Thursday, June 30, 2011

Lee Burr, Lee Reynolds, Lee Burr Reynolds, Vanguard...And The Ubiquitous "What's It Worth". Status: Open For Debate.

DSCN2922

This is my second run in with this very interesting wrinkle in the fabric of Vintage Modernism. A friend of ours had a "Vanguard" acrylic painting that they found in a closet of their home just after closing and moving in. It was not their style and thought I might like to have it.

I didn't think it would quite fit my personal taste but it was in the right vein. I told them I'd sell it

for them. And sell it I did! The thing is, I didn't really know if it was worth anything more than for

it's general aesthetic beauty as a decorative painting. Who was "Vanguard" and is his work

valuable? Ya gotta love this day and age. This is the kind of information you can now get on

your phone nearly instantly while at the Goodwill by just poking around on a touch screen! So

very Star Trek!

DSCN2917

Well, turns out that Vanguard is the studio where Lee Burr made paintings....hundreds...of

perhaps...Thousands...of paintings. Why would anybody sign a painting Vanguard if that was

the studio name? Dunno for sure but since the actual painter (note: not artist) wasn't going to

sign his or her name...well, what difference does it make What name is on it? "The actual

painter (note: not artist) wasn't going to sign his or her name
"? Right. Even the paintings with

the name Lee Burr or Lee Reynolds were not painted by Mr. Lee Burr Reynolds (except for a

very few me thinks...and we are not likely to stumble upon them at the thrift store so put your

$$$$ dreams away)
but by the staff of painters (Ok...who may be very fine artists but aren't

proving it by just churning out copy after copy of the same thing as prescribed by

management).

DSCN2921DSCN2919

So really, even when you find a genuine painting by Lee Burr, Lee Reynolds, Reynolds or

Vanguard (maybe even more Nom De Plumes) you still just have a mass produced piece of art.

Sucks right? No. It doesn't. It just means it's not gonna finance your retirement. Generally, by

what I've seen, the most one of these paintings might fetch (like in a shop) is about a couple

hundred...and that would be a stretch. I'd never pay that much. The thing is, these painting and

prints are only appreciated by a small percentage (somewhat kitschy art lovers) of a small

percentage (vintage modernists) of the general population (regular folks). The demand is not

great, but just enough to keep a good number of these out of the landfill and on the walls of

mid century homes and shops.

DSCN2925DSCN2923
DSCN2924

This particular piece is just a print (a print of a mass produced painting...that's just too funny)

and has a few small defects from going through the Thrift Store donation process. Since it's a

print it'll be easy to fix the little spots that are lacking color. Actually they can be left as is since

it's difficult to even tell that the spots of white aren't there on purpose! I'll leave it up to the next

lucky owner of this print to fix or leave as is. So yeah, this is available. I'll have it on my ad(s)

soon. If anybody locally would like to snatch it up leave a note here or contact me via my

craigslist ad.

54 comments:

  1. "Print of a mass produced painting"... that is hysterical. It almost sounds like a band name...they could be POMPP for short.

    Anyways, I have seen similar paintings thrifting nice to know someone recuses them. While it isn't my taste I can see it working in a room with the right colors.

    ReplyDelete
  2. i own a painting of lee reynolds and it's a beutiful painting, it even sign by him! Can it be worth something?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Karels. Is your painting a painting OF Lee Reynolds or BY Lee Reynolds. I've never seen a painting of Lee so I'm going to answer assuming it's a painting by L. R. If it is a real painting and not a print it was likely painted buy a studio artist and not Lee Reynolds.It's worth basically whatever someone will pay for it. I'd ask (here in St.Louis) about $75 to $125 depending on conditipn and subject. If you can prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that it is actually signed by Lee Reynolds...well that is a different story all together and I really wouldn't have any idea what that would be worth!

      Delete
    2. i just ran across a very large painting in a similar style. its signed "chanel". i'm sure its just a coincidence, but its fun to dream.

