Hardie Gramatky Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Hardie Gramatky Art Value Price Guide

Nov. 16, 2024
War Poster Grace Line WWII USA Merchant Navy Marine
Est: £120 - £240
Original vintage World War Two poster Grace Line with the United States Merchant Marine logo and artwork by Hardie Gramatky (1907-1979) depicting ships on the water with a large yellow moon above between night sky covered with clouds, the text reads - How many... How much... In a convoy? - with a list of the number of bombs, tanks, boats, trucks, tank destroyers, machine guns, shells, jeeps, planes, locomotives, anti-aircraft guns, aircraft detectors, rounds of ammunition, gallons of gasoline, cases of food, medicine, clothing and supplies. Litho in the USA - Kn. Inc. Good condition, folds, creasing, staining, repaired tears, browning. Country of issue: USA, designer: Hardie Gramatky, size (cm): 74x59, year of printing: 1940s.
Antikbar Original Vintage Posters
Oct. 27, 2024
Hardie Gramatky (TX,CT,CA,1907-1979) gouache painting
Est: $600 - $750
ARTIST: Hardie Gramatky (Texas, Connecticut, California, 1907 - 1979) TITLE: Royal Procession MEDIUM: gouache and watercolor on board CONDITION: Some small damages to corners. Few minor paint losses. Some glue residue from old mat. ART SIZE: 13 x 11 inches / 33 x 27 cm FRAME SIZE: unframed (In-House framing available) SIGNATURE: lower right NAME VARIANTS: Bernhard August Hardie Gramatky Jr CATEGORY: old antique vintage painting for auction sale online AD: ART CONSIGNMENTS WANTED. CONTACT US SKU#: 127165 US SHIPPING: $42 + insurance. BIOGRAPHY: Bernhard August "Hardie" Gramatky, Jr. was an American painter, writer, animator, and illustrator. In a 2006 article in Watercolor Magazine, Andrew Wyeth named him as one of America's 20 greatest watercolorists. He wrote and illustrated several children's books, most notably Little Toot.In the early 1930s, he became active in the California Watercolor Society, an organization founded in 1920. It was largely through his efforts that the young watercolorists of the California School were able to dominate the Society and establish it as an internationally recognized organization. In 1932, he married Dorothea Cooke, who had been his fellow student at Chouinard. In 1936, Gramatky moved to New York City. There, the Ferargil Gallery began exhibiting his watercolors and, in 1937, those of other members of the California School as well. Gramatky was also among those whose work was exhibited in a major show of California artists mounted at the Art Institute of Chicago that year. Ultimately, his work would be exhibited at numerous museums, including the Whitney Museum of American Art and New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art. Examples of his work are part of the permanent collections of the Brooklyn Museum of Art, Chicago Art Institute, and Frye Art Museum in Seattle, Washington, among others. By the 1940s, he was producing commercial art to be used for magazine illustrations and began writing and illustrating a series of children's books, including Hercules, Loopy, Creepers Jeep and Sparky. Gramatky's most successful book was his first, Little Toot, published in 1939. It became a perennial best seller, spawning several sequels, and was animated by Disney as part of the feature anthology Melody Time. During World War II, he worked in Hollywood producing training films for the United States Army Air Forces. After the war, Gramatky returned to the East Coast, settling in Westport, Connecticut, where he would live for the rest of the life. He continued working as a commercial illustrator producing art for Fortune, Collier's, Woman's Day, True, American and Reader's Digest. He also wrote and illustrated several sequels to the original Little Toot story. Gramatky died of cancer on April 29, 1979. His last book, Little Toot and the Loch Ness Monster, was unfinished at the time of his death. Following the 50th anniversary of Little Toot it was completed by his wife and daughter, Dorothea Cooke Gramatky and Linda Gramatky Smith, and published in 1989.
Broward Auction Gallery LLC
Aug. 24, 2024
Hardie Gramatky, Connecticut, California (1907-1979), Hunters Seated around a Lantern, foreground Bloodhound, gouache on board
Est: $700 - $1,000
Hardie Gramatky Connecticut, California, (1907-1979) Hunters Seated around a Lantern, foreground Bloodhound gouache on board signed lower right, framed.
Link Auction Galleries
Jun. 20, 2024
HARDY GRAMATKY (1907-1979) "Little Toot."
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
HARDY GRAMATKY (1907-1979) "Little Toot." Group of 2 Little Toot illustrations, circa 1939.Watercolor and ink on paper. 14 X 11 inches (each). Signed on both sheets.
