Don't overlook foreign auction catalogues

   Foreign auction catalogues from Europe and the Far East are a good way to discover artists who have yet to establish themselves beyond their native shores. You may not be able to read the bulk of the text but there should be enough clues to allow you to do further research online. As an admirer of realist paintings, I'd like to show you four paintings from a recent sale of Chinese modern and contemporary art at Poly Auctions in Beijing. I will be putting quite a few of their catalogues online for sale shortly.

   There are digital watermarks (not my doing) on one or two of these images so be aware if you use them.

   First up is Man of Butuo by Luo Zhongli:

   Painted in 1988 and measuring 26"x21", it was estimated at £60,000-70,000. It sold for £108,000.

   Tibetan Girl by Ai Xuan, painted in 1993, 20"x24". Estimated at £82,000-123,000, sold for £106,000.

   Tibetan Men by Yu Hanxi, painted in 2011, 90½"x171¼". Estimated at £154,000-184,000, it sold for £224,000.

      Girl in Red Scarf by Yan Yaya, painted in 2006, 63"x59". Estimated at £22,500-26,000, it sold for £35,000.

   I could have added more, but this is only one catalogue and I've got loads. Keep an eye out for when I list them. When are you going to get an opportunity otherwise to pick up Beijing catalogues for a song?

   This catalogue is now in the 'books for sale' post below.