What am I supposed to do with this...?

[PapaSmurfin]

I'm new to this forum, and fairly new to diving. I have a few friends who are experienced and give me great pointers and everything, but none of them could have prepared me for what I found this morning...

I was nearing the end of a decent morning with a never - been - used Swiss Gear backpack, antique wrought iron table, case of Ramen noodle cups, and a few random father's day gifts. On the final stretch of our journey I almost stepped right on top of a giant canvas.

As I pulled it out of the very large dumpster I realized there was more than a few, and that on this canvas was beautiful painted portraits, obviously very high quality. After finding all of them and sorting through, I estimate there is about 20 or so portraits.

After a Google search on the name in all the pictures, I found out we had a professional artist in my city that is commissioned by museums and universities. I'm still scraping my jaw off the floor when I saw what his work sells for at auctions!

The first one I checked was an astonishing $12,400!! On average they ranged from two to five thousand each, some being portraits of celebrities, presidents, and some unknown.

But from here I'm lost, I don't know where to go from here, how do I go about selling these?? Not like I can really bring them to a pawn shop.. any suggestions??

 

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[G.I.B.]

First thing would be to have them professionally appraised.

Then you will know where to go.

 

[smokeythecat]

I'd also go to an appraiser. Any idea who might have dumped them? Make sure they weren't stolen and dumped.

 

[BARKER]

Take them or send them to an Auction House near you. Here in Boston it is Skinners Auctions located at the 4 Seasons Hotel. They will Appraise anything and propose the sale Terms ok. Great Finds. Good Luck. Can you Post some pictures of them here for us to enjoy ?? PEACE:RONB

 

[SusanMN]

Because these are quite valuable, I would check with the police, let them know how they were found to make sure they weren't stolen. Wouldn't want to get caught trying to sell stolen property.

 

[Honest Samuel]

I live my life by my name, Honest, these items were either stolen or throw away by mistake. I also agree with # 5. Contact a lawyer on what to do next.

 

[PapaSmurfin]

I don't think they are stolen as the address listed for him is the same address as the dumpster I found them in, but I was thinking maybe thrown by mistake. I think his email address was listed, so I am gonna try contacting him to find out before anything else

 

[PapaSmurfin]

Just heard back from the artist, he said they were meant to be thrown away as they were studies or he just didn't like them! I'll post pictures as soon as I get around to finding my camera tonight.

 

[kcm]

In some areas, it is illegal to rummage through a dumpster - although for the life of me I don't know why, other than from a liability standpoint.

Make certain you have permission from the artist to do with the paintings as you wish. If you can sell them, it would be a kind gesture to offer the artist some amount, or offer to donate some to a charity/organization of the artist's choice - maybe even a scholarship, if they're worth enough.

 

[against the wind]

Celebrities, Presidents, and some UNKNOWNS.
I guess you have a picture of me. Let me know how much you get for it. lol

 

[kcm]

Another thought as to making certain the artist has no objections to you doing with them what you want. As his(?) have will remain on the art indefinitely, he may not wish for his rejects to be in circulation. ....On the other hand, he DID throw them away. So is the glass half empty or the wallet nearly full?

 

[smokeythecat]

Keep a printout of that email....forever.

 

[kcm]

Make sure the email shows all the routing info, as that would be absolute proof! Otherwise, it could be argued that the email message could be faked.