Swann Auction Galleries
Mar. 10, 2024
Hardie Gramatky (TX,CT,CA,1907-1979) gouache painting
Est: $650 - $800
ARTIST: Hardie Gramatky (Texas, Connecticut, California, 1907 - 1979) TITLE: Royal Procession MEDIUM: gouache and watercolor on board CONDITION: Some small damages to corners. Few minor paint losses. Some glue residue from old mat. ART SIZE: 13 x 11 inches / 33 x 27 cm FRAME SIZE: unframed (In-House framing available) SIGNATURE: lower right NAME VARIANTS: Bernhard August Hardie Gramatky Jr CATEGORY: old antique vintage painting for auction sale online AD: ART CONSIGNMENTS WANTED. CONTACT US SKU#: 127165 US Shipping $42 + insurance. BIOGRAPHY: Bernhard August "Hardie" Gramatky, Jr. was an American painter, writer, animator, and illustrator. In a 2006 article in Watercolor Magazine, Andrew Wyeth named him as one of America's 20 greatest watercolorists. He wrote and illustrated several children's books, most notably Little Toot.In the early 1930s, he became active in the California Watercolor Society, an organization founded in 1920. It was largely through his efforts that the young watercolorists of the California School were able to dominate the Society and establish it as an internationally recognized organization. In 1932, he married Dorothea Cooke, who had been his fellow student at Chouinard. In 1936, Gramatky moved to New York City. There, the Ferargil Gallery began exhibiting his watercolors and, in 1937, those of other members of the California School as well. Gramatky was also among those whose work was exhibited in a major show of California artists mounted at the Art Institute of Chicago that year. Ultimately, his work would be exhibited at numerous museums, including the Whitney Museum of American Art and New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art. Examples of his work are part of the permanent collections of the Brooklyn Museum of Art, Chicago Art Institute, and Frye Art Museum in Seattle, Washington, among others. By the 1940s, he was producing commercial art to be used for magazine illustrations and began writing and illustrating a series of children's books, including Hercules, Loopy, Creepers Jeep and Sparky. Gramatky's most successful book was his first, Little Toot, published in 1939. It became a perennial best seller, spawning several sequels, and was animated by Disney as part of the feature anthology Melody Time. During World War II, he worked in Hollywood producing training films for the United States Army Air Forces. After the war, Gramatky returned to the East Coast, settling in Westport, Connecticut, where he would live for the rest of the life. He continued working as a commercial illustrator producing art for Fortune, Collier's, Woman's Day, True, American and Reader's Digest. He also wrote and illustrated several sequels to the original Little Toot story. Gramatky died of cancer on April 29, 1979. His last book, Little Toot and the Loch Ness Monster, was unfinished at the time of his death. Following the 50th anniversary of Little Toot it was completed by his wife and daughter, Dorothea Cooke Gramatky and Linda Gramatky Smith, and published in 1989.
Broward Auction Gallery LLC
Mar. 10, 2024
Hardie Gramatky (TX,CT,CA,1907-1979) gouache painting
Est: $650 - $800
ARTIST: Hardie Gramatky (Texas, Connecticut, California, 1907 - 1979) TITLE: Royal Procession MEDIUM: gouache and watercolor on board CONDITION: Some small damages to corners. Some glue residues from old mat. ART SIZE: 13 x 11 inches / 33 x 27 cm FRAME SIZE: unframed (In-House framing available) SIGNATURE: lower right NAME VARIANTS: Bernhard August Hardie Gramatky Jr CATEGORY: old antique vintage painting for auction sale online AD: ART CONSIGNMENTS WANTED. CONTACT US SKU#: 127166 US Shipping $42 + insurance. BIOGRAPHY: Bernhard August "Hardie" Gramatky, Jr. was an American painter, writer, animator, and illustrator. In a 2006 article in Watercolor Magazine, Andrew Wyeth named him as one of America's 20 greatest watercolorists. He wrote and illustrated several children's books, most notably Little Toot.In the early 1930s, he became active in the California Watercolor Society, an organization founded in 1920. It was largely through his efforts that the young watercolorists of the California School were able to dominate the Society and establish it as an internationally recognized organization. In 1932, he married Dorothea Cooke, who had been his fellow student at Chouinard. In 1936, Gramatky moved to New York City. There, the Ferargil Gallery began exhibiting his watercolors and, in 1937, those of other members of the California School as well. Gramatky was also among those whose work was exhibited in a major show of California artists mounted at the Art Institute of Chicago that year. Ultimately, his work would be exhibited at numerous museums, including the Whitney Museum of American Art and New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art. Examples of his work are part of the permanent collections of the Brooklyn Museum of Art, Chicago Art Institute, and Frye Art Museum in Seattle, Washington, among others. By the 1940s, he was producing commercial art to be used for magazine illustrations and began writing and illustrating a series of children's books, including Hercules, Loopy, Creepers Jeep and Sparky. Gramatky's most successful book was his first, Little Toot, published in 1939. It became a perennial best seller, spawning several sequels, and was animated by Disney as part of the feature anthology Melody Time. During World War II, he worked in Hollywood producing training films for the United States Army Air Forces. After the war, Gramatky returned to the East Coast, settling in Westport, Connecticut, where he would live for the rest of the life. He continued working as a commercial illustrator producing art for Fortune, Collier's, Woman's Day, True, American and Reader's Digest. He also wrote and illustrated several sequels to the original Little Toot story. Gramatky died of cancer on April 29, 1979. His last book, Little Toot and the Loch Ness Monster, was unfinished at the time of his death. Following the 50th anniversary of Little Toot it was completed by his wife and daughter, Dorothea Cooke Gramatky and Linda Gramatky Smith, and published in 1989.