      Delete
    3. I have this one in ur picture contact me myersgerald69@gmail.com

      Delete
    4. He signed his personal paintings as Lee Burr or Lee Reynolds Burr. These are original. All signed as Lee Reynolds are production artists at vanguard studios. Lee Reynolds was just a commercial tag to the product. However, they still have some mid-century value at different price points.

      Delete
  3. My husband and I just purchased a very large (approx. 48 x 48 )canvass print of a lighthouse (bold yellows and bright colors) signed "Lee Reynolds". There is a number "646" on the canvas and the wooden frame that it is stretched on. There is not any stamp from Vanguard. It came from a sale of a an elderly woman's home and she was a collector of fine arts and antiques. I would love to know the potential value - either original or student done.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Tammy123. Please see my answer to Karels above and read the text of the posting. There's not much info out there on the value of a painting that was done by Lee Reynolds but it's a moot point unless you have some way to prove yours was. I don't think a signature in this case is enough.

      Delete
    2. I have one of these same paintings...same number, etc. I am trying to sell on Ebay for a friend...prices range from $400-$1500 but since I am a dealer, I would guess that if you got $300 for it that would be a good price. I am not expecting to get even that much

      Delete
  4. Lee Burr is my grandmother's cousin, what does that make me to him?

    ReplyDelete
  5. hi:)i was just cleanong my apt out and am unsure what to do with my Lee Reynolds oil painting..it is signed by him and beautiful.could it be worth anything?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. varies. most sold in the 60-80s at stores like JC Penny and such. some of the 40x50 pieces were selling around 300 or so. The most I would pay for a Lee Reynolds is around 50-150, and have picked them up as low as 20.00. for the early pieces signed Lee Burr, slightly higher. Now if you ever come across one signed Lee Reynolds Burr, which is very unlikely as those are privately commissioned pieces. More info in a post of mine a few more down.

      Delete
  6. Hi I also have a beautiful painting of a lighthouse, size a 4x5/48x60 signed Lee Reynolds with the number 646 PS. Wow this is strange, however I would like to know if it is worth anything. I forward my pictures of the painting and per his son my painting was suppose to be hanging in one of the twin towers. I sure would like more information if anyone has information.

    Thanks
    gmarston1958@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Retail at a gallery.... you might see them for sale as low as 200-300, and the less knowledgeable galleries I have seen priced over a 1000.00. Should have seen their mouths dropped when I offended 100 cash!!:!! A true authentic Lee Reynolds will be signed Lee Reynolds Burr. The lighthouse is a nice piece. If you like it, keep it ;-)

      Delete
  7. I TOO OWN A 6FT HIGH AND 4FT WIDE PAINTING OF A TUGBOAT SIGNED BY lEE REYNOLDS. i PURCHASED IT IN PORTLAND, MAINE IN A DEPARTMENT STORE IN THE LATE 60'S

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How much did you pay for it back then? did you pic it up at JCPennys?

      Delete
  8. If you ever wonder if you actually have a Lee Reynolds Burr..... You more than likely do not. Less than a dozen have been authenticated to be from his hand. However in the 90's, Lee made it very clear to avoid confusion, he now signs his art Lee Reynolds Burr. And your still not likely to ever own one of those as those pieces are privately commissioned. However his nephew Chris Burr has been seeking out Lee Reynolds Or Lee Burr pieces, as some by his own hand were not destroyed during the mass production process. Almost a dozen have been identified so far

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hello,

    I was wondering if you might lend your expertise to me on this painting I have. It would be greatly appreciated :0)

    This is signed, Reynolds. It appears to be a Lee Reynolds Burr piece. What is different about this piece is; It is signed Reynolds in the left hand corner and at the bottom of this painting is a capitol letter "L" followed by two smaller letters that appear to be two lower case e's. Might you be able to enlighten me on this particular piece?

    I could forward a picture of it if that would help you.

    Thank you for your time,

    Sincerely,

    Christy Spargo
    christyspargo@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. Reynolds is in the upper left hand corner and the "L" ee at the center bottom of the painting

    ReplyDelete
  11. I have done a little research on the studio Reynolds founded, (Art masters Studios of San Fernando California). My question is: I have an Evans and it is signed, labeled, and numbered from that studio. What did I find and is there anyone out there that may know more about the artist?

