Featured Miniature watercolour painting, Willard M. Mitchell

I have this miniature painting by Willard M. Mitchell. It measures approx. 3" by 4", has a hand carved wood frame and is glazed.

I can find the information on the artist and his work, but I am interested on other members opinions regarding the damage in the reverse. It appears to have been repaired with clear tape and that has "messed up" some of the illumination. That and a small water spot on the back are the only signs of damage. The painting itself has been well protected due to the glass, and I do not think the colours have really faded beyond "normal" watercolour fading (as in no sun damage, etc.).

Since pricing and sales for these works are all over the scale, I wish to know what you think the damage does to an asking price (I sell fixed price with Best Offer, and there is no urgency to sell). I no longer trust solely my own judgement regarding these things, so any advice regarding pricing against recorded prices and then considering the damage would be most welcome.

Thanks!!

 

I don't think the tape or water damage hurts much at all being confined to the back. The tape can easily be removed if you know what you are doing using alcohol. A bit problematic since alcohol could seep to the painting. Would probably need to remove the backing before removing the tape and that would be even trickier. I would probably just leave well enough alone.

As to value, I don't know what one seeks in buying such works. Would think subject matter foremost but whether a pure landscape such as yours or something with buildings and people is more valuable. You will need to somehow make that determination yourself.

 

Thanks Brad. All of his work that I have located has been landscapes such as this. As a matter of fact, they all look the same at a quick glance! Pricing/sales have been all over. From $50 to $300. Since time is not an issue, I guess I'll list it at $250 to start and see who salutes...........I can mark it down progressively until I get some interest.

I will leave it as is and not attempt to remove the tape.

"LQQK! Includes RARE, genuine ANTIQUE Scotch Tape, from the second roll ever produced! Total of 4 (FOUR) pieces! HTF!"

 

You didn't see this?

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fr...or&LH_Complete=1&rt=nc&_trksid=p2045573.m1684

 

Thanks!
I saw it in passing. I no longer sell on eBay, so to be honest I sort of ignore unsold listings, as well as many sold ones. These days I look more to auction houses or other venues and base my "opening" fixed price (with best offer) on their successful sales. Since it costs me nothing to list an item on Bonanza, I can let it sit until I get interest, or down my pricing periodically if there is no interest depending on the traffic/views.

 

SOMEWHERE in the mess that is my dollhouse room I have a watercolor about this size of a lighthouse on a cliff,so now I have to go dig it out and see who did it . I sorta shocked at the prices these bring,who woulda thought ???

 

Giggling here! That's where I found this one! In a box of miniature treasures that I have been collecting for over 40 years. I am finally (FINALLY) getting around to building the harf-arsed replica of my grandparent's townhouse in NYC..................physical building going slow, but approaching the point where I have to consider the contents...............

PS Johnny - I have seen photos of your mini, but can't remember much of it now. If you are looking for a source for some "oriental" rugs, nicely made, to scale and CHEAP, but good quality let me know. I ordered a few last well, they arrived this morning.

 

Beautiful place.

 

Thanks for thinking of me Mansons,send me some pics!