We have several paintings by lesser to unknown Los Angeles artists

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We have several paintings by lesser to unknown Los Angeles artists of
the 60's and 70's. Somey have significant damage, such as mold, stains
etc...

However, we are interested in getting them appraised to see if any are
of value and could be restored for resale. We know that one artist in particular
has sold similar paintings for around $3000. (Hawaiian artist H.
Tagami)

Q: The two Tagami's are in excellent condition. What is the quickest way to sell them? How do we find a trustworthy appraiser in the Los Angeles area that
specializes in the work and time period we have and what are the
average rates? (We have approximately 30-40 oil paintings.) With the
paintings of value, what is our best bet for selling them? Auctioning
or private party or a gallery? Or other? When does restoration
become feasible? Can tears in canvas be restored? Mold? What if
several paintings are deemed sellable for lesser money, but don't seem
to have a large, immediate market? Are there consignment places or
other ways to sell these?

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $25

Hello. I did some research on your painting inquiry.

I found 2 appraisers in Californina. The first of which is:

CATHERINE LEONHARD
American and California Paintings Specialist
Christie's
360 North Camden Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 385-2600
cleonhard@christies.com

Of the two she is the shortest distance. Her wesite http://www.christies.com/home_page/home_page.asp, gives further details. Her focus is primarily on American and Califorian paintings. She also auctions painting on a comission basis.

Second, we have:

PETER M. FAIRBANKS
President
Montgomery Gallery
406 Jackson Street
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 788-8300 (phone)
(415) 788-5469 (fax)
paintings@montgomerygallery.com

Granted you would have a 5 1/2 hour drive on your hands, but the 2nd opinion would be beneficial. His business places focus on California artists as well. In addition, he does offer conservation/resoration services. His wesite, http://www.montgomerygallery.com/, can provide further deetails.

Both of the aforementioned experts offer the appraisal service you seek.

Whether or not you should auction, sell outright, or through a gallery show really depends on the particular artist and condition or the painting. I don't mean to be so general, but for the answer you seek a paint expert such as Ms. Leonhard or Mr. Fairbanks should first be consulted.

Tears can be restored. Following is a link to some examples which are representative of another conservators work:

http://www.luckycat.com/restoration/

Keep in mind that Mr. Fairbanks does offer resoration services. Hence, he would be better to assist you in a situation such as this.

If you have any further questions, please let me know

Good luck,

LiddyBea

Reply to Jean's Post: Thank you for your research. Since Los Angeles is a rather large city, I believe we could find another appraiser closer than San Francisco. It's also possible to find restoration within Los Angeles I feel. Our initial question was how do we find a trustworthy appraiser. How can we know the appraiser has our best interest in mind?

Also, our other question was what is the quickest way to sell the two Tagami's that we know are appraised at approximately $3,000 each. Can you help with these questions that were in the initial posting?

Hello again. Upon your request, I have obtained more specific detail.

First, Catherine Leonhard is located in Beverly Hills so the distance wouldn't be too far. But being in the Hills, she's probably quite expensive.

I did further research and came across a very reputable dealer, DUVEEN & EDWARDS. They have sister locations in both New York & Los Angeles. They offer online appraisal services at quite a reasonable rate (4 items for $49.95). Being that they are a senior member of the "American Association of Independent Appraisers" they would have to have a stable record of guidelines. In other words, the set of "norms" prescribed as acceptable by the organization will relate to business practices, reputation, and ethics. Dowwowing is a direct link to their site:

http://www.antiques-dealer.com/

Direct link to painting information:

http://www.antiques-dealer.com/paintings-wanted.htm

Once you find an appraiser you'll want to know their qualifactions (schools, training, etc.) Ask for references from several clients. In addition any professional organizations that they are or have been a member or affiliated with. Once you have any nemes you can look up past complaints and even praise place on their record. Look for someone with a solid reputation backed with repeat customors (loyal clientle). How long have they been in business? An appraiser/dealer/autioneer thats been around for several years is definitly doing something righ :-) That mixed with references from past clients and professional organizations will help with establishing trusworthyness.

As for the Tagami's, the following link is a direct link to the Kamula Inn in Hawaii. The have gallery shows of his work.

http://www.tagamipowellhawaiiart.com/tagami.html

Cedar Creek Galleries (Hawaii) also specializes in brokering Tagami's.

http://www.cedarstreetgalleries.com/bin/works.cgi?TagamiHiroshi

Let me know if you need anything else.

LiddyBea

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