***This page only pertains to Carlo of Hollywood watercolors. If you have questions about Carlo oil paintings I am not really an authority on those pieces. Mel and I only collect the watercolor paintings.***
Mel and I are such big fans of Carlo of Hollywood watercolors that we wanted to start a running gallery to showcase our ~80 Carlo of Hollywood paintings. 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, velvet 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.
Additional info on Carlo found online:
Little is known about Carlo, other than his ubiquitous signature on many 1950s decorative art. He landed some major gigs, including art already in tract houses like those in the original Levitown , NY . The studio, known as ARTCRAFT was located in the Lincoln Heights Station area of Los Angeles . Considered one of the oldest neighborhoods in LA, the region once was graced by large Victorian mansions on the bluffs above the Los Angeles River . By the end of the 1940s, however, many of the neighborhood’s middle class residents began the exodus out of the city, leaving MANY storefronts and warehouses/lofts available for fledgling artists and their companies. ARTCRAFT was such a company when they set up shop in what’s known affectionately as “the hills.” Carlo was a real artist who hired out equally talented artists while he collected incredibly lucrative gigs for his hand-painted, ORIGINAL art. ARTCRAFT did not have the money or techniques to make machine-prints. Instead, each image put out by the company is unique and has the essence of the founder: CARLO OF HOLLYWOOD . My own research on Carlo uncovered the following interesting bit of information for all your retro-mid-1950s art sleuths. He painted as early as the 1950s. Carlo uses many mediums, typically focusing on oils and watercolors. The style and subjects of each medium are usually unique to that medium and differ from the others. His oils are often grand landscapes while his watercolors are typically portraits and action scenes. His art was carried in department stores and included with tract housing.
Some Carlo paintings still have a back sticker from the company:
“About Our Paintings – Artcraft of Hollywood is fortunate to have under exclusive contract 43 talented young artists who paint by special order only the beautiful originals our art directors create. Each and every artist has his own technique and style which therefore prohibits the finding of another painting exactly such as this. It is our aim to turn art “yearners” into art owners by offering sensibly priced Originals by American Artists. We hope you feel the same emotion when looking at this beautiful painting as the artist felt when he was painting it. Judge its value by how much feeling you get out of it and how strong the feeling registers. –Artcraft of Hollywood
Source: http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/carlo-hollywood-ballerina-134221539
This is an original tag that would have been on a Carlo of Hollywood piece. This is the rarest of the rare. Most of these tags were discarded.
Our Collection
XL Carlo of Hollywood Tiger Watercolor
Hepcats Haven 
The paintings are quite beautiful. I just inherited one from a 96 year old woman. It is different from any I have seen and also quite large. It is 58 1/2″ across the top, 27 ” down each side and 24 1/2 inches on the bottom. It is very lovely. Rather Egyptian, I think, with a man and woman dancing and a bongo sitting and playing. It has an anchor with a fish net hanging where they hang their fish. Sorry, Hard to explain. I can send pictures if you would like to see it.
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Hi,
I have an original Carlo painting, I think is Venezia, is really nice 48×60″ oil paint on canvas
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I just got an oil painting by artcraft of Hollywood and was trying to find information on it. I couldn’t find anything on it, I was wondering if you would be able to help me out. It is a large piece of a Spanish conquistador. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
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If you can send me pics to my email address at hepcatrestorations@yahoo.com.
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My husband has a carlos, it is a painting of the desert. I personally think it is ugly. I wonder what it’s value is?
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Hello Esther,
You can email pics to me at hepcatrestorations@yahoo.com.
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I have an “Original by Carlo” of Beverly Hills, Los Angeles Ca. It has the original sticker on the back, very very good condition. Turquise oil on canvas with white horses. We love it. It measures 49 W X 36.5 high. I know that someone was trying to start a website to showcase any of his art, as he is becoming collectible. Seems no one is really sure how many pieces he painted and what they are. I find his art very unique.
