Mel and I were introduced to Carlo of Hollywood by our friend Frank. We gravitate towards the forced perspective/angular framed watercolor pieces. The styling of the frames and the subject matter make these pieces of art scream “1950’s”. Carlo also used other mediums like oils, etc. that tend to be less desirable and valuable. Here are some things that I have been told about or found through research about Carlo of Hollywood and his artwork (though not verifiable, this artist remains an enigma):
• It has been rumored that Carlo was a set designer on the “I Love Lucy Show”.
• These pieces were like “move in” gifts from the home builders for new tract homes in the 1950’s.
• These pieces were also sold through larger department stores.
• Carlo sketched the the pieces in pencil and had students paint the watercolor portion of the art. A good way to verify authenticity of your watercolor by Carlo is to look for visible pencil sketching.
There appears to be very little information on Carlo of Hollywood. If you know anymore about him and his artwork please feel free to share with the rest of us.
Though the artwork is really cool, in my opinion the best part of these pieces are the frames. These frames have a unique wood grain to the surface. This was achieved through media blasting which helped define the wood grain. The frames came in a few different finishes that I have seen such as bare wood, white washed, and painted.
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Your collection is breathtaking. I think you’ve got the best of the best! There’s one on ebay right now that I love – doesn’t have that gorgeous “signature” frame but I love the “futuristic city” painting & it’s HUGE. I wonder why info about him is so difficult to come by since he was such a prolific artist? And you mentioned the I Love Lucy thing, & it’s funny because several times when I’ve watched it I’ve noticed some of the frames & thought they looked kind of like his. Good job kiddo – your site is looking, well…outta site! Way cool :- )
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Thanks Vic, This is one thing both Mel and I love to collect together.
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I had a large (almost 4 feet) Carlo original of a black panther that I unfortunately lost when my home burned in the recent BastropTexas fires. Breaks my heart to have lost this wonderful piece of artwork
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That’s absolutely heart breaking. I am soooo sorry not only for your lost Carlo but for the destruction to your home.
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I have 2 paintings from Carlo, 1 with a Japanise man sitting on mountain w/moon in the
background & a green wooden frame & 1 with a Japanise woman the same setting.
Don’t know anything about them, but they are very pretty. Do you happen to know how
I can find out the value? I have searched website I could find.
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Hey Lynn,
Can you send me some quality pics of these Carlo’s (hepcatrestorations@yahoo.com)? I have purchased a lot of Carlo’s so I can give you an idea of thier value. Also can you let me know how large they are? There is no price guide for these unfortunatly.
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Hi My name is Jeff my grandmother has several Carlo paintings but the most eye catching piece is an oil painting about 4′ tall and it is a bull fighter. very nice piece signed Carlo in the bottom
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Thanks for your post. I know the Carlo you are referring to. It is nice. Does she only have oils or does she also have watercolors?
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I have two Carlo of Hollywood oil paintings on wood canvas. They are 24×36 and in regular vintage frames (unfortunately not the nice frames everybody likes). One painting is a Matador and the other is a Spanish Lady.
The Matador is only signed CARL. The Spanish Lady is signed Carlo but it is upside down in upper left of the painting.
Any ideas of the value?
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Usually oils sell for between $150 – $200 to an educated buyer of Carlo but you may get a little more if someone isn’t aware of the market value.
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I have a Carlo that was left in the house I purchased. It is approx. 60″ X 30″. It is an oil painting of two roosters fighting, I guess fighting cocks to be precise. Was wondering what the price is for something like this? Has Carlo of Hollywood on the back. Any info would be great. jasonaldo00@yahoo.com
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Usually the oils are less desirable. I imagine $150-$200 would be its value unless you find someone who collects his oils. As always things are only worth what someone will pay. I hope this helps.
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Thanks. I am moving so I didnt know if I should take it with or leave it for the next owner of the house. I might try to sell it on Craigslist. Thanks again.
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I have 4 large oil paintings of Carlo with three being the spanish matador type theme and one with an eerie arch that symbolizes another realm. Even my daughter loves the pictures but not much information about him. I would like to find more out about him so if you can please send information
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Hi Roy,
I only collect the Carlo watercolors, not the oils. I don’t know much about the oil pieces, but they tend to be lower in value than the watercolors.
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Hello,
If you go to my site I have info on Carlo under a special section. Unfortunatly there isnt alot known about him.
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Hello,
I listed a Carlo of Hollywood painting on eBay and was wondering if you had any insight on the work…or if you knew of someone who would. Here is the completed listing on eBay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=261130534307&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
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Sorry for my late response, Unfortunately I do not know much about his oils.
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I have a Carlo painting, is Venice.. On oil 48×60″ really nice!!! Neutral colors…
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Hi i recently purchased 2 Large Carlo’s this weekend. their an asian/japanese feel their amazingly breath taking i did pay a lil high price BUT its rare to come across them oftenly in such Amazing condition and pairs. id love to see what you think and maybe what you may know? also have you possibly heard of an artist signed “Crowe” i found an awesome piece looks to be watercolor i when i sa it i was like.. OMG its a carlo… same angular frame only signed “Crowe” im looking for more info no luck might you know?
looking foward to getting more info~
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Hey Anabel,
Send me pics of your new beauties at hepcatrestorations@yahoo so I can see what ya got! I have never heard of Crowe. I wonder if he was an artist also featured by Metalcraft? I will see if I can find anything but for some reason the artists from this period are soo hard to find any info on.
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I have a large
carlo..El Cid. Beautiful wood frame.
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I have a large Carlo Of Hollywood watercolor in a nice red and black retro frame. It’s been in my family since 51. Any info on this? It has a panther fighting a leopard.
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Hi, thanks for your inquiry! Assessments can be requested through the following link: https://www.fiverr.com/hepcatresto/provide-an-assessment-on-a-mid-century-retro-or-vintage-item?context=advanced_search&context_type=auto&pos=14&funnel=20b73ed5-3077-44da-902a-ae62356d0500
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Thanx!
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