desk in India Ink on Tan Paper Figurative drawing of a man at a desk by Jerry O'Day (American, 1912). The man is seated, about to pick up a pen. His features are somewhat exaggerated, showing foreshortening in the arms and legs. This piece is executed with confident strokes but nonetheless feels loose and playful. Signed in the bottom right corner, "Jerry O'Day." Mat size: 20"H x 16"W Paper size: 12"H x 8"W Image window size: 11.25"H x 7.25"W Jerry O'Day is also known as Geraldine Heib. Born in Oakland, California, on June 17, 1912. Geraldine Heib assumed the name Jerry O'Day at an early age. She grew up in Washington and studied in Seattle at the Cornish School of Fine Arts. Upon moving to the San Francisco Bay area in 1938, she further studied with Bufano as a muralist for two years. O'Day wed sculptor David Lemon and had a gallery in a converted cod fishery in Belvedere from 1942 until 1963. At that time, the couple moved to a houseboat in Sausalito, where she remained until her demise on March 30, 1986. Post War California artist, Jerry O'Day studied at the Cornish School of Fine Arts in Seattle; studied with Beniamino Bufano for two years. She lived in the artist's colony at the Cod fishery with artist David Lemon on Belvedere Island in the San Francisco Bay Area from 1942 - 1963. Solo Exhibitions: City of Paris, Rotunda Gallery; Lucien Labaudt Gallery, 1963; Torrance Gallery, San Anselmo, 1955; Marin Art Gallery, Sausalito, 1956; Palace of The Legion of Honor, San Francisco, 1962; East & West Gallery, Fillmore Street, San Francisco; Landmarks Gallery, Marin County, 1991. Selected Group Exhibitions: 65th Annual Painting and Sculpture Exhibition of the San Francisco Art Association at the San Francisco Museum of Art, 1945; Fourth Winter Invitational, California Palace of The Legion of Honor, San Francisco, 1963. Source: David J Carlson...

Red chalk on paper Image size: 21 x 14 1/2 inches (54 x 37 cm) Gilt frame James Stroudley Stroudley was born in London on 17 June 1906, the son of James Stroudley, showcard and tic...

Tsuguharu Foujita 1886-1968 | Japanese-French Portrait of a Mother and Child Signed “Foujita / Paris” (lower left) Ink and watercolor on paper An artistic luminary well ahead of his time, Tsuguharu Foujita burst onto the international art scene in the early 20th century as one of the most important artists in early Japanese modernism...

A delightful watercolour and ink study of the Hindu Goddess Saraswati with a Garuda Bird. Saraswati is presented in a traditional sense with four arms, each holding a different objec...

A charming pastel study of a glamorous lady in a long coat and exaggerated scarf and muffs running with a long haired lurcher. Signed with a monogram to the lower right. Presented in...

Expressionist Portrait of a Man in a Suit in Pastel on Paper Moody portrait of a man with dark hair by an unknown artist (20th Century). The man is shown with an elongated face and ...

Zorach, William (American 1887-1966). PORTRAIT OF NATHANIEL KAZ. Pencil on paper, 1956. Inscribed and signed by Zorach as follows: "Nat Kaz / William Zorach / Sept 19 1920 / Feb 19, ...

A wonderful portrait of a young farmer or labourer standing with a scythe. He wears a colourful red waistcoat with blue socks and yellow scarf. Well presented in a gilt effect frame....

Presented in an ornate gilt-effect frame with stylized rails and bead course. The artist's signature and seal can be seen to the lower left. On paper.

A fine early 20th century watercolour of an elderly woman. She wears a bright headscarf and striped linen overcoat. The artist captures the fine lines i...

This beautiful exhibited Pre-Raphaelite detailed British Victorian watercolour portrait is by noted Birmingham School artist Edward Tayler. Painted circa 1897 it was exhibited that y...

A delicate, turn of the century, pastel portrait of a young french girl in a blue dress with white collar. Well-presented in a complimenting gilt and blue frame. Signed and dated to ...