Reader from Wilton:  I have two oil canvas paintings, approximately 30" x 24" that were done in the 1960's by a local artist that my father commissioned to do.  Can anyone tell me who the artist is and if there is any value?  My father paid $325 for the painting and framing.  One is of Port Clyde, Maine and the other is of a sap house in the woods.  Do you know anyone that could help me?

Lisa:  I don't really have an answer for you but I can give you a few options to try.  And I will post this in the blog section of our site in case anyone knows who the artist is.  That one of the sap house sounds very familiar but I don't have any idea who the artist could be. 

First, I'm not sure how soon you need or want an answer, but in August every year, there is an event called "Antiques Week".  We don't have it in our calendar yet but will have it as soon as we get the information.  One of the bigger shows in Bedford usually offers an appraisal service.

Second, you may wish to contact the folks at "Unravel the Gavel".  They have a lot of contacts in the antiques and auction industry and may be able to pose the question to them, especially if you have an interest in selling them.  Their website is: http://www.thegavel.net/.  You might want to run this question by them.

And finally, you might try some of the galleries and antiques shops just down the street from you in Milford on Route 101A (also known as "Antique Alley").  Many of the owners will gladly tell you "what you've got" if you stop by with the paintings. 

Good luck!  And, if you figure it out, I hope you'll come back and tell us who the painter was.

Reader from Wilton: The artist is Carl Engel!

Lisa:  Congratulations!  I'm glad you have your answer.