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I have a Carlo piece and would like to try and get some info on it
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I have two Carlo pieces that I would like some info on.
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Hello Kathy, All the info I currently have on Carlo is under our Carlo of Hollywood Gallery page. If you are interested in obtaining a value estimate then you can send photos to hepcatrestorations@yahoo.com. Thanks!
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Have you ever seen the film, I WAKE UP SCREAMING (1941 – http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0033740/?ref_=sr_1 )? I saw it this weekend, and I could have sworn I saw a couple of Carlo’s in the set design. One in particular was a two-panel room divider that featured a large cat (like a leopard or jaguar) about to pounce on an elk or deer amongst some large leaves or foliage. The divider seemed to stand about 6-ft tall. I immediately thought of you because you recently posted that painting of the 2 large cats.
There were a couple of other possible paintings on the walls that may have been Carlo’s work as well. The room divider was particularly impressive.
Unfortunately, I was watching a 16mm with a group of 20 other classic film lovers; otherwise, I would have paused it and taken photos of the screen to post for you to see.
Seek out the movie if you haven’t seen it. Betty Grable, Victor Mature and Carole Landis star in this early Film Noir flick. We really enjoyed it – it was especially good to see Betty Grable in a more gritty role than she normally plays.
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No, I have not. I have heard of this film because I watch TCM all the time and because I am a HUGE fan of Film Noir. I will see if I can get a copy of it. I am excited to see that room divider you mentioned. When ever I watch these old movies I keep my eye peeled for home decor. I have seen a lot of killer bamboo furniture, Fredrick Weinberg pieces and other cool items in mid century movies. Thanks for sharing!
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Hi!! i a painting framed looks just like a Carlo. its signed CROWE any ideas??? its beautiful! same angular frame. actually when i spotted it at the flea market i ran up to it thinking it was a carlo but not… thought you may know! Thanxx
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I have heard of that artist before but I dont know anything about him. If I recall he was an artist with Metalcraft the same as Carlo.
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Also an artist TONI did oils on some kind of board. I have a large oil on board of flowers in a vase it looks like an early modern but not abstract. It’s definitely a quality painting and has the sticker Artcraft Original by Carlo” of Beverly Hills, Los Angeles CA, but it’s signed TONI
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ARRGG I missed one at a goodwill didnt know there was such a following but I did take a picture
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Lee-I feel for you…..
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Was wondering if the Carlo watercolors wit the Bongos r still available or are any of the Carlos still available for sale
Thnx Woody
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Yeah they are at Midway Antique Mall in Sacramento. You’ll want to speak to Mark or Ann. 5130 Madison Ave, Sacramento, CA 95841
(916) 779-6252
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Hi, Is there a way to know the paintings done by Carlo??? I have clown signed Carlo but I don’t what medium is used …looks like paper but then you can see texture? Has anyone seen any clowns done by Carlo?
thanks,
gini
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yes a sad clown one has been done
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Do you know how to value or where to send pictures for a value?
Thanks!
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Bill…..ans these frames are massive and heavy!
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The frames are terrific, especially some of the odd shaped ones.
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I found oil painting by Carlo. It is an abstract. It is for sale. 6 ft wide beautiful.
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I have a large painting of a bull without the bullfighter there are numbers on back 1880A & 275VR- & it is signed in front Carlo
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Have a Carlo painting from a relative I’m struggling to identify. It’s a darker colored setting of a sea and shore setting with a solitary figure in a orange hat standing in shallow water. There is one ship out on the water, and another just getting into the water. Down the shoreline there is a stone structure overlooking the sea.
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Is it a watercolor? If not, I’m not an authority on the oil pieces. If watercolor, send pics to hepcatrestorations@yahoo.com.
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Hello. My mom has 2 color palm tree paintings by him. Is there anyway to try and see how much they are worth.
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I would have to see pics and their sizes. Go ahead and send them to my hepcatrestorations@yahoo.
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I have an aprox 30x40in abstract oil painting signed carlo that looks like it could be a windmill. Do you have any idea of what its worth? My parents bought it early 60’s for 325.00.
