Milford Zornes Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Milford Zornes Art Value Price Guide

Mar. 16, 2025
MILFORD ZORNES "ANTEBELLUM QUEEN" WATERCOLOR ON PAPER
Est: -
Milford Zornes (1908 - 2008) "Antebellum Queen" Watercolor on Paper. Signed and dated lower left. A prominent artist in the watercolor movement known as California Style, Milford Zornes became especially known of his application of watercolor in broad brush strokes to large sheets of paper with planned areas of white, unpainted spaces showing through. This was a new way of watercolor painting, which traditionally has been done over pencil sketches. Artist: Milford Zornes Title: "Antebellum Queen" Medium: Watercolor on Paper Signature Type: Hand Signed Signature Location: Lower Left Site Measurement: 22" x 30" Image Keywords: Landscape Artwork, Art; Ref: BD1043
Bradford's
Feb. 20, 2025
Milford Zornes (1908-2008): Montana De Oro
Est: $300 - $500
Milford Zornes Claremont, CA, 1908-2008 Montana De Oro watercolor on paper 1999; signed and dated lower left
Abell Auction
Feb. 19, 2025
Milford Zornes (1908-2008): Study for Ferria in Sevilla
Est: $600 - $800
Milford Zornes Claremont, CA, 1908-2008 Study for Ferria in Sevilla watercolor on paper 2000; signed and dated lower left, signed again and titled verso
Abell Auction
Feb. 15, 2025
James Milford ZORNES: "The Master Bridge".
Est: $250 - $350
James Milford ZORNES (American, 1908-2008): "The Master Bridge". Linocut on white wove paper. Signed, titled and numbered in pencil. From the edition of 50. Image size: 17 1/8 x 23 5/8 inches. Sheet size: 21 x 27 1/2 inches.
Armstrong Fine Art
Jan. 30, 2025
Milford Zornes (American, 1908-2008), "Figural Studies", 1978
Est: $600 - $900
† Milford Zornes (American/California, 1908-2008) "Figural Studies", 1978 double-sided watercolor on paper signed, dated and inscribed lower right side. Unframed.
New Orleans Auction Galleries
Dec. 08, 2024
Milford Zornes (American, 1908-2008), "Village Scene"
Est: $800 - $1,200
† Milford Zornes (American/California, 1908-2008) "Village Scene", 1983 watercolor on paper signed and dated lower right. Matted, glazed and framed.
New Orleans Auction Galleries
Jun. 25, 2024
Milford Zornes (1908-2008), "Unlago en Colina," 1972
Est: $200 - $400
Milford Zornes (1908-2008) "Unlago en Colina," 1972 Watercolor on wove paper Signed and dated lower right: Zornes; signed again, titled, and inscribed "N.A." von the frame's backing paper
John Moran Auctioneers
Jun. 25, 2024
Milford Zornes (1908-2008), "Hacienda en Colina"
Est: $200 - $400
Milford Zornes (1908-2008) "Hacienda en Colina" Watercolor on wove paper Signed and inscribed lower right: Zornes / San Antonio; signed again, titled, and inscribed "A.N.A" on the frame's Styrofoam backing
John Moran Auctioneers
Jun. 25, 2024
Milford Zornes (1908-2008), "Antebellum Queen," 1989
Est: $300 - $500
Milford Zornes (1908-2008) "Antebellum Queen," 1989 Watercolor on Arches paper Signed and dated lower left: Zornes; signed again, titled, and inscribed "A.N.A" on the frame's backing paper
John Moran Auctioneers
Jun. 20, 2024
James Milford Zornes (1908-2008): Garden at Cobano
Est: $800 - $1,200
Watercolor on paper, 1975, signed 'Zornes' and dated lower right, signed and titled on the back of the frame. 22 x 30 in. (sheet), 29 1/2 x 37 1/2 in. (frame).