Broward Auction Gallery LLC
Feb. 17, 2024
Hardie Gramatky (1907 - 1979) American Ilustration
Est: $600 - $900
Hardie Gramatky (1907 - 1979) Watercolor and Gouache , Signed , measures 12" x 9.5" , w/frame 18.5" x 15.5"
Cutler Bay Auctions
Jan. 17, 2024
Hardie Gramatky Signed Apple Tree Watercolor 1949
Est: $50 - $150
Signed on right corner and on backside Hardie Gramatky, 1949 Depicts a close up of an apple tree. Framed in a chestnut toned wooden frame with off white mat board. Approx 15 x 13 inches window measures 10 x 8.75 inches Moderate discoloration to mat board. Signed watercolor painting, signed painting, signed artwork, apple tree painting, signed art, signed wall art, wall art, art, fine art, framed art, Hardie Gramatky signed art. 12 Art wall
The Benefit Shop Foundation Inc.
Jan. 17, 2024
Hardie Gramatky Sgd Kids Sledding Mixed Media 1977
Est: $50 - $150
Signed on right corner and verso Hardie Gramatky, 1977 Depicts a snowy forest with children on a sled Framed in a gold leafed wooden frame with white mat board. Approx 12 x 15 inches window measures 7 x 9.5 inches. Moderate wearing to gold leafing on frame. Signed mixed media painting, signed painting, signed artwork, snow scene painting, signed art, signed wall art, wall art, art, fine art, framed art, Hardie Gramatky signed art. 12 Art wall
The Benefit Shop Foundation Inc.
Dec. 14, 2023
Hardie Gramatky (1907 - 1979) American
Est: $600 - $900
Hardie Gramatky (1907 - 1979) Watercolor and Gouache , Signed , measures 12" x 9.5" , w/frame 18.5" x 15.5" Hardie Gramatky was an American artist who was born in 1907. Numerous key galleries and museums such as The Bowers Museum of Cultural Art have featured Hardie Gramatky's work in the past.Hardie Gramatky's work has been offered at auction multiple times, with realized prices ranging from 45 USD to 4,000 USD, depending on the size and medium of the artwork. Since 2006 the record price for this artist at auction is 4,000 USD for "The Wondrous World of Little Toot.", sold at Swann Auction Galleries in 2021. The artist died in 1979.
Cutler Bay Auctions
May. 25, 2023
Hardie Gramatky (1907 - 1979) American Ilustration
Est: $800 - $1,200
Hardie Gramatky (1907 - 1979) Watercolor and Gouache , Signed , measures 12" x 9.5" , w/frame 18.5" x 15.5" Hardie Gramatky was an American artist who was born in 1907. Numerous key galleries and museums such as The Bowers Museum of Cultural Art have featured Hardie Gramatky's work in the past.Hardie Gramatky's work has been offered at auction multiple times, with realized prices ranging from 45 USD to 4,000 USD, depending on the size and medium of the artwork. Since 2006 the record price for this artist at auction is 4,000 USD for "The Wondrous World of Little Toot.", sold at Swann Auction Galleries in 2021. The artist died in 1979.
Cutler Bay Auctions
Feb. 22, 2023
HARDIE GRAMATKY W/C, FISHING SCENE.
