Did I possibly just buy an original E.S. Siebert at goodwill?

Saw this in the store for $15 and really just bought it for the frame originally. Knew it was an original, thought probably just a hobbyist since it was just initials, but I wanted to find a who. Well research led me to ES siebert and from what I've been seeing he really didn't have a standard signature. They literally all look different. Some signed Ed Siebert. Some E. S. Siebert, some even his full name. I found some similarities in the E and S on some pieces that have sold on auction and the frame itself seems to be quite aged. I've saw that he did paint some still life's and I feel as if his style somewhat resembles the one I've acquired (maybe just confirmation bias lol). I'm no expert by any means but anyone think this could actually be the case? And if not, does anyone have an idea of who this mysterious E.S. could be?

 

No, I would not say this is the work of Edward Seimar Siebert. His professional style is completely different than this. This piece is done by an amateur hobbiest or student painter.

If you're interested in finding "sleepers" (ie hidden masterworks) in thrifts, I would heartily recommend a visit to the nearest art museum or few, and to start browsing digital collections and reading art books. You have to train your eye on what composition, color mixing, brush work, style etc. you should expect to see in professional pieces, as well as identify what good-selling naive paintings/artists look like (though they are often forged so it can be complicated).

 

Thanks for the info and I appreciate the tips. I do enjoy a good museum but never really taken the time to look that deep into the colors and all that. My wife does and hates that I pretty much run thru museums (thanks ADHD) . I agree with your statements and reasonings that it isn't one of his but I figured I'd ask someone that knew much more than me about art before I dismissed it haha.

 

Yours doesn't appear to be the work of a fully trained artist.

Debora

 

No problem. I can tell at a glance only because I've spent my entire life immersed. I think taking painting classes really helps too just because you get to see student work and start to understand what an amateur would do...because you are one. But that's a lot to ask people to do so books and research is usually more attainable.

I would say using Lens and asking here before a purchase are a good alternative, and if you feel you need to buy on the fly then...go with things that you think look really pleasing and are very cheap (or have a nice frame, as you said). Even if they turn out not to be professional, there is certainly a market in selling good decor works in a booth. Many people are interested in buying a painted work, regardless of who made it. You only have to look at the factory painting industry to see that.

 

I'm not even half-trained, but ... look for stuff that "sings". The still life is flat. No sing. It does have a nice frame though. That said, a lot of $$$ modern art doesn't sing at me at all.

 

I like naive art work and I like this still life!