Tulips Time by Ciara Powell

The Antiques Roadshow has always been one of my favorites. I've always appreciated vintage and antique items, so seeing people learn they have items of value from things they inherited or picked up at a garage sales provides a little hope for the rest of us. Recently while watching the show a gentleman brought in a piece of art that I believe his mother had purchased from Sears in the 60's.

The appraiser seemed to be excited about the painting. He began to explain how Sears wanted to provide art to all people across the United States. Sears partnered with Vincent Price to oversee the acquisition and purchase of many works of art. They would be called the Vincent Price Collection. The painting was a Rembrant...a real life Rembrant...

http://searsarchives.com/history/art/index.htm

The Vincent Price collection started in 1961 and was discontinued in 1971...I can't help but wonder how many of them have been discorded over the years because they were purchased at Sears and on one deemed them important.

So imagine my surprise a few weeks later when my husband and I were in the local Goodwill searching for various numbered and signed prints. My husband looks at the back of this oil panting and what do we see...a label showing that it is from the Sears Vincent Price collection. I have tried to locate information on the artist, but I can't find anything online. I wonder if being part of the Price collection carries any value.

I'd would welcome any comments from anyone who may know who Ciara Powell is or anyone that knows about the large collection of art that was sold by Sears. This particular piece is dated 1968 and titled Tulips Time...

The Unlikely Art Collector

Why did I choose the title of "The Unlikely Art Collector"? There are a few reasons, but the first thing that comes to mind is that I know very little about art. Fourteen years ago I took an art history class and I learned a little about various art periods and various styles, but it wasn't enough for me to become a wise investor in art. But I love the hunt...finding something that might be of value or sometimes just to buy a simple poster or drawing that just seems to be screaming my name...

My taste in art is very eclectic! I am drawn to beautiful oils, the colorful watercolors and simple drawings done in ink, pencil or charcoal. I like vintage and sometimes I like modern. More than anything else, I like learning about the artist whose vision created the artwork that I buy.

I created this blog so I can write about the pieces I find. I will sometimes include the items that I think are of value and sometimes the items I bought because they made me smile. If you recognize an artist or a particular piece, please comment and share your knowledge with me. If I incorrectly describe an item, please correct me. Thanks for reading!