STAIR
Apr. 16, 2024
Milford Zornes (1908-2008), "Hacienda en Colina"
Est: $600 - $800
Milford Zornes (1908-2008) "Hacienda en Colina" Watercolor on wove paper Signed and inscribed lower right: Zornes / San Antonio; signed again, titled, and inscribed on the frame's styrofoam backing: A.N.A
John Moran Auctioneers
Apr. 16, 2024
Milford Zornes (1908-2008), "Unlago en Colina," 1972
Est: $600 - $800
Milford Zornes (1908-2008) "Unlago en Colina," 1972 Watercolor on wove paper Signed and dated lower right: Zornes; signed again and titled, verso
John Moran Auctioneers
Apr. 16, 2024
Milford Zornes (1908-2008), "Antebellum Queen," 1989
Est: $800 - $1,200
Milford Zornes (1908-2008) "Antebellum Queen," 1989 Watercolor on Arches paper Signed and dated lower left: Zornes; signed again, titled, and inscribed on the frame's backing paper: A.N.A
John Moran Auctioneers
Apr. 16, 2024
Milford Zornes (1908-2008), "Cripple Creek," 1944
Est: $800 - $1,200
Milford Zornes (1908-2008) "Cripple Creek," 1944 Watercolor on wove paper Signed and dated lower right: Zornes; signed again, titled, and inscribed on the frame's backing paper: A.N.A
John Moran Auctioneers
Feb. 25, 2024
Milford Zornes (1908-2008) Watercolor on Paper, The River
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
Milford Zornes (1908-2008) Watercolor on Paper, The River. Signed lower right. Titled on back. Very good condition. Approx. 22 in. H x 30 in. W.
Hughes Auctions
Feb. 25, 2024
Milford Zornes (1908-2008) Watercolor on Paper Canyon and Mesas 1971
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
Milford Zornes (1908-2008) Watercolor on Paper Canyon and Mesas 1971. Signed and dated lower right. Signed and titled on back upper right. 4 in. scratch center right..25 in. scratch lower right. Approx. 21.5 in. H x 29.5 in. W.
Hughes Auctions
Jan. 23, 2024
Milford Zornes (1908-2008), Coastal landscape with palm trees, Watercolor on paper, Sight: 7.5" H x 11.5" W
Est: $200 - $300
Milford Zornes (1908-2008) Coastal landscape with palm trees Watercolor on paper Singed lower right: Zornes; titled illegibly on the frame's backing board
John Moran Auctioneers
Dec. 07, 2023
Milford Zornes (1908-2008), "Cathedral de Mexico," 1956, Watercolor on thick paper, Image/Sheet: 22.125" H x 31" W
Est: $400 - $600
Milford Zornes (1908-2008) "Cathedral de Mexico," 1956 Watercolor on thick paper Signed and dated lower right: Milford Zornes; inscribed indistinctly in ink, verso; titled on the frame's cardboard backing, possibly in another hand
John Moran Auctioneers
Nov. 04, 2023
Milford Zornes (1908-2008) American, Watercolor
Est: $400 - $800
Milford Zornes (1908-2008) American / California, Watercolor. Signed and dated in the lower right. Milford Zornes is known for Watercolor landscape and marine painting. Watercolor painting enjoyed a major renaissance early in the 20th Century in Southern California when a group of artists began using it as a primary medium. Scholar Gordon McClelland, in his recently published book, California Watercolors 1850-1970, places the beginnings of the California Style in the 1920s. Milford Zornes, one of the members of this group, turned ninety-five in January 2003, and is the last living artist of that pioneering movement. Born in Oklahoma on January 25, 1908, Zornes moved west to California during the Dust Bowl years. When he turned twenty, he hitchhiked across the United States, worked as a longshoreman on the docks in New York City, and then traveled to Europe. After his return to Los Angeles in the early 1930s, Zornes studied at the Otis Art Institute. His interest in watercolor eventually led him to seek out and study with Millard Sheets, who was an art professor at Scripps College in Claremont, California. Overall Size: 24 x 30 1/2 in. Sight Size: 14 1/2 x 21 1/4 in. #1483 Location BC
Sarasota Estate Auction
Aug. 27, 2023
MILFORD ZORNES (CA/UT/OK, 1908-2008)
Est: $800 - $1,200
Mountain Valley with Trees, probably Mexico, watercolor on paper, signed lower right, dated '63, and incribed "For Tony van Hasselt", housed in a brass box frame with tan mat, glazed, OS: 27 1/2" x 35 1/4", SS: 21" x 28 3/4", fine condition. Label verso reads: "This item belongs to the Estate of Joseph A.M. van Hasselt".
Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
Aug. 27, 2023
MILFORD ZORNES (CA/UT/OK, 1908-2008)
Est: $800 - $1,200
Mesa Top, watercolor on paper, signed lower right and dated '72, in walnut stick frame with black liner, linen mat, glazed, OS: 28 1/4" x 36 1/4", SS: 21" x 29", fine condition.
Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
Jul. 18, 2023
Milford Zornes (1908-2008), Laguna Beach coastal with figures, 1973, Watercolor on paper, Sight: 20.5" H x 28.5" W
Est: $700 - $900
Milford Zornes (1908-2008) Laguna Beach coastal with figures, 1973 Watercolor on paper Signed and dated lower right: Zornes
John Moran Auctioneers
Jul. 18, 2023
Milford Zornes (1908-2008), "Above the Narrows," 1960, Watercolor on paper, 12" H x 27" W
Est: $800 - $1,200
Milford Zornes (1908-2008) "Above the Narrows," 1960 Watercolor on paper Signed and dated lower right: Milford Zornes
John Moran Auctioneers
Jul. 18, 2023
Milford Zornes (1908 - 2008) Watercolor
Est: $300 - $500
"Young Mallards" 1934 7 1/2" x 10 3/4". Signed lower left.
Weiss Auctions
Jul. 12, 2023
Milford Zornes (1908-2008): Three Works
Est: $400 - $600
Milford Zornes (1908-2008): Three Works the first: "Yuma", pen and ink on paper, 1947; signed, dated and titled lower right, signed again and titled to backing cardboard, Sight: 11 1/2 x 9 1/2 in. (29.2 x 24.1 cm.), Frame: 16 1/4 x 14 1/4 in. (41.3 x 36.2 cm.); the second: "Old Ranch at Casa Palomares", watercolor on paper, 1982, signed and dated lower right, signed again and titled to backing cardboard, Sight: 8 x 10 in. (20.3 x 25.4 cm.), Frame: 13 1/2 x 16 1/2 in. (34.3 x 41.9 cm.); the third: "Oklahoma", charcoal and ink on paper, 2004, signed and dated lower right, signed again and titled to backing, Sight: 8 x 10 1/4 in. (20.3 x 26 cm.), Frame: 12 1/2 x 15 1/2 in. (31.8 x 39.4 cm.)
Abell Auction
Jun. 06, 2023
Milford Zornes (1908-2008), "Santa Fe," Watercolor on paper, watermark Arches, 22" H x 30" W
Est: $400 - $600
Milford Zornes (1908-2008) "Santa Fe" Watercolor on paper, watermark Arches Signed lower left: Zornes; signed again and titled in pencil, verso
John Moran Auctioneers
Jun. 03, 2023
after Milford Zornes woodcut
Est: $500 - $800
after Milford Zornes (1908-2008) ''The Master Bridge'' woodcut, signed, titled and numbered 33/50 in pencil, the linoleum block was drawn and carved by Bill Anderson after one of Zornes paintings, the signature is Zornes, some foxing in margins, minor scuffs in ink surface in image. 16 3/4 x 23 1/2''
Rachel Davis Fine Arts
Mar. 16, 2023
Milford Zornes ''Driftwood and Sea'' Watercolor
Est: $300 - $600
Milford Zornes (1908-2008 California) ''Driftwood and Sea'' 1960 Watercolor on Paper 4.5''x6.5'' Sight. Signed and dated l.r. Gilt framing 12''x14.5''. Excellent condition. Not examined outside of framing.
MBA Seattle Auction LLC
Mar. 16, 2023
Milford Zornes, Owyhee Butte, 1937
Est: $300 - $500
Milford Zornes (1908 - 2008) Owyhee Butte, 1937 etching editioned and titled lower left: [edition number rubbed off] "Owyhee Butte" signed and dated lower right: Milford Zornes 1937
Santa Fe Art Auction
Jan. 29, 2023
MILFORD ZORNES "CHIN LEE" WOODCUT
Est: -
Milford Zornes (1908 - 2008) "Chin Lee" (Chungking) Woodcut on Paper. A prominent artist in the watercolor movement known as California Style, Milford Zornes became especially known of his application of watercolor in broad brush strokes to large sheets of paper with planned areas of white, unpainted spaces showing through. This was a new way of watercolor painting, which traditionally has been done over pencil sketches. Artist: Milford Zornes Title: "Chin Lee" Medium: Woodcut Circa/Year: 1944 Signature Type: Plate Signed Signature Location: Lower Right Site Measurement: 5 x 4 in. Image Keywords: Antique Artwork, Art; Ref: BD1043
Bradford's
Jan. 24, 2023
Milford Zornes, (1908-2008), Northern Coast, 1942, Oil on artist board, 14.75" H x 20.75" W
Est: $700 - $900
Milford Zornes (1908-2008) Northern Coast, 1942 Oil on artist board Signed and dated lower right: Milford Zornes; signed again, titled, and dated again 14.75" H x 20.75" W
John Moran Auctioneers
Jan. 24, 2023
Milford Zornes, (1908-2008), "The Pattern Makers," 1936, Offset lithograph on beige paper, Image: 9" H x 11.75" W
Est: $400 - $600
Milford Zornes (1908-2008) "The Pattern Makers," 1936 Offset lithograph on beige paper Apart from the original edition 25 Signed, titled, and dated in pencil in the lower margin: Milford Zornes; signed again in ink on a small rectangle of old matting affixed to the frame's backboard. Image: 9" H x 11.75" W Provenance: Private Collection, Sierra Madre, CA Sold: John Moran Auctioneers, Pasadena, CA, "California and American Fine Art Sale," February 17, 2004, Lot 203 Notes: According to Zornes, "This view...was originally painted near Hacienda Hts and off what is now the Pomona Freeway" (i.e. the 60 Fwy).
