Framed Watercolor and Ink Drawing by Richard Shepard Appraisal
Category: Framed Artwork
Description
This item is a framed piece of artwork, likely a watercolor and ink drawing, depicting a group of figures in a landscape or domestic scene. The artwork is characterized by loose, gestural black ink lines defining the figures and a wash of brown, sepia, and muted green watercolors providing shading and environmental context. The central figure appears to be an older man with a prominent beard, wearing a hat, with several other figures, possibly women or children, and what looks like a small animal (perhaps a dog or donkey) in the background. The drawing exhibits a somewhat impressionistic or expressionistic style, focusing more on capturing the essence and movement rather than precise detail. There is a visible artist's signature 'Shepard' in script in the lower central part of the drawing. The artwork is housed within a golden-colored, possibly wooden, frame with a slightly ornate, classical profile. It includes a double matting system: an inner dark gray or black mat and an outer wider, light taupe or beige mat, which provides good contrast and depth. The artwork is protected by a sheet of glass, which shows reflections, suggesting it is glazed. No overt damage like tears or significant stains are visible on the artwork itself, though the lighting and reflections make a definitive assessment challenging. The frame appears to be in good condition with a consistent finish, and the matting seems clean. The overall aesthetic suggests a mid-20th century to contemporary style. The quality of the lines and washes indicates skilled craftsmanship.
Appraisal Report
Upon visual examination of this framed watercolor and ink drawing by Richard Shepard, I find the artwork to be in very good condition. The loose, gestural black ink lines combined with the watercolor washes create an expressive and appealing scene. The visible 'Shepard' signature appears consistent with an artist's hand. The framing, with its golden-colored, possibly wooden, frame and double matting (dark gray/black inner, light taupe/beige outer), is well-executed and complements the artwork. Both the matting and frame appear clean and in good condition, and there are no apparent tears, stains, or significant damage to the artwork itself, although reflections on the glazing prevent a definitive statement on minor surface imperfections. Assessing authenticity solely from images is inherently limited. While the style and signature are present, a full authentication would require in-person examination to verify the medium and signature's exact characteristics, provenance documentation (e.g., bills of sale, exhibition records) to establish a clear chain of ownership, and potentially scientific testing of the materials for age verification. Regarding market conditions, Richard Shepard's work, while recognized, generally falls within an accessible price range for collectors of contemporary figurative art. Demand is steady for appealing pieces. Comparables for similar framed watercolor and ink drawings by artists of comparable recognition, style, and quality often range from mid-hundreds to over a thousand dollars depending on size, subject matter, and exhibition history. Factors impacting value include the appealing narrative and skillful execution. The overall presentation, including the quality framing, enhances its marketability. Without in-person inspection and provenance, authentication is provisional, which can influence buyer confidence. Given these considerations, my appraisal value is a range, reflecting the current secondary market for such works.
Appraisal Value
$750-1,200