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Hi Dana,
I don’t have any info on Carlo oil pieces. I focus only on Carlo watercolors. Sorry!
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Hello,
I am admiring all of your pictures of your amazing home! I am a huge Heywood Wakefield fan and that is how I happened upon your site.
Thank you for introducing me to Carlo of Hollywood! I especially like the bullfighter watercolors. Do you know where these can be purchased? Do you know if prints/copies have been made from these watercolors? I’m ignorant about much of art, so I don’t even know if prints can be made. Thank you in advance for your response. And thank you for sharing your beautiful collection with us!
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Hi Jody,
Thanks for your comment! Most of our collection is from private collectors and the antique mall where we are dealers (Midway Antique Mall). Yes, prints were made, ours are all original. We sold the few prints we had. Try to stick with the originals. I’ll let you know if we come across any duplicates that we already have in our collection.
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Would you happen to have a list (partial or otherwise) of the other artists who painted at the Artcraft Studio?
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Hi JW. The only other Artcraft Studio paintings I’ve seen other than Carlo have been unsigned or signed Anto.
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I have an abstract painting of horses, mid century signed Anto,
Could he be the same artist that worked with Carlo?
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Hi Denise, yes we’ve seen paintings signed Anto with the Artcraft studios stamp on the back.
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hi, i buy an oil paint and the person who sold me the painting told me that was original, how can i know is that is a true fact?
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Hi-sorry I only specialize in Carlo watercolors, not oils.
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I just purchased the Carlo of Holywood watercolor painting of a tropical sunset with palm trees overlooking water. I wanted to know if you’ve seen it before or know anything else about it. It’s in a forced perspective frame. The dimensions are: framed 52”W x 33.5”H x 3”D; painting 43.5”W x 27”H I can send you a photo if you tell me how.
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Hi Claudia. Yes, we are familiar with this piece. It looks like you have the large piece to the trio. Here is a link to a pair we recently sold that sounds like what you are describing. You’ll see them at the top of the picture.
We have a duplicate pair we plan to sell as well. Let us know if you are interested in the pair to complete your trio and we can send pics/price.
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hey thanks for showing all these they rule ! i just bought a Carlo from the antique mall on san carlos and i was wondering if you could give me a round about estimate of its value? thanks in advance -NIck
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If it’s a watercolor send a pic to shane@hepcatrestorations.com
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I think I have Carlo paintings. These are as tall as me. Please email me, so I can show you photos. I like to know about these paintings.
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I have one of Carlo’s water colors and I love it. Parents bought it before I was born. Always hung in our living room. It was my dads favorite piece of art. Once he passed away, all I requested was his painting. So many memories attached to it. Frame is unique part of it.
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I have a really amazing original Carlo on my wall. Email me and I will send you a picture of it. If you admire this mans talent then you want to see this one. It survived a house fire 🔥
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Hi Damon. Yeah, send a pic to shane@hepcatresto.com.
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hello found your site very interesting. i currently just found 3 Carlo of holly wood paintings at my local goodwill 2 are signed toni and one by someone else dont have them in front of me at the moment. all three measure approx 50″ long by 18″ tall .. of south west theme abstractish style… bought all three for $10 all together…. great find….
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I do not know much about them as seems many do not…. not sure of possible value of the 3 sofa paintings… but each do have the carlo of Hollywood label on the them….they could use a bit of cleaning on frames and such…. but the images to me were very interesting.
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i have two carlo ballerina watercolors that compliment each other. what do you think they are worth?
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Hi, here’s a link where you can order an assessment:
https://www.fiverr.com/hepcatresto/provide-an-assessment-on-a-mid-century-retro-or-vintage-item?funnel=c307e450-6ce8-47af-8123-3ffb82ef6bfd
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I got an oil painting by artcraft of hollywood signed KK. The painting is abstract but beautiful. Couldn’t find anything about it. Painting measures 36w/25high. It would be greatly appreciated if you can tell me anything about it .
