How Much is This Signed Oil Painting Worth, Who Is The Artist?

Someone was throwing away this beautiful oil painting, and I was able to grab it. It is a little over 40" by 30" including the frame. I have no clue who the artist is, though it is signed G.W. Paul. Does anyone have any idea who this may be, probably an NH painter? On the back is 1980's price sticker from a nearby art studio. I sent an email to the art studio,which is still around, asking who this painting is by, and the only email I got back was, "Are you interested in selling this piece". I asked what their offer was, and they said $100. I'm now wondering what this piece is worth, and if $100 would be a fair offer for it. What would you appraise it at?

Also, based on the canvas, it probably is no older than the 1940's or 1950's. Probably also done by an NH painter, considering that's where I found it, and where the studio is located.

 

wait a bit till people may come in that know the Alps. looks like Switzerland/Bavaria/Austria.

 

Well, it's an Alpine scene, not NH, and it looks a lot like a sofa painting. Very typical of those is the frame with the linen insert. Can you show the sticker?

 

The same studio is now offering me $100, twice what they originally sold it for, $53.50 I believe. There are 4 completely identical price stickers on the back on the frame, this is just the one in the best condition.

 

I think you are right. It definitely looks a lot more like the Alpines than NH, probably just sold in NH and painted elsewhere.

 

Well, if the studio is offering to buy it back, can they give you more information on it? Is that in Pelham?

 

Yup, it's in Pelham. They didn't give me any information, they just responded to my question of who painted it with, "Are you interested in selling this piece?".

 

Id jump on their offer with both feet personally. Its "tourist" art,in my humble opinion.

 

Yes I agree with JohnnyCB09, if you want to sell it easily - take their offer!

 

ask em for $ 125 ....& take the $$$ and run..

 

Just found a reference to a Christie's auction catalog of 19th century European works that includes a G.W. Paul among the artists:
http://www.thecatalogstar.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2514
You might want to hold off on a quick sale. I would be suspicious of a gallery that won't answer your questions, just wants to buy it. IMHO

 

What Toomanybooks said!!

 

Im sorry,but that painting is NOT some valuable 19th century work of art.Doesnt hurt to dream though.

 

You are probably right, but it would still be nice to know a bit more before selling. I just wonder why the gallery was so quick to make an offer. They must think it is worth at least $200 if they think they can make a profit. Then again, a bird in the hand.........

I just looked at their website - maybe they just want to hang it on their wall as an example of local art, in which case - sell it!

 

I'm totally with @johnnycb09 on this one, but you are 100% right -- no reason not to be thorough.

 

They probably do think it's worth $200. Maybe more. But they're in a position to sell it. Are you?

It doesn't look to me like factory art, but not much advanced beyond it. I would guess it's an autograph piece (by an individual).

Maybe you should take an anonymous peek at the gallery. See what they sell. See what they charge.

 

Found an American artist by the name GREGORY WILMER PAUL........wanted me to sign up to get his bio, but it may help in your search.