Est: $500 - $800
Hardie Gramatky (1907 - 1979) watercolor on paper, fly fisherman with a catch, signed lower right Hardie Gramatky. Image 15.5” x 11”, overall 21” x 17”
William Smith Auctions
Feb. 12, 2023
Hardie Gramatky (TX,CT,CA,1907-1979) watercolor painting
Est: $600 - $750
ARTIST: Hardie Gramatky (Texas, Connecticut, California, 1907 - 1979) TITLE: Tug Boat MEDIUM: watercolor and gouache on paper CONDITION: Minor age toning. Framed under glass. Wear to frame. ART SIZE: 6 x 8 inches / 15 x 20 cm FRAME SIZE: 12 x 14 inches / 30 x 35 cm SIGNATURE: lower right NAME VARIANTS: Bernhard August Hardie Gramatky Jr CATEGORY: old antique vintage painting for auction sale online AD: ART CONSIGNMENTS WANTED. CONTACT US SKU#: 122889 US Shipping $42 + insurance. BIOGRAPHY: Bernhard August "Hardie" Gramatky, Jr. was an American painter, writer, animator, and illustrator. In a 2006 article in Watercolor Magazine, Andrew Wyeth named him as one of America's 20 greatest watercolorists. He wrote and illustrated several children's books, most notably Little Toot.In the early 1930s, he became active in the California Watercolor Society, an organization founded in 1920. It was largely through his efforts that the young watercolorists of the California School were able to dominate the Society and establish it as an internationally recognized organization. In 1932, he married Dorothea Cooke, who had been his fellow student at Chouinard. In 1936, Gramatky moved to New York City. There, the Ferargil Gallery began exhibiting his watercolors and, in 1937, those of other members of the California School as well. Gramatky was also among those whose work was exhibited in a major show of California artists mounted at the Art Institute of Chicago that year. Ultimately, his work would be exhibited at numerous museums, including the Whitney Museum of American Art and New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art. Examples of his work are part of the permanent collections of the Brooklyn Museum of Art, Chicago Art Institute, and Frye Art Museum in Seattle, Washington, among others.By the 1940s, he was producing commercial art to be used for magazine illustrations and began writing and illustrating a series of children's books, including Hercules, Loopy, Creepers Jeep and Sparky. Gramatky's most successful book was his first, Little Toot, published in 1939. It became a perennial best seller, spawning several sequels, and was animated by Disney as part of the feature anthology Melody Time. During World War II, he worked in Hollywood producing training films for the United States Army Air Forces.After the war, Gramatky returned to the East Coast, settling in Westport, Connecticut, where he would live for the rest of the life. He continued working as a commercial illustrator producing art for Fortune, Collier's, Woman's Day, True, American and Reader's Digest. He also wrote and illustrated several sequels to the original Little Toot story. Gramatky died of cancer on April 29, 1979. His last book, Little Toot and the Loch Ness Monster, was unfinished at the time of his death. Following the 50th anniversary of Little Toot it was completed by his wife and daughter, Dorothea Cooke Gramatky and Linda Gramatky Smith, and published in 1989.
Broward Auction Gallery LLC
Nov. 13, 2022
Hardie Gramatky (1907 - 1979) American Ilustration
Est: $500 - $5,000
Hardie Gramatky (1907 - 1979) Watercolor and Gouache , Signed , measures 12" x 9.5" , w/frame 18.5" x 15.5"
Cutler Bay Auctions
Oct. 11, 2022
Hardie Gramatky (1907 - 1979) American
Est: $600 - $900
Hardie Gramatky (1907 - 1979) Watercolor and Gouache , Signed , measures 12" x 9.5" , w/frame 18.5" x 15.5"
Cutler Bay Auctions
Sep. 29, 2022
HARDIE GRAMATKY (1907-1979) WATERCOLOR TUG
Est: $50 - $1,000
Watercolor and gouache. Possibly NYC harbor, tug pushing a barge. Signed on mat. Dimensions: (Frame) H 12" x W 14.5", (Sight incl. mat) H 7.75" x W 9.5" Condition: Mat with age staining. Frame with losses. Paper appears clean.
