CHIC JUNQUE OR FINE ART?

Can fine art really be found amongst less than glamourous junque? You betcha! But first there are a few good rules among serious junq er... ebayers.They are relatively simple ones, but rules, nonetheless.

       1. Comfortable Shoes.

   Yes, I know. We prefer to have our Jimmy Choo's, or whatevers, match our outfits.Especially, if chances run high that we may be rubbing elbows with local aquaintances. However, when on the hunt, we may just find ourselves trampling a pasture in rural who knows where.And in that case, it is best to opt for comfort.

       2. Rise Early.

   The early birds certainly do get the worms. But, depending on any given day. The Big Birds (aka. antique dealers) may just leave a few for the stragglers.

     3.  Newspaper.

   Great for checking auction, estate and garage sale listings as soon as the THUD can be heard on the sidewalk.

    4.  Map.

   A "must have" when planning the treasure hunting route.

   5. Condition.

   6. Condition.

   7. Condition.

It will matter little that you've found an original Steiff mohair teddy bear if one of its furry brown ears has been completely torn off.

Imagine this... you are driving down the road, on your way to the corner grocery store when you see it, a sign with SALE in large capital letters. Should you or shouldn't you?You hit the brakes and swerve to the right. As you stand peering over a pair of brass candlesticks, you casually glance to the left where there is a double row of assorted art leaning against a brick wall.A portrait of an Indian stares , with beady eyes,  back at you.In an effort to avoid an all out gape,you coyishly lift your eyes for another glance. You then walk over to the pictures. As you pick up the portrait of the Indian you see an artists signature, Joe Grandee. When you ask how much? the woman says "Two dollars." After you hand over the dough, she then shows you a painting by another famous artist. An original oil of The Headless Horseman by Lowell Davis, saying she will take five (dollars) for that.It happened. Really!

Sometime later, after remodeling our home, I placed a picture of an Oriental snow scene that had been purchased for very little at a resale shop, on the auction block.The scene just didn't seem to work any longer and looking back on it now, I'm sure I must have resembled Fred having the Big One, when in the last few minutes of the auction the price skyrocketed into the hundreds of dollars.As luck prevailed, the picture happened to be Edo River in Blue, a woodblock print by famous Japanes artist Hasui Kawase. Whom, in 1956 was the first to receive Japan's honorable title of Living National Treasure, one year after his death.

Study the work of local artists.

   With many artists and art schools in the Dallas/ Ft. Worth metroplex, the chances of finding an original work of art are probably considerably more than the chances of winning the state lottery.

   Local artist, Joe Grandee, studied at the Aunspaugh Art School in Dallas.Until 1991, he was an active sculptor, painter and illustator.Famous for his historically accurate military, as well as his western scenes, he once served as the Official State Artist of Texas. Original works by Joe Grandee are valuable and rare.

Lowell Davis was born in Red Oak, Missouri. He worked as an art director in Dallas for 13 years. While working on his art, he sold many paintings and sculptures. Eventually, he returned to Missouri where he began painting oils of animals on his farm. His animal sculptures, like many prized collectibles, have a cult like following.  

              Other Works of Art

Besides paintings, another good thing to look for is pottery.Be sure to check for any chips or cracks. It helps to familiarize with collectible pottery such as Frankoma, McCoy, Bauer and Stangl. Native American pottery is also very desirable.

Primitive hand carved duck decoys with glass eyes bring more than just a little pocket change, considerably more.

In rugs, look for hand woven nomadic examples rich in color instead of the machine produced type. The less open space and more knots per square inch, the better.

SO... Could that painting at the flea market of a Spanish Bullfighter possibly be by a well known Barcelonian artist?

Could be. Could very well be.