John Moran Auctioneers
Aug. 23, 2022
Milford Zornes, (1908-2008, Claremont, CA), "Trees and Walls of Colima", Linocut on paper under glass, Image: 20" H x 28" W
Est: $400 - $600
Milford Zornes (1908-2008, Claremont, CA) "Trees and Walls of Colima" Linocut on paper under glass Edition: 14/40 Signed in pencil at the lower right: Zornes Image: 20" H x 28" W Provenance: The Carolyn J. Adrian Collection, South Pasadena, CA Notes: This work is accompanied by a photograph of Milford Zornes and Carolyn Adrian in front of the piece, from June 2005.
John Moran Auctioneers
Jul. 10, 2022
MILFORD ZORNES (CA/UT/OK, 1908-2008)
Est: $800 - $1,200
"Batak Village, Lake Toba"(North Sumatra, Indonesia), watercolor on paper, signed lower right and dated '84, titled verso, housed in a mahogany slat shadowline frame, with linen liner and gilt lip, under UV plexiglas, OS: 29" x 37", SS: 21 1/2" x 29 1/2", good condition.
Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
Jun. 22, 2022
Signed Milford Zornes Watercolor - Sea of Avila (1965)
Est: $600 - $800
Milford Zornes (American, 1908-2008). "The Sea of Avila" watercolor and colored pencil on paper, 1965. Signed and dated by the artist on lower right. A stunning view of Avila Beach by American artist, Milford Zornes - replete with crystalline blue waters pooling around jutting boulders, rocky cliffs just beyond the sandy shoreline, and majestic mountains beyond. Avila is a seaside paradise on the central coast of California that is beloved for its warm micro-climate and picturesque oceanfront. Zornes was a leading force of the California Style watercolor movement that began in the 1920s. Zornes' style departed from the traditional use of watercolors. Rather than adding color to detailed pencil drawings, Zornes applied transparent washes of color to sheets of paper and allowed the paper to show through, using negative space to define the imagery as demonstrated in "The Sea of Avila". Here we also see Zornes adding details in colored pencil over the watercolor to further embellish the enchanting seascape. Size: 10.125" L x 13" W (25.7 cm x 33 cm) Size of frame: 17.625" L x 20.5" W (44.8 cm x 52.1 cm) Milford Zornes was educated at the Otis Art Institute were he studied with Millard Sheets and F. Tolles Chamberlin. He later taught at Otis as well, making a name for himself as a talented educator. Highlights of Zornes' career include a one-man exhibition at the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. and having one of his watercolors selected by President and Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt to hang in the White House. In addition to being a prolific watercolorist, Zornes created murals under President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal program for post offices in El Campo, Texas as well as his hometown of Claremont, California during the era of the Great Depression. Zornes was also an active member of the California Water Color Society, becoming president of that organization in 1942. Zorne's works have been acquired by esteemed institutions including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Corcoran Gallery of Art, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the White House, and the Library of Congress Collection. Provenance: ex-Nancy and Dr. E.F. Simpson collection, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from 1970 to 2000 All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm. Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping. #172253
Artemis Gallery
May. 17, 2022
Milford Zornes, (1908-2008, Claremont, CA), "The Road Toiling", Ink on paper under glass, Sight: 12.5" H x 16.75" W
Est: $400 - $600
Milford Zornes (1908-2008, Claremont, CA) "The Road Toiling" Ink on paper under glass Initialed in the image at the lower right: MZ; inscribed in pencil in the lower margin, at right: "The road toiling over some of the world's most rugged terrain, The Lower Himalayas" Sight: 12.5" H x 16.75" W
John Moran Auctioneers
Apr. 23, 2022
Milford Zornes Quiet Lake
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
Milford Zornes (American, 1908-2008) Quiet Lake, 1985 Watercolor on paper Signed and dated Zornes 85, lower right Titled, dated and signed, verso.