Westport Auction
Sep. 21, 2022
Hardie Gramatky (1907 - 1979) American
Est: $700 - $1,000
Hardie Gramatky (1907 - 1979) Watercolor and Gouache , Signed , measures 12" x 9.5" , w/frame 18.5" x 15.5"
Cutler Bay Auctions
Sep. 13, 2022
Hardie Gramatky, (1907-1979, Westport, CT), Mischievous boy on chair, Tempera and graphite on paper, Sheet: 20" H x 14" W
Est: $800 - $1,200
Hardie Gramatky (1907-1979, Westport, CT) Mischievous boy on chair Tempera and graphite on paper Signed lower right: Hardie Gramatky Sheet: 20" H x 14" W
John Moran Auctioneers
Aug. 16, 2022
Hardie Gramatky (1907 - 1979) American Ilustration
Est: $800 - $1,500
Hardie Gramatky (1907 - 1979) Watercolor and Gouache , Signed , measures 12" x 9.5" , w/frame 18.5" x 15.5"
Cutler Bay Auctions
Jul. 29, 2022
HARDIE GRAMATKY (1907-1979) WATERCOLOR TUG
Est: $600 - $800
Watercolor and gouache. Possibly NYC harbor, tug pushing a barge. Signed on mat. Dimensions: (Frame) H 12" x W 14.5", (Sight incl. mat) H 7.75" x W 9.5" Condition: Mat with age staining. Frame with losses. Paper appears clean.
Westport Auction
Jun. 23, 2022
HARDIE GRAMATKY (1907-1979) ORIGINAL MIXED MEDIA
Est: $10 - $1,000
River landscape with steamboat and fishermen, possibly an illustration or study for the "Little Toot" series. Watercolor and gouache on paper, signed lower right. Dimensions: (Frame) H 38.5" x W 31.5" (Sight) H 27" x W 20.5" Condition: Not examined out of frame. Age toning to mat; frame with a few scuffs and marks.
Westport Auction
May. 05, 2022
Hardie Gramatky Original Crayon Drawing
Est: $600 - $900
Original Drawing of Ellsworth Elephant by famed "Little Toot" artist Hardie Gramatky. Measures approx. 17" x 23". Signed bottom center and titled by the artist. Circa 1950's-60's.
Weiss Auctions
Apr. 19, 2022
HARDIE GRAMATKY (1907-1979) ORIGINAL MIXED MEDIA
Est: $800 - $1,200
River landscape with steamboat and fishermen, possibly an illustration or study for the "Little Toot" series. Watercolor and gouache on paper, signed lower right. Dimensions: (Frame) H 38.5" x W 31.5" (Sight) H 27" x W 20.5" Condition: Not examined out of frame. Age toning to mat; frame with a few scuffs and marks.
Westport Auction
Apr. 06, 2022
1975 Little Toot Golden Gate Poster, Gramatky
Est: $80 - $120
Original Little Toot Poster featuring the cover art from 'Little Toot through the Golden Gate' book done by Hardie Gramatky, Measures approximately 24" x 24". Poster is in excellent condition. Linen Backed.
Weiss Auctions
Dec. 12, 2021
Hardie Gramatky, N.A. (American/California, 1907-1979), "Babe's Lobster Shack"
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
Hardie Gramatky, N.A. (American/California, 1907-1979) "Babe's Lobster Shack" watercolor on paper signed lower right. Matted, glazed and framed. sight 20" x 26", framed 28-1/2" x 34-1/2"
New Orleans Auction Galleries
Jul. 02, 2021
1939 Little Toot Pictures & Story by Hardie Gramatky ILLUSTRATED
Est: -
G. P. Putnam's Sons, New York, 1939. Hardcover. Weekly Reader Children's Book Club. Pages are unpaginated. First edition. Please ask specific questions on details, condition, and shipping prior to bidding, ALL ITEMS ARE SOLD AS IS, and the bidder will be responsible for payment. We box and ship what we can to keep costs low, and use USPS and UPS. Large items, extremely fragile, and high value items will be packed by UPS. Quotes available on request
One Source Auctions
Jun. 24, 2021
HARDIE GRAMATKY (1907-1979) "The Wondrous World of Little Toot." [CHILDRENS]
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
HARDIE GRAMATKY (1907-1979) "The Wondrous World of Little Toot." Preliminary sketch for book advertisement featuring "Little Toot" and his friends in various scenes. Tempera, graphite, and ink on board. 282x225 mm; 11x8 3/4 inches. Signed "Hardie Gramatky" in upper center image. Not dated. Float mounted and archivally framed. Not removed from frame for inspection. Provenance: Acquired by current owner from Illustration House, Inc.
