Basket Painting Appraisal

Still Life Watercolor Painting of Fruits with Basket by Billie Samuelson

This item is a framed watercolor painting, likely a still life, depicting various fruits with a basket. The composition prominently features a large slice of watermelon with visible seeds, several peaches or nectarines, and a cluster of purple grapes. A woven basket, possibly a bushel basket, is depicted on its side, partially overturned, suggesting it once held some of the fruit. The background appears to be a muted dark green to brown wash, creating depth and placing the fruit centrally. The primary colors in the painting are vibrant reds and pinks for the watermelon, warm yellows and oranges for the peaches, and deep purples for the grapes. The watercolor medium is evident through its characteristic soft edges, translucent washes, and visible brushstrokes, particularly in the fruit, which show varying intensities of color. The painting is housed under glass within a multi-layered frame. The innermost layer is a white mat, which provides a crisp border, followed by a wider sage green mat that complements the earthy tones of the painting. The outermost frame is a decorative, possibly wooden or composite, frame with a metallic gold or bronze finish, featuring a repeating, textured, possibly beaded or reeded, pattern along its inner edge. Reflections visible in the glass indicate it is not anti-glare, and some minor dust specks or imperfections might be present on the glass or mat, but no significant damage like cracks or tears are discernible within the visible area of the artwork itself. A signature 'B. Samuelson' or similar, possibly 'Billie Samuelson', appears in the lower right corner of the painting, indicating the artist's identity. Given the style and visible aging of the frame, the painting likely dates from the late 20th century to early 21st century. The craftsmanship appears to be of good quality, with attention paid to the details of the fruit and the overall light and shadow, indicating a competent artist.