Buy Art Smart: The Post-Impressionist Paintings of Mary Loring Warner

I am a big believer that the smartest art investments are ones that have had a little time to prove themselves within the market, but still show tremendous potential for appreciation. As such, I am a great supporter of the art market of the first three quarters of the 20th century. So much wonderful art was produced during this time period, and it remains most affordable with terrific appreciation possibilities. One such artist that has proven to be highly collectible while still very affordable is Mary Loring Warner.

Mary Loring Warner was born in Sheffield, Massachussetts in 1860. After graduating from Mt. Holyoke, she studied in New York City at The Cooper Union under Alden Wier, and at the Art Students League. Her work was exhibited at the National Gallery in New York; the Pennsylvania Academy; and the Connecticut Academy. Her work was devoted to landscapes, with a very soft palette and post-Impressionist hand. She worked until age 75, and died in 1950 at the age of 89. She is listed in Who Was Who in American Art; Mallet's; Mantle Fielding's; and several online search engines. Her paintings were done on canvas, paper, or board with both oil and watercolors.

Warner's work is highly collectible for several reasons. First, it is visually appealing to a mass audience. Her paintings are lovely both in composition and palette, as they are easy on the eye mixing with English or Continental art of the same genre. Second, they mix well with both earlier Impressionist art, as well as later more realistic paintings. Third, Warner's subject of her New England landscape has proven to be a consistent appeal to the art market, and it created a niche market for which she is known. Fourth, she was part of some very highly regarded leagues, galleries, and academies, so she remains reputable. Fifth, she was prolific so pieces remain on the market. And that brings us to the sixth reason: Warner's prices remain very affordable for such a widely known and listed artist, and her prices continue to appreciate.

Warner's work can occasionally be found unframed for under $1,000. per piece; however, most pieces are in the $2,000. - $3,500. range. These prices are affordable, but guaranteed to appreciate quickly in the market. Enjoy searching for listed artists: you might just find some other secret and little known, but wonderfully talented artists of the early 20th century.