Swann Auction Galleries
Jun. 24, 2021
HARDIE GRAMATKY (1907-1979) "Compo's End." [LONG ISLAND SOUND]
Est: $800 - $1,200
HARDIE GRAMATKY (1907-1979) "Compo's End." Watercolor over graphite on board. 185x220 mm; 7 1/4x8 3/4 inches, on 8 1/4x9 1/4-inch board. Signed posthumously "Hardie Gramatky" in lower left image with a signature stamping, which is a facsimile of Gramatky's signature and is printed in watercolor pigment. A stamp on the verso signed by Gramatky's wife, Dorothea, and dated "9/12/90" specifies artwork title, creation date of 1959, and explains signature. Taped to matte and framed. Accompanied by a blank "Happy Birthday" greeting card featuring "Little Toot" and a profile article on Gramatky featuring a photograph of the artist painting on Compo Beach published in Westport News, December 6, 2006. Long Island Sound is rendered in the distance. Provenance: Estate of William F. Brown and Tina Tippit Brown.
Swann Auction Galleries
Jan. 28, 2021
HARDIE GRAMATKY (1907-1979) Little Toot. [CHILDRENS /TRAINS]
Est: $600 - $900
HARDIE GRAMATKY (1907-1979) Little Toot. A unique gift painting of Gramatky's most famous story character, circa early 1970s. Tempera, graphite, and ink on board. 260x323 mm; 10 1/4x12 3/4 inches. Inscribed and signed "For Matthew Stumhofer from his friend `Little Toot' and Hardie Gramatky" in ink, lower margin; captioned and signed on verso by Gramatky. Accompanied by an Autograph Letter Signed by Gramatky (to Matthew's mother, who requested the drawing). 1 page, 8vo, dated January 29, 1976, on Gramatky's Westport, Ct. stationery: "I don't know when I have received so nice a tribute to Little Toot and his adventures. I couldn't be more pleased. Outside my regular watercolors, I don't ordinarily sell sketches. I could make an exception for a good friend like Matthew. There is a full color watercolor here of Little Toot..." and enclosed a signed color plate from the book as well. A later edition of Little Toot (New York: Putnam's Sons, nd) is included in the lot as well as a small note card to the family a month later mentioning a watercolor award he just won from the National Academy in New York.
Swann Auction Galleries
Jun. 07, 2017
GRAMATKY, BERNARD HARDIE AUGUST JR. 1907-1979. Archive of original illust
Est: $10,000 - $15,000
GRAMATKY, BERNARD HARDIE AUGUST JR. 1907-1979. Archive of original illustrations from the Weston Woods animated film Little Toot, being two watercolors (one a finished watercolor on a photostat) with 43 hand-colored mounted photostats of the original pictures (two on one mount) and two color photostats also mounted, plus title card with lettered acetate overlay, prepared by the artist himself for use in the Weston Woods film, most 286 x 356 mm, all but nine of the hand-colored photostats signed in full in ink below the image to the right, minor wear with some tears of protective tissue guards. Provenance: Mort Schindel. Little Toot is one of the most beloved children’s classics of the 20th Century. Few of its admirers are aware that author-artist Hardie Gramatky was in his own right a distinguished painter of landscapes and seascapes of the California School. (American artist Andrew Wyeth thought he was one of America’s greatest watercolorists.) His painting caught Hollywood’s attention and he was hired as a senior animator at the Walt Disney Studios. Here he worked on several of the Silly Symphonies shorts. He learned much from the weekly story conferences and the development of storyboards on how to tell a story visually, knowledge he freely applied to the production of his own picture books. After working for Disney for six years, he went out on his own and published Little Toot in 1939, the first children’s book issued by Simon & Schuster. (They later published such classics as Ludwig Bemelmans’ Madeline and Kay Thompson’s Eloise.) Little Toot is typical of the here-and-now picture books of anthropomorphic machines then being published, most notably Virginia Lee Burton’s Mike Mulligan and His Steam Engine also available in 1939. Little Toot became by far the most successful of Gramatky’s picture books; and he wrote and illustrated five more Little Toot titles. (He left the last, Little Toot and the Loch Ness Monster, unfinished at his death, but his wife and daughter completed and published it in 1989 to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the original Little Toot.) Walt Disney retold Little Toot in 1948 as an animated segment of Melody Time through a song sung by the Andrews Sisters. The original book contained limited color (only a few including the frontispiece was in full color) so when Morton Schindel of Weston Woods commissioned a new animated movie of the story for school use in 1965, Gramatky colored halftone photostats of his original illustrations with watercolor and gouache. He then signed these mounted photoreproductions in ink.
Bonhams
Mar. 21, 2017
Hardie Gramatky N.A. (1907-1979 Westport, CT)
Est: $800 - $1,200
''Stormy Sky'', dark clouds over a New England village, before 1965, signed lower right: Hardie Gramatky N.A., titled by repute, watercolor on paper under glass, sight size: 9.5'' H x 13'' W, est: $800/1200.
