CLARA HARRIS ART
Monetary Value
I get many inquiries about the value of Clara’s paintings. Naturally owners want to know what their paintings are worth. Although I’m not an art appraiser I tell collectors the following:
Like anything purchased and sold the value is created by supply, demand and popular preference of the time. A painting’s worth is established by what the market will bear, not what we think it’s worth or because we like it. In the case of Clara’s work this is no exception. Finding and listing realized prices for Clara's paintings is compounded
by difficult to access auction sales; Clara’s reluctance to promote herself; her preference to give or donate her paintings; and unrecorded sales from her home studio. As described in Fred’s diary entries: December 20, 1937 - Clara spoke of how she is helping on the income. December 6, 1938 – Mrs. Robertson in to see work – Mrs. Robertson kept 3 of Clara’s, one of mine.
Here is a record of some recorded prices with the most recent first; images provided where available.
Paintings Sold in 2016
Sailboats Off The Coast
Oil on canvas, 10 x 13.5 “
Sold January 19, 2016: $160.00
Paintings Sold in 2015
The Road Home
Oil on canvas, 11.5 x 16.5”
Sold June 13, 2015
(Leland Little Auctions price not known)
Sleigh Ride to the Village
Oil on canvas, 14 x 17"
Sold December 2015: $500.00
Bailey Island, From Ford’s Lawn, Maine, U.S., August 2, Morning, 1955
Oil on canvas, 27 x 30.5“
Sold March 2015: $300.00
Paintings Sold in 2013
Spring Break-up Etobicoke Creek Before
Hurricane Hazel
Oil on canvas, 20 x 24”
Sold July 13, 2013: $175.00,
Paintings Sold 2012
Pink Skies, Blue Skies (2 paintings)
Oil on panel, 10.5 x 13.8”
Sold May 2012: $120.00
Cordova Bay Near Victoria, B.C.
Oil on canvas, 16 x 20”
Sold December 2012: $395.00
Bailey Island, Maine
Oil on canvas board, 16 x 20”
Sold June 21, 2012: $96.00
Autumn Landscape; Rapid Waters
Oil, 16 x 20”
Sold March 12, 2012: $335.00
A Mixed Bouquet
Oil, 20 x 24”
Sold March 12, 2012: $178.00
Winter Cottage Landscape
(No Image)
Oil, 18 x 23”
Sold May 15, 2012: $162.00
Winter Landscape With Figures
(No Image)
Oil, 16 x 20”
Sold June 20, 2012: $74.00
Paintings Sold 2011
Bala, March 1946, Afternoon
Oil on canvas. 21.5 x 17.5”
Sold December 2011: $300.00
Humber River
Oil on panel, 16.25 x 13.25 “
Sold December 2011: $150.00
Rocky Shoreline
Oil on canvas. 24 x 30”
Sold October 2011: $350.00
Gloucester, Mass.
Oil on canvas. 24 x 30”
Sold October 2011: $350.00
Still Life of Flowers
Oil, 20 x 16”
Sold April 7, 2011: $55.00
Paintings Sold 2010
Gloucester, Mass (No Image)
Oil on board, 20 x 24”
Sold February 18, 2010: $114.00
Paintings Sold 2007
Winter Scene
Oil on board, 16 x 20”
Sold: January 10, 2007: $100.00
Mixed Bouquet
Oil on board, 20 x 24”
Sold January 10, 2007: $66.00
Paintings Sold 1975-1980
Down By the Mill
Oil on canvas, 21 x 26”
Sold $90.00
(p. 88, Canadian Artist Auction,1975-1980).
Morning on Scarlett Road
Oil on board, 10.5 x 13.8”
Sold: January 10, 2007: $132.00
Near the Royal York Golf Club
(One of two)
Oil on board, 10.5 x 13.8"
Sold January 10, 2007
Paintings Sold 1990
An Ontario Barn
Oil on canvas, 20 x 16"
Sold April 6, 1990: $75.00
Paintings Sold 1988
Parrsboro Fog, Ottawa House, Beach 1931
Oil on board, 9.25 x 11.25"
Sold June 14,1988: $80.00
Gloucester Harbour
Oil on board, 16 x 20”
Sold: January 10, 2007: $144.00
Near the Royal York Golf Club
(One of two)
Oil on board, 10.5 x 13.8"
Sold January 10, 2007
Paintings Sold 2005
Morning on Scarlett Road, 1935
Oil on panel, 10.25 x 13"
Sold November 11, 2005: $400.00
This list will be updated as more information is obtained but in the meantime I’ve created this “Paradigm of Value” which demonstrates how value is established:
Knowledge of the Artist: Clara Harris did not promote herself and painted at a time when women artists were not taken seriously. Unknown equals having no value.
Presence in the Art Market: Clara exhibited her work alongside serious artists of her time but there is little information on which paintings she sold and for how much. Inadequate information minimizes perceived and ultimately realized value.
Value of the Work: Clara studied at prestigious art institutions and was conscientious about her work but was not motivated by monetary gain. Without a consistent record of the realized prices of Clara’s paintings the baseline for establishing price points is non-existent. No sales history means low appraisals.
Movement in the Market: Clara’s painting sales remain obscure. Paintings sold foster movement in the market thereby increasing value. Without sales there’s no knowledge or interest in her art.
Value: Clara’s paintings will increase in value only when she is recognized for the legacy she has left and her paintings are appreciated, exhibited, purchased and sold.
So Collectors when you see, purchase or sell a Clara Harris painting, do as collector Ken Deeth did and forward this information as well as a photo so it can be added to the site. We are building an important value chain!