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Sorry, we’re only familiar with the Carlo watercolors with the angular/forced perspective frames.
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I have a picture painted by carlo wondering the worth number is 9093329155
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Hi, here’s a link where you can order an assessment:
https://www.fiverr.com/hepcatresto/provide-an-assessment-on-a-mid-century-retro-or-vintage-item?funnel=c307e450-6ce8-47af-8123-3ffb82ef6bfd
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I HAVE CARLO PAINTINGS AND THE FRAMES ARE BROKEN CAN YOU GIVE ME SOME TIPS ON RESTORING THEM?
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http://hepcatrestorations.com/2012/01/09/carlo-frame-restoration/
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THANK YOU FOR GETTING BACK TO ME BUT STAINING ISNT WHAT I NEED TIPS ON MY FRAMES CAME APART L
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Hi,
This is a link where you can order techniques for restoring your frames.
https://www.fiverr.com/hepcatresto/provide-an-assessment-on-a-mid-century-retro-or-vintage-item?funnel=c307e450-6ce8-47af-8123-3ffb82ef6bfd
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I think my mother has an original Carlo painting I would love to get some feedback on it.
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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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Hi I just aquried a painting by Carlo and was wondering what I could find out about it thanks Tina
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Hi an assessment can be ordered here http://www.fiverr.com/s/95caks?utm_source=CopyLink_Mobile
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Hi I would love a Carlo painting! Do you currently have any for sale?
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Hi-Yes we do. You’ll see them in the photos under our shop section.
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Hi, just got one of these paintings from an estate. Any info or opinions would be great.
Thanks, Mike
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Hi Mike,
Assessments can be ordered here: https://www.fiverr.com/hepcatresto/provide-an-assessment-on-a-mid-century-retro-or-vintage-item
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How can you tell the difference between a water and oil painting. i have a rather large Carlo of Hollywood Painting that i’m trying to sell. if you could help that would be great Thanks!!!
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Watercolors will have some transparency to the paint and will be flat, no gloss at all. Look for pencil on a Carlo watercolor.
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My Mother purchased a painting in the early 1960’s with the signature “Serio”. She gave it to me in ’96. It is an oil painting of a clown (36″x48″). I recently found the Art of Hollywood card “About Our Paintings” on the back. Any more info on Serio available?
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We’re not familiar with Serio. If another reader is, please respond to Dennis.
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I think I’ve got one – it’s a couple of roosters fighting, in watercolor. It’s signed Carlo, and I think it’s kind of weird, but it looks like other things I’ve seen. I will try to take a picture and send it to your e-mail address.
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I would love to see those! Send me pics if you can to hepcatrestorations@yahoo.com.
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I’ll try to take a picture of it tomorrow and send it.
Sent from my iPhone
>
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I recently acquired a nice water color of two (Islanders) dancing. Black Trapezoid frame, signed CARLO. Could be a scene from Cuba (it looks like an early work). I would like sell.
Harry
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Please send pics to me at hepcatrestorations@yahoo.com. Thanks.
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Your explanation that Carlo of Hollywood is a consortium of artists makes sense. Have you ever seen the L. Carlo signature on one of the pieces? It’s a rather large oil painting. Great frame!!!
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No, I haven’t.
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I have two Carlo “Western” desert landscaping with the great frames.
They are about 30″x30″
I want to sell these , if you are interested please let me know
Also, looking for value as if not interested I will list on ebay
Really appreciate your help
Thanks
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Can you send photos to hepcatshaven@yahoo.com
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I have 3 horses on velvet? Signed carlo
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I have a Oil Painting that has Carlo of Hollywood Sticker on the back of the painting. I realize you were stating that you are not an ‘expert’ on the oil, however I was wondering about this painting. Do these paintings vary in price if one were to sell the painting? There is also a date1927 on the back in pencil. The painting depicts a scene in Venice, with boats and a man paddling the boat. Any clues?