John Moran Auctioneers
Jul. 19, 2014
Hardie Gramatky Watercolor
Est: $800 - $1,200
Hardie Gramatky (American, 1907 - 1979) impressionist watercolor landscape depicting a figures standing by an iron fence in front of a large home. Signed lower right. Sight - 9 1/2" H x 7 1/4" W. Framed - 15 1/2" H x 13 1/2" W. 20th century. Biography (courtesy AskArt: The Artists' Bluebook) : Born in Dallas, Texas, Hardie Gramatky became an illustrator of national reputation, especially known for his Little Toot children's books for G.P. Putnam's Sons. He was also a painter, especially known for his watercolors, and did American Scene paintings of cityscapes, landcapes, seashores, and construction workers. He grew up in Southern California and began his artistic career in 1926 while a student at Stanford University and then continued to study at Chouinard Art Institute. He became a member of the California Water Color Society, and was a key artist in the development of the California Style, which brought new respectability to watercolor painting on location. From 1930 to 1936, he worked as an animator for Walt Disney Studios and then moved East to do magazine and childrens' s book illustration. During World War II, he returned to Los Angeles, and in 1946 worked on the cartoon G I Joe. From 1947 until his death, he worked as an illustrator in Connecticut.
Case Antiques, Inc. Auctions & Appraisals
May. 10, 2014
Hardie Gramatky. Original Little Toot Illustration
Est: $400 - $800
Wonderful Ink Illustration of Little Toot Puffing smoke and Sailing Along. Signed lower Right "With All Good Wishes Hardie Gramatky" Edges are fragile and have some breaks but if matted properly will be perfect. Great Illustration.
Weiss Auctions
Mar. 18, 2014
Watercolor on Board, Guests at Gate,"Hardie" Gramatky (American 1907-1979) N3HNH
Est: $400 - $600
California artist, Bernhard August "Hardie" Gramatky was the illustrator and author of "Little Toot". Hardie was also a senior animator at the Walt Disney Studios.
Nye & Company
Dec. 17, 2013
Watercolor on Board, Guests at Gate,"Hardie" Gramatky (American 1907-1979) N1HNI
Est: $800 - $1,200
California artist, Bernhard August "Hardie" Gramatky was the illustrator and author of "Little Toot". Hardie was also a senior animator at the Walt Disney Studios.
Nye & Company
Jul. 31, 2013
HARDIE GRAMATKY (American, 1907-1979) Bridge Constructi
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
HARDIE GRAMATKY (American, 1907-1979) Bridge Construction Watercolor on paper 10.25 x 13.75 in. (image) Signed lower left
Heritage Auctions
Jul. 31, 2013
HARDIE GRAMATKY (American, 1907-1979) Calm Afternoon, 1
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
HARDIE GRAMATKY (American, 1907-1979) Calm Afternoon, 1932 Watercolor on paper 10.5 x 14 in. (image) Signed lower right
Heritage Auctions
Sep. 15, 2012
HARDIE GRAMATKY (American, 1907-1979). DEER IN SNOWY FIELD, signed and inscribed lower right. Watercolor.
Est: $300 - $500
HARDIE GRAMATKY (American, 1907-1979). DEER IN SNOWY FIELD, signed and inscribed lower right. Watercolor - Framed, sight: 8 in. x 10 in.
Sloans & Kenyon
May. 04, 2011
HARDIE GRAMATKY (American, 1907-1979) A Walk in the Gar
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
HARDIE GRAMATKY (American, 1907-1979) A Walk in the Garden Gouache, watercolor, and tempera on board 22 x 18 in. Signed lower left
Heritage Auctions
Dec. 08, 2010
Autographs: Hardie Gramatky
Est: $200 - $300
Autographs: Hardie Gramatky Painter, author, and illustrator (1907-1979) considered by many to be one of America's greatest watercolorists. Original vintage signed and inscribed ink sketch of 'Little Toot' on a gray 9.75 x 3.75 album page. In fine condition, with mild edge toning. Great depiction of Gramatky's beloved anthropomorphic creation.
RR Auction
Dec. 12, 2009
Hardie Gramatky (1907-1979) Calendar illustration;
Est: -
Hardie Gramatky (1907-1979) Calendar illustration; Hunters and setter watching flock of birds.
Illustration House
Jul. 15, 2009
HARDIE GRAMATKY (American, 1907-1979) Little Toot
Est: $800 - $1,200
HARDIE GRAMATKY (American, 1907-1979) Little Toot Mixed-media on paper 11 x 13 in. Signed lower right The mat of this piece was inscribed, "To Helen with love from Doppy and Hardie." From an Important California Collection.
