The Fine Art of “Art” – by Joelle Graves

Speaking of Antiquing, April 2014 – with Joelle Graves, Sterling Creek Antiques

When we watch Antiques Roadshow, we all hope that the painting we have in our own garage is the “big” one. Although it could be, 9 times out of 10, it’s not.

Here are a few examples of paintings that are and aren’t “the big one,” to help guide you through your garage sales, estate sales and own garage clean-ups!

Five years ago, I inherited a painting from my dad. He brought it to me and said it probably wasn’t worth anything but had come to the family via a trade during the depression. My grandfather owned the Manning General Store in Oklahoma and the family who traded the painting couldn’t pay their bill. He took many things in-trade from people to help put food on their table. I looked up the artist and indeed, the work of this artist was sought after. Next, I contacted a dealer in Santa Fe who offered to sell the painting for me on consignment. After much research into the dealer and his art gallery, I gave it a try. In the ensuing years, the painting sold for a lot of money. Part of why it sold for so much was because I knew the provenance of the piece—that is—I knew the exact history of its life once it went from artist to a new home. Also, the artist died at a young age and his paintings were in demand. Plus, it was in its original frame which makes a difference.

With that experience under my belt, I was ready to assist when customers walked in the store with their fine art. With paintings bought from auction to watercolors sitting in the attic, some had surprising value and others—well—not too much.

Perhaps you have a painting that you inherited and you looked up the artist and you think you have something very special. Recently, I had a customer come in with exactly that painting, done by Jacob van Ruisdale in the 1700’s. (According to the internet!) But what the owner did not notice was that the painting seemed to be in perfect condition at the age of 314. And it was stapled on the back with the canvas stapled to its wooden frame. Staples are a dead giveaway when dating a painting. Turns out, this was a reproduction produced in China. Artists in China painstakingly imitate every brush stroke and today, you can purchase an exact replica of a van Ruisdale online for a mere $2,000. After all, the painting is worth hundreds of thousands and hangs in a museum. For me, reproductions are not all bad. I say if you love the painting, then why not have it hanging in your home? You can—it’s hanging in Sterling Creek Antiques right now!

However, we recently evaluated a painting as part of an estate and it brought $250,000 at auction. The family was pretty sure it was nothing. Who’d want a painting like this, they thought! Now that would have been an Antiques Roadshow story!

That’s the thing…one just never knows! Here at Sterling Creek Antiques, I am happy to consult with you about artwork you own or wish to acquire. We have experts at our fingertips who can advise us regarding the best way to sell and care for your fine art.

Come on in and I’d be happy to tell you the stories behind the ten pieces of fine art we currently having hanging at Sterling Creek Antiques.

Sterling Creek Antiques is located in the Historic Orth Building on South Oregon Street across from GoodBean Coffee in Jacksonville, Oregon. They can be reached at 541-702-2224.

Posted March 28, 2014