Larsen Art Auction
Mar. 29, 2022
Milford Zornes, (1908-2008, Claremont, CA), "On the Battenkill," 1985, Watercolor on paper under glass, Sight: 21.5" H x 29.5" W
Est: $600 - $800
Milford Zornes (1908-2008, Claremont, CA) "On the Battenkill," 1985 Watercolor on paper under glass Signed and dated lower right: Zornes Sight: 21.5" H x 29.5" W
John Moran Auctioneers
Mar. 29, 2022
Milford Zornes, (1908-2008, Claremont, CA), Island coastal, Channel Islands scene, 1946, Watercolor on paper under glass, Sight: 11....
Est: $600 - $800
Milford Zornes (1908-2008, Claremont, CA) Island coastal, Channel Islands scene, 1946 Watercolor on paper under glass Signed and dated lower right: Zornes Sight: 11.5" H x 18.5" W
John Moran Auctioneers
Feb. 24, 2022
MILFORD ZORNES (1908 - 2008): "HIGH & DRY AT ALFEAIS"
Est: $200 - $300
1988; watercolor on paper; signed and dated lower right; signed and titled verso; Provenance: The Estate of Barbara Beretich, Artist and Collector of Art, Claremont, CA; 6 x 8 inches; 13 x 15 inches frame
Abell Auction
Feb. 12, 2022
17 American block prints
Est: $200 - $400
17 American block prints 1). C. R. Butcher- ''Cataldo Mission, Idaho''; 2). S. Juan Covanisch- As tex; 3). Anita Fenton- ''Taxco Hillside''; 4). Will Frates- California Mission; 5). Ben Jackson- Newspaper Vendor; 6). Stanley Kaplan- ''Mexican Worker''; 7). Edward Mattin- ''Hitching Post''; 8). J. B. Miller- ''Limpiabotas''; 9 & 10). Harold E. West- ''Before Breakfast'' and ''I'll See you Then''; 11). Charles Wilimovsky- ''Rancho, Mexico''; 12). Milford Zornes- Huts; 13). Unknown- ''Mexico, Zocalo''; and 14-17). 4 other unknown prints.
Rachel Davis Fine Arts
Oct. 14, 2021
MILFORD ZORNES (1908 - 2008): IN THE SIERRA
Est: $200 - $400
1955; watercolor on paper; signed, dated and titled in pencil lower right; 11 x 14 1/2 inches sight; 20 3/4 x 24 inches frame
Abell Auction
Sep. 25, 2021
Milford Zornes linocut
Est: $150 - $250
Milford Zornes (1908-2008) "The Pattern Maker''- linocut, signed, titled and numbered 12/70 in pencil. 10 x 14''
Rachel Davis Fine Arts
Sep. 22, 2021
Milford Zornes Courtyard Watercolor Painting
Est: $600 - $800
James Milford Zornes (American, 1908-2008). Watercolor painting on paper depicting a courtyard scene with vivacious flowering plants decorating the space around and between the archways. Signed and dated 1978 along the lower right.
Revere Auctions
Aug. 04, 2021
Milford Zornes (1908-2008) Monument Valley 22 x 30in framed 33 x 41in (Painted in 1993.)
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
Milford Zornes (1908-2008) Monument Valley signed and dated 'Zornes 93' (lower right), signed again and titled (on the frame's paper backing) watercolor on paper 22 x 30in framed 33 x 41in Painted in 1993. For further information on this lot please visit the Bonhams website
Bonhams
Apr. 17, 2021
Milford Zornes South of the Border
Est: $500 - $1,000
Milford Zornes (American, 1908-2008) South of the Border, 1950 Watercolor on Arches paper Signed and dated Zornes 50, lower left Titled on tag, verso.
Larsen Art Auction
Feb. 25, 2021
MILFORD ZORNES (1908-2008): LANDSCAPE
Est: $500 - $800
watercolor, signed lower right Condition: yellowing to paper 20 x 28 inches sight; 31 x 39 inches framed
Abell Auction
Feb. 07, 2021
Milford Zornes (American/California, 1908-2008)
Est: $600 - $800
Milford Zornes (American/California, 1908-2008) , "Esquina Calles Aguascallientas, Reforma, Mazatlan [sic]", 1983, watercolor on paper, signed and dated lower right, signed, titled and dated en verso, inscribed with artist and printed label with artist biography on backing board, 21 7/8 in. x 30 1/4 in., framed
Neal Auction Company