Heritage Auctions
Apr. 19, 2009
Attributed to Hardie Gramatky (American, 1907-1979), (plus unidentified painting) Song of the South; Remember the Maine (2) first 17 1/2 x 23 3/4in
Est: $600 - $800
Song of the South; Remember the Maine (2) first signed 'Hardie Gramatky' (lower left), inscribed indistinctly (lower right) and titled (on the reverse) watercolor on paper first 17 1/2 x 23 3/4in second 21 5/8 x 29 1/4in
Bonhams
Jan. 11, 2009
Attributed to Hardie Gramatky (American, 1907-1979), (plus unidentified painting) Song of the South; Remember the Maine (2) first 17 1/2 x 23 3/4in; second 21 5/8 x 29 1/4in
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
Song of the South; Remember the Maine (2) first signed 'Hardie Gramatky' (lower left); inscribed indistinctly (lower right) and titled on the reverse watercolor on paper first 17 1/2 x 23 3/4in; second 21 5/8 x 29 1/4in
Bonhams
Sep. 13, 2008
Hardie Gramatky (CT/CA, 1907-1979), Little Toot,
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
Hardie Gramatky (CT/CA, 1907-1979), Little Toot, mixed media on board, inscribed in lower margin "For Eleanor Street / with Love from Little Toot / and Hardie Gramatky," matted, unframed. SS 8" x 10"; DOA 14.25" x 16" Board glued to matt board.
Leland Little Auctions
Apr. 08, 2008
Hardie Gramatky (American, 1907-1979) Racing the Wind 21 x 27in
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
Racing the Wind signed and inscribed 'Hardie Gramatky NA' (lower right) watercolor and gouache on paper 21 x 27in
Bonhams
Jan. 01, 2008
Hardie Gramatky (American 1907-1939) ISLAND
Est: $1,500 - $2,500
Hardie Gramatky (American 1907-1939) ISLAND OF DELOS, GREECE signed Hardie Gramatky l.l. watercolor Provenance: National Academy of Design - 1963 exhibit R. W. S. -A. W. S. Invitation Exhibition 1962 17 1/2 x 23 1/2
Nadeau's Auction Gallery
Oct. 25, 2007
Hardie Gramatky Original Illustration Artwork (3)
Est: -
Both of these works are attributed to Hardie Gramatky, but only the black and white work is signed. Gramatky (1907 - 1979) was born in Texas but grew up in the area around San Gabriel, California. After attending Stanford and the Chouinard Art School, Gramatky entered the cartooning field, working as a ghost on several syndicated strips. He soon found work in the Disney animation department where he worked for six years, both on the studio's cartoons and on the Disney animated features and shorts. The artist became involved in watercolor work around this time. Today he is recognized as one of the most important artists of the California School of watercolor painting. But during all of this, Gramatky managed to produce a healthy body of illustration work, even to the point of developing a second career as a children's book illustrator. By this time Gramatky had already moved to the east coast where he would live out the last 32 years of his life in Connecticut, contributing water color works to west coast shows and producing illustrations for many clients until his final days. Includes: 1) an unsigned and undated, 19-1/8" x 18-1/8", gouache on board cover painting of a farmer who is demonstrating a proper military salute to his three kids and their various farm yard pets and a puppy. The use of the work is unknown, but editorial notations in the margin make it clear that it is an illustration for the cover of some unknown booklet. This graphic has a strong central image area that is surrounded by bands of heavy dust shadow and some glue stains from a former matting, all of which appear beyond the indicated crop lines that outline the 11-1/8" x 10-1/2" indicated area of the image. (The actual painting exceeds these measured dimensions substantially in every direction, but it is obvious that the art director desired a tighter focus for his cover.) Re-matting the painting using the original guide lines will produce a very clean and appealing viewable central image area. 2) 9-5/16" by 13-1/8" mixed media work on board from a story called "Red Feather" (watercolor, white poster paint and ink; probably done for a volume of The Children's Hour) that resembles an ink wash piece. Gramatky has pictured a small Asian boy rising out of the water at the aft of a Chinese junk, as numerous other boats are anchored nearby. The boy is brandishing what appears to be a long feather toward a group of sleeping Chinese men. It is a wonderful work, unblemished with the exception of an inverted "V" of light pencil line above the rear of the foremost ship. The painting is signed in the lower right corner and matted to reveal a 7" x 10-1/2" image area. 3) GD/VG copy of The Children's Hour V.16, which includes Gramatky illustrations for one of its science fiction tales.
Mastro Auctions