Are these known artists?

Is there a market for unknown artists? Does anyone recognize these?

 

This one is probably the best of the bunch, the signature appears to say "Joe Farley" I could not find another painting under that name with the same signature. So maybe a "Sunday Painter?"
I could be wrong about the signature so tell me if you see something different.

 

The first one might be interesting,but its so filthy I wouldnt look twice. The rest are some student work,but the portraits show some talent.

 

The first one would sell if you clean it up. The signature might be more legible with a bit of cleaning as well. If you sell it, use the word impasto, which is the term for this kind of thick paint. There are collectors and it looks like it would clean up well.

It looks like a acrylic paint so you can use a damp, not soaking wet, paper towel and lightly go over the surface. You may want to test it first with a q-tip in the corner wait for it to dry to see how it looks.

 

I think the two portraits are by the same artist, but i agree with J B, The Duke is the best of the bunch.

 

Thank you for the responses and thank you very much Mill Cove Treasures for the "Impasto" and cleaning tips. My sister has that one and is going to try to clean it up.

Joshua and 916, yes they are both from the same artist Joe Farley. One of them shows a date of '94. It is a shame there is not more from this artist.

 

My sister sent me these photos showing the cleaned up signature and cleaning of the painting so far.

 

The first two letters of the last name? H F e or i?

 

My sister says she sees Maria Kidden. So she sees a k. From the picture it looks like an H and i

 

I see Maria Kidden or Hidden. Though...the lines are a bit confusing so maybe Tidden or something? Or, most of the letters are lower case so DD would be out of character. Anyway I like the painting.

 

It looks like Maria Hidden and there is a surname Hidden.

 

About that impasto painting here. Maria Tidden signed. Could this be her?
https://www.digitalcommonwealth.org/search/commonwealth:kk91gx676

If so can anyone find anything else out?

 

maybe not , but the Wayne & Lee should have a market.....they are both nice !