Where do we go from here?

January 25,2025

Guelph couple, Cheryl and Roger, had some questions about their collection:

We recently came across your website on Clara Harris’ art. We are the proud owners of at least 6 of her paintings and have often wondered what to do with them, whether they should be appraised for insurance purposes, sold, or continue to hold. Most are landscapes, one is a still life flower portrait. The floral has special meaning as it was given to us as a wedding present 45+ years ago by Mary Barker who ran a small Toronto gallery. She took us into her gallery and offered us any picture there. The painting was in her gallery section devoted to Clara Harris.

Oil on canvas, 30.25 x 33”, sealed back, framed.

Oil on canvas, 16 x 20”, framed.

Oil on canvas board, 16 x 22”, unframed.

Oil on canvas board, 18 x 22”, unframed. Titled “A January Day”, Clara Harris, 23 Valley View Gardens

Would you be able to provide some clarity as to where we might go from here?



Wishing you all the best as you continue your efforts to make people more aware of Clara Harris’ work.

And here is my reply:

You have a nice collection.  As always, I wish that Clara had identified the scenes.  I scrolled through some of the paintings on the site to possibly identify the locations but didn't have much luck. 

Your floral painting is beautiful.  I like the dimensions which are almost square so the canvas frames the subject nicely.  You may be aware that Clara travelled and was influenced by painter Emily Louise Orr Elliott:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emily_Louise_Orr_Elliott

Reference to their painting excursions and collaboration is referred to in Clara's husband's diary.  

The fall scene has a frame typical of ones chosen by Mary Barker.  Again, I don't know the location.

The one I like the best is the farm scene. It is the most unusual. If we knew its environs an historian from that area could definitely identify the buildings.  It resembles another painting which was done in Thistletown or it could be Kleinburg. But no matter what, it captures the Ontario rural scene which is disappearing rapidly with Toronto's ever-expanding sprawl. 

The snow scene could be Royal York Road in Etobicoke. Many think Clara's snow scenes were her best. And with global warming these scenes become more valued as they capture a climate/season which no longer exists. 

Now to answer your questions.  As far as value the prices are all over the map depending on the circumstances under which they were acquired and the preferences of the buyer.  They can range anywhere from $50.00 - $1200.00.  The more her work is exhibited, known and appreciated for its legacy, the more the value should increase. Now with more emphasis being placed on the contribution of women artists through the centuries, the possibility of increased valuation is more realistic. Here's the Link for a 2024 exhibit at the AGO:  https://artbma.org/exhibition/making-her-mark-a-history-of-women-artists-in-europe-1400-1800/

In the meantime, I would have your two snow scenes framed.  This helps to preserve their shape and avoid canvas damage.  Look at the website and see if there are any frames that attract your attention as frame choices are very subjective. Traditional or contemporary? You can show these when you go to the frame shop. Typically oil paintings do not have mats.

For now I think your homeowners insurance is good enough coverage.  But take photos of each painting front and back for condition.  If Clara's paintings continue to rise in value then you can decide how much to insure them for.

If you like the paintings and have space for them, keep them.  If you decide to sell them I can put them on the site and connect you to interested parties.

Here endeth the "lesson". Hope it helped