    ReplyDelete
  12. what I am more curious about is the studio artists which did the paintings. I assume each number on the back refers to the actual painter. Its there a roster anywhere? I would be very curious to hear the stories of artists who worked for Vangard as well. It must have been bitter sweet job. (I Always picture the artists in Xanadu who painted large versions of album covers.

    Also,I am curious is because all the styles vary so much, and I LOVE the painting I have of people flying kites in a field. I don't care about monetary value as I would not sell it anyway, I just love this painting and am curious as to whether the studio artists ever went on to produce similar works. I am an artist myself and the brushwork in this painting is really cool. I think it would be fascinating to hear the studio artists stories from obscurity.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Did you ever get the catalouge or roster? I was curious to see who was on payroll.

      Delete
    2. Any luck with artist roster? Catalog? Mine has 187279 on frame, big penciled R in the back and is a captivating dune seascape capturing the acid of the times.

      Delete
  13. I have a painting signed Lee Reynolds of a gorgeous old plane, and we've always been curious to know its value, if any. I'd never get rid of it, its gorgeous, but just to know would be nice ! Is there anywhere online where you can see actual original prints done by Lee Reynolds ? I'd love to have a look ...

    Izabella

    ReplyDelete
  14. http://www.artworknetwork.com/leeburr/?page_id=about

    ReplyDelete
  15. Oy! I also have a large `4'x5' painting signed Lee Reynolds. it is of a path through the woods,and is very striking!! from what you've said, it does sound like it was a studio artist's work. But it apparently is a painting as opposed to a print. nice to find information on it,thanks. ps keeping it,too!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I have 4 lamps that were "painted" and signed by lee reynolds, anyone know anything about things he painted, possibly this was a gift he had given to the woman that owned the lamps, any suggested values

    ReplyDelete
  17. I have an oil painting of Lee Reynolds. It has a number on the back, sc or SL2943. The signature is in all caps and signed on the lower right corner. The price was $169 paid in the 60's. Found this at a rummage sale for $25. Can you tell by the number is this is a reproduction?

    ReplyDelete
  18. found a lee reynolds portrait of a water fountain surrounded by large collums,it was also painted on partical board ,what do you think this painting may be worth?

    ReplyDelete
  19. I have a Thomas Lee painting of ocean and waves, acryllic, greens yellow
    Can't find any info on it.
    Any ideas?

    Its 4ft by 6 ft size roughly

    ReplyDelete
  20. I received oil painting from my neighbor who didn't want it. it is a 4'x5' oil on canvas of lilacs in a vase and the paint gives it a kind of 3d look and signed Lee Reynolds in the bottom right corner. the e's run into each other and I was wondering if you may know anything about it.

    ReplyDelete
  21. i have an painting that only says "Reynolds" I´ts a seated geisha painting and i´ts big.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I have a painting that only says "Reynolds" in the right hand corner. It is 41" x 41" and is an ocean sunset scene with seagulls. I have not seen another one like it anywhere in my research. I love it and would not sell but I would like to know its value. Can you help me?

    ReplyDelete
  23. I am very confused about this. I have 2 paintings clones. They are original on wood canvas. They are signed VanGuard. They are oil. Any info about this will be great. I want to know about the capitols in VanGuard. Others apparently are not capitalized in this way. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I also have a painting with Van Guard signature more info would help I can't find anything on the internet not even the pic

      Delete
  24. I have a lee Reynolds painting of the twin towers. Does anyone know the value?

    ReplyDelete
  25. I've read a lot about the different signatures but nothing about the painting that are signed "Reynolds" ONLY... Can you tell me anything about these?

    ReplyDelete
  26. I have a large painting signed Lee Reynolds which I am not looking to sell. It came with a house I bought and I suspect came from J.C. Penny It has a white sun and a number of sailboats in front of a village which looks a bit Mediterranean. Are there a lot of pictures like this one?.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I paid 40 dollars for a 4x5' Lee Reynolds who did not lay a hand on it.