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Sure. Send photos to hepcatshaven@yahoo.com
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I believe I have an original Carlo of Hollywood painting bought perhaps in 60’s or 70’s. It was bought from a department store- Sears Roebuck back then. Even has some writing on the back and an old price sticker. I believe it’s oil on canvas. Beautiful Asian style landscape.
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Hello im just curious how would you tell the difference between an oil or water base painting form from carlo of Hollywood painting
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On the watercolor paintings, you’ll see the pencil sketch lines that the artist started with. This is a characteristic you’ll see on the watercolors. Also, the Carlo oil paintings will be on canvas vs. a cardboard material the watercolors were painted on. Lastly and most importantly, the watercolor paintings are typically in angular, trapezoidal type frames.
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Hello!
My name is Chris
I was wondering if the 2 Carlo paintings with the sail boats in dock are for sale?
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No they’re not. Thanks!
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Hello I have a question would you know if any of Carlos of Hollywood paintings were duplicated so there is more than one original painting. or would there just be one origina … because I own a original painting from Carlos and i found the same painting on eBay.
and i was like how can there be to of the same paintings??? thanks for you help.
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Hello Timothy,
Yes there are duplicate originals of Carlos. What you’ll notice is there slight variations in style and quality of art. Carlo the artist would sketch the pieces and he had multiple artists to finish the pieces. Some of the artists were more skilled than others.
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So your saying “Yes” there can be more than one copy.. Ok thank you so much i just wanted to make sure i was not buying a fake… this is the link to the painting i was wanting to buy https://www.ebay.com/itm/132549598465
i have this same painting and would like another. Thank you so much for your help and time..
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I knew Carlo very well. He was a dear friend of my family. I own a few of his pieces as well as some of the last of his possessions after he passed away. Carlo new my grandparents Lord and Lady Buckley and was a sacred member of the family Royal Court . He painted the first prime minister of Israel’s portrait as well as the interior artwork inside the famed Birdland East in NYC. Funny enough Carlo actually invented the clip on tie and sold the idea to an investor who offered him $10,000 cash or $100 a month for life of which he chose the later. I made many trips with him to Ensenada, Mexico and Las Vegas ala driving miss Daisy and he would tell me amazing stories about my grandparents, countless jazz musicians, and famous Hollywood stars that he encountered and befriended over his life. I had never seen any of his catalogue work or these other various themes as he traveled light and never carried these old pieces with him. I watched him paint many things in his waining years and he gave me advices that would help carry me through my life. He was as close to a grandfather I ever had and I am so grateful to see those paintings you’ve collected. Bravo, Trevor
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Hello,
Do you know if Carlo ever painted on a material that looks like burlap? My mother left my sister and I a large piece of artwork, signed Carlo. It looks unlike these other works of art. The subject is a tiger.
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Not that I have ever seen. I know he painted on velvet and then he also did oil’s but my main focus is watercolors
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Rovert Eloc, it would seem then you know his full name. Can you share that with us?
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To Rovert Eloc, it would seem then you know his full name. Can you share that with us?
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I want the set you have of the two Black Panthers in the green frames, listed in the Tropical section. They’re beautiful. Three of my walls in my living room are painted Pistachio green and the other one is yellow. I’ll put them on the yellow wall! They’ll be the only one’s I have, if I can find them. (and if I can afford them, LOL) I see two that you have now in your Asian section that are listed on eBay. They’re not as nice as the one’s you have. All of yours are beautiful! Thanks for the show!
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They didn’t appear as nice as yours but I bid on them and GOT THEM! They’ll look great with my Heywood Wakefield bedroom set! hehehehe
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Hello! Our grandmother passed on a few years ago and we’re just now trying to decide what to do with her things that we were storing for her. She had a Matador watercolor that came with her house and it’s huge in an asymmetrical frame. Do you know what something like this is usually valued at? Your website is the first one I’ve found with an identical match
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Hi Shanna. Can you send pictures to hepcatshaven@yahoo.com?
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