Any idea who might have painted this (or how I might find out)?

Hi again

I have another painting / picture I'm trying to find out more about... There's a date in the bottom corner (1990) and some faint writing next to it, but think that might be a date rather than signature as I think it partly says "2nd". If no-one knows the artist, does anyone know what style to call this or how else I can narrow my search?





Huge thanks

(PS - just thinking, this is only from 1990 so is it ok to post about it here? I guess it's not really an antique, so please let me know if the post is inappropriate for the forum)

 

It's okay, Botanic. We often get requests to help for things that are not antiques but if a member needs assistance, we do our best. When they DO have on old item they will remember that we were nice!

 

Is there a way to get the picture without reflections?

 

I see first name "Janet" and suspect what appears to be "2nd" is a surname.

Debora

 

That appears to be on the reverse and visible through the paper. I think you should take it out of the frame and see what else is there.

 

Agreeing with what Debora's seeing.......so far!!

 

That's ever so kind, friendly, and much appreciated

I'm not sure! Or rather, I'm sure there is but not sure I'm capable of it! Photography is not my strong point. But I'll wait until it is dark(er) outside and see what I can do, then add it to the thread.

Good spot, I can see how that looks like it could well be Janet...

But if it is Janet, then it would appear to be the right wary around perhaps? In all honesty I think I'd rather not remove it if I don't have to, only because I've never done such a thing before and wouldn't want to mess anything up. So perhaps I'll hold fire and see what I can find, and then come to that as a last resort if necessary.

Thanks so much for the replies

 

I don't know that it is "Janet" - it might be and what's on the left (to us) could be the "t" at the end. It's yours so it's up to you whether to remove or not. It was just a suggestion.

 

Inversed & enhanced a bit digitally.....

BTW.....I also HALF think there well may be writing in that DARK blob in the lower right hand corner, but so far haven't been able to bring enough of it up and out intelligibly!!!

 

I do know of an artist, Janet I Fish that likes to hide her faded signature in some of her paintings but I am not sure about this painting.

 

Tom D(?) 2nd?

 

When it comes to the Art Category, I'd guess roughly 5% of what we see is actually antique.

 

Well, I've tried a few things just now but with no luck so far... So maybe it will just have to come out of the frame I'll hold fire a little longer in case anyone has any more ideas...

Some great detective work so far. You guys should work in forensics! Thanks for all the thoughtful effort. I'm sure we'll get there in the end.

 

An update... Thought I'd take a closer look and noticed some embossed writing running vertically down the left hand side. Took quite some time and angling of the torch to read it but finally worked out that it says "fabriano", which upon googling is an art paper company.

I've no idea whether that helps or hinders, but it at least helps me feel like I've now had some forensic input into the matter

Or perhaps I just shouldn't have missed it in the first place!

 

Another update... And an answer! The signature is that of Janet Tod.

I am looking to sell the painting as well as some others I have, but no idea where to start.

But that seemed more appropriate for another thread than this one, so I've started a new one here:

https://www.antiquers.com/threads/selling-artwork-by-lesser-known-artists.43634/

In the meantime, as well as updating this one with the answer, I also wanted to return to thank you all for the help

 

How terrific! Thank you for sharing information. What medium is your work? (It looks like a gouache or water color.) And I ask because, apparently, in the 1990s the artist was both painting and printmaking. Unfortunately, most artist's work doesn't have a great deal of value. And yours is not typical of her work; she's known for her colorful still lifes. But what the h***... why don't you contact her via her web site and ask her about your work. It may have a title, for instance. Or be a study for a color work.

Debora

 

@Botanic , it's great that you found the artist. I hope you take Debora's advice and try contacting her!