      Delete
  27. Hi I have a 24x48 oil cavas paimting its has red,orange, black and yelow, ships, ppl walking on a pier and over looking tall buildings or a city! It's stamped on the frame Vanguard Studios 1967 signed Stuart with #288 on it! Any help would be appreciated about this peice! TIA

    ReplyDelete
  28. I have a framed(what I think is called) Parisian Promenade that was passed down to me when my Grandma passed away. It always took pride in her house. Could someone tell me it's estimated value?

    ReplyDelete
  29. I believe Vanguard is the actual artist group that signed che with an accent over the e. check out this woman's $500,000. listing on ebay of a donkey signed che and compare it to lee burr paintings of the same color and style

    ReplyDelete
  30. I actually have 2 copies of Senorita signed by Lee Burr that were found in my father-in-laws basement, is there any worth to them?

    ReplyDelete
  31. My dad past away and I was cleaning his home and found a big oil flower painting that is signed Reynolds in red on bottom right corner. Can anyone tell me if it's real? Bc that would amazing to known

    ReplyDelete
  32. I have a Lee Reynolds painting number on it is 5:46 on the back says Vanguard Studios 1967 in the frame that stretches the canvas however that's the only thing on the frame the number is actually wrote on the back of the canvas NFL type marker and the signature as in the top right-hand corner of the painting unlike most of Lee Reynolds is work I cannot find any duplicate copies of this painting anywhere online or at any auctions or galleries was wondering if someone could maybe tell me a little more about the numbers on the back other painting

    ReplyDelete
  33. I have a large Lee Reynolds signed painting with red stamped number on back, there are no other markings. It 's a painting of what looks like an asteroid or some type of cosmic scene. I can't find any other painting like it. I got it from a family member who passed. She used to live in Cathederal City where I believe I read somewhere that the artist did some original paintings. Any information about it would be greatly appreciated.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Well I don't have anything signed by Lee, or VanGuard,but I do have one that I found at an estate sale signed "Franco" which apparently came from Artmaster Studios in San Fernando CA. Artmaster was apparently what Vanguard Studio was before it became Vanguard. The piece I have is a silkscreen (serigraph? are they the same?) of a cityscape. It's very linear and done in shades of grey and gold. Anyway I am semi-obsessed with learning more about this mysterious Franco if anyone knows anything. I LOVE the piece and I'm super curious!

    ReplyDelete
  35. I have a Sears " La Flamenca" i inherited from my grandparents and grew up staring at all of my life. Just curious in all of these forums I have not seen a comment about this beauty...I dont care about Value I just want to know the Lucky sobs that have what I call " my senorita " and have since I was a little one. item # 8 9001 1712 L110 LA Flamener F30H * Pretty sure my " La Flamener " is a typo due to the fact my research has shown its truely named "La Flamenca" . ANyone have any insite on what the numbers actually mean...? And from what ive found my artists number is 130166 THANK YOUUUUUU

    ReplyDelete
  36. I have a painting a big one that Ive haf hanged up for years. The other day I was moving and accidentally ripped the back of the painting. When they I looked, there was a hidden painting in the back of that painting and the painting is signed by Lee Burr and its the same one with the ships with many colors. I wonder why there was a painting hidden behind another painting! Might this be an original?

    ReplyDelete
  37. I have a copy of the above picture you have posted. I bought it from a retro cafe closing sale. I love it! It's orange -yellow tones resonate like daily sunsets.
    Thanks for the interesting read.

    ReplyDelete
  38. I have a Lee Reynolds painting I’ve looked for anything like it and can not find anything similar at all. It has a price tag and a label.price is $400. Label gas 2 different numbers. Code 952503 and 138817 under Vanguard made in USA, as well as 2 initials Assembler JC. It has a ribbon painted into the front the whole painting seems to be popcorned. I can’t say I love it, but would like to know the value. Anyone help is appreciated. Susan ODonoghue

    ReplyDelete
  39. Anyone one know who owns the rights to Vanguard Studios? Trying to get a piece cleared for a show.

    ReplyDelete