Thoughts on these watercolors... thanks!

What do you think about these two pieces? Got a little glare on the left so slightly less washed out that the photo shows. First one only marked "A 57". The paper backing has been removed by thrift, remaining back has some kind of stamp that I can't make out. The 2nd watercolor has what looks like a signature half way under the mat. See ruler for approx size on both. Are these tourist pieces or interesting enough I should take them out of the frames?

 

I think these are wonderful Lucille I can't make out the label on the back, sorry. I would take them out of the frame, or at least the 2nd one that shows a partial signature.

 

I concur!

 

Eastern European?

But concur that it is well worth taking them out of frames for both the signature and to see if there are any other clues. One watercolour we once bought had a second discarded watercolour on the back with name and address of the artist!

 

Very stylish. And minimalist. Love how the people have such personality and rich expressions, with so few lines/strokes. Love that guy lifting his face to the sun.

 

Alright, will do -- give me a day or two and I'll report back.

 

Russian was my first thought. Or an Eastern bloc country as suggested. I definitely recommend taking them out. They might just be by street artists, but they're attractive.

 

I thought Russian because of the hats , I love both of them !

 

They had those hats for sale in a street market in Tallinn. I almost bought one but couldn't imagine wearing it when I returned home.

 

Thanks, I appreciate everyone taking a look. Will keep you posted.

 

I like the monochrome one best, they have a post impressionist style to them (and familiarity) although the 50's is a bit late, bit fauvist maybe.

 

Finally got these out of the frames. Not sure where to begin with the signature....
Any thoughts? Thanks!



On the back of the paper of this one:

 

Arceiozuirob ?

 

I know, something like that is what I came up with as well!

Anyone else?

 

Avensunrob? Avenseurkob? The first part might be Arien instead of Aven based on the back signature.

 

Does it look like Cyrillic to anyone else? The word in quotes looks like "весна" (springtime).

 

It definitely looks like Cyrillic to me as well.

Seems unlikely I will ID the artist, my instinct is just to consign them or donate, unless people have other thoughts. I do like both, but my walls are full. Just wanted to rule out any significant value.

I appreciate everyone taking a look.

 

Sorry for being a little late on this one... It's Cyrillic for sure. I think the artist sig is Алейников (Aleĭnikov). I do find some people with that last name. The first initial of the artist was A, though... and so far I don't see that in the names of the artists I find with a quick search.

Anundverkaufen got the title of the first one... And under that it looks like акв. which would be an abbreviation for акварель, which means "watercolor." I'm not quite sure what the abbreviation after that is for.

 

We were waiting on you, Ms. Figggg!