Oil on canvas. Heavy wood with canvas stretched over with metal staples to secure. About 2' x 1.5'. #9263 on back (see pic) Signed by W. Chapman. Landscape: Night time waterfall, forest & mountains under the moon
Found it in a thrift store
This is a vintage original painting of a winter alpine landscape in moonlight with waterfall and mountains that dates to the 3rd quarter of the 20th century, 1950’s - 1970’s measuring 24" x 18" and is signed W. Chapman. There are quite number of paintings in this ilk signed W. Chapman, though scant information on who this person may be. It is more likely a moniker used by several people in an art factory setting. It is by what is known as an unlisted artist, meaning one that does not sell at auction for fine art collector and investor purposes, but a painting that is more intended for decorative framed original wall art for the home, hotel or lobby setting. Oftentimes, the artist’s name that is on the painting is fictitious and they painted in factory settings in Mexico and China. They were sold in decorator shops, furniture show room stores and department store furniture sections. The estimate is based on actual recent past recorded auction sales of comparables. Retail 'asking prices' can be higher and vary.
I can assure you 110% that this is not a work by William Ernest Chapman (1858 - 1947). This is not a stylistic nor signature match. The composition and mastery of Snowy Woodland from 1936 by William Ernest Chapman far and beyond exceeds the later 20th century stipple brush, commercial style of the work here. This is a Chinese factory produced decorative wall art piece.
This is a pretty broad range for an appraisal. $30 to $150. I also dont believe the information posted by the "expert" stating this is a art shop unknown artist. W. Chapman is rather well known. William Ernest Chapman was an American visual artist who was born in 1858. Several works by the artist have been sold at auction, including 'Snowy Woodland Stream' sold at Thomaston Place Auction Galleries 'Fine Art & Antiques' in 2015. The artist died in 1947. Dont waste your time & $15 with this "appraisal" company.