Fine Art
About
Nothing is more universal than art. It transcends time and place and yet it can express the nuanced details of a moment in ways that language cannot. The Leland Little Fine Art Department encompasses both celebrated regional artists, such as Maud Gatewood and Claude Howell, as well as those whose art speaks to the world at large, from the quintessentially American scenes of Andrew Wyeth to the famous portraiture of Thomas Sully to the contemporary abstractions of Sohrab Sepehri of Iran.
Contact
Claire Fraser
Fine Art & Silver Director
claire@lelandlittle.com
Claire Fraser has been with Leland Little Auctions since May 2004. A life-long interest in material culture led her to a BA from Randolph-Macon Woman's College in Art History, with a business concentration. Her passion is working with consignors and collectors to find the best market for their fine silver and original works of art. Claire has also spent time working with the North Carolina Museum of History and the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources. Beyond the auction world, Claire is a dedicated volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Triangle.
Current and Upcoming Auctions
The Signature Winter Auction
Dec 3, 2022, 9:00am
Upcoming: Winter Modern Art & Design
Jan 26, 2023, 9:00am
Exceptional Results
Explore Recent Stories
From the Personal Collection of James H. Craig & Randy S. Johnson
When asked if there was any difference between his personal and professional acquisition decisions, longtime fine arts consultant and antique dealer Jim Craig said that his choices for his private collection could be chalked up to “personal addiction.” The comment belies the passion for the arts and Americana that drove Craig’s distinguished career for over half a century.
Women in Contemporary Art
Art Consultant Marjorie Hodges on the Contemporary Art Market
Painting Horses
Manjit Bawa
The Through Line - Following The Legacy of American Realism
American Art From the Collection of James H. Craig and Randy S. Johnson
Lost Wax Bronze Casting
The process of turning bars of bronze into detailed sculpture is mind-bending. How do artisans realize an artist's intricate vision in a substance that only exists as an intractable solid or a molten liquid?
New York's First Artists' Cooperatives
"Here's an idea that makes me super comfortable: how about instead of getting a steady job you try to scrape out a living as an artist?" said no parent in history.
The Anthony & Davida Artis Collection of African American Fine Art
Anthony & Davida Artis base their art collection on the three things that are most important to them: faith, family, and African American faces.
Larry Wheeler Reflects on the Life and Legacy of Joe Rowand
The creative magic of Joe Rowand was in full flower from the moment he opened his Somerhill Gallery at Straw Valley on US 15/501 on the edge of Chapel Hill in 1972.
One of Sri Lanka's Best-Known Artists for Over 60 Years
Sri Lankan artist Senaka Senanayake had 10 international solo exhibitions before he was a teenager. And yet somehow, as young man he still didn't plan to make art his life's work.
Excerpts from For My People
Select stanzas from the iconic poem by author Margaret Walker, with accompanying lithographs by artist Elizabeth Catlett for the 1992 special artist's edition of the poem.
From Florence to Philadelphia to Elizabeth City, North Carolina
Emanuele Caroni's Telegram of Love was one of three sculptures by the Italian artist shown at the Philadelphia World's Fair, The Centennial International Exhibition of 1876.
The Collection of Art Historian and Designer Sterling Boyd
A great eye is rarely confined to a single category. For Sterling Boyd, the synthesis of his extensive knowledge and impeccable style was a personal collection of art and antiques that brought together beauty and history.
A Modern Art Trivia Treasure Hunt
We love a good piece of art on the wall as much as anyone. But while we can appreciate art in an aesthetic vacuum, the stories behind the works are what really bring them to life. So to give ample dimension to the art in our Modern Art & Design auction, we made you a trivia treasure hunt around some of the standout works that were offered.
Dressing Women in Art
So much art of all kinds has been inspired by the beauty of the female form. With the abundance of fine jewelry and fine art in The Signature Fall Auction at our disposal, we give the artists' muses the decoration they deserve.
A Catalyst of Ideas
"Diego was a catalyst in the literal sense of the word: something that precipitates or facilitates a change" (Raymond Foye, The Brooklyn Rail)
Hygge for the Holidays
Relax in a comfy chair, sip your chamomile tea, and dive into our step-by-step guide on how to create hygge in your home this holiday season.
The Collection of Joel Siegel
The first thing I saw after I came to was this huge Lichtenstein pop-art poster. If it had been a Raphael Madonna I might have thought I'd died and gone to heaven. But Lichtenstein? I died and went to the Museum of Modern Art? -Joel Siegel, upon awakening in the recovery room at New York Hospital, Lessons for Dylan
7 Exhibited Artists to Buy in Spring Modern Art & Design
From solo exhibitions at MoMA to current showings at Nasher Museum’s Reckoning and Resilience; artists in our May 19th Spring Modern Art & Design auction have impressive CV’s.
A Moment With: Claire Fraser
"Beverly talks about how she likens paint to icing and ice cream, and you can almost see this wet and malleable surface on the painting." - Claire Fraser, Director of Fine Art & Silver
Bierstadt, Homer, and Hassam: Founding Fathers of American Art
Winslow Homer, Albert Bierstadt, and Childe Hassam were titans of American painting in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Three works in our upcoming Summer Signature Auction firmly made their impressions on the landscape of American art history, the artists themselves becoming household names.
The Finer Points: A Private Collection, Greensboro, North Carolina
Explore the finer details of classical art, botanical engravings, Chinese porcelain, and antique furniture. These featured pieces, along with the entirety of the collection will be offered in our Signature Summer Auction, June 11th at 9am EDT.
The Collector’s Eye: A Private Collection, Greensboro, North Carolina
Leland Little is proud to offer a Private Collection from Greensboro, North Carolina in our Signature Summer Auction on June 11. This collection features exemplary American and English furniture, fine art and more with storied provenances.
The Collector’s Eye: Dr. Keith Stanley
He surrounded himself with art and objects that resonated with his ever working academic mind, living amongst the tangible evidence of material culture that fueled his passion.
The Finer Points: Florals in Design
There are always flowers for those who want to see them. - Henri Matisse
Special Feature with Claire Fraser
Fresh out of the crate, our Fine Art & Silver Director shares 3 paintings by American artist Gladys Nelson Smith.
An Insider's Look: Inspired by the European Grand Tour
Back from your European getaway and longing for some of its beauty at home? We get it. Feeling inspired by our own travels and the tradition of the Grand Tour, we have curated this timeless selection of continental art, furniture, and decorative accessories from our End of Summer Estate Auction.
The Finer Points: North Carolina Art Across the Centuries
The blest land, the best land, the Old North State! - Leonora Monteiro Martin
If Walls Could Talk: The Portrait of Frau Z.
Born of oil on the canvas of Franz Wiegele, Frau Z. came to life. Perhaps in the studio or perhaps in the home of a Swiss art patron, she began her soft gaze over her left shoulder.
An Evening of Modern Art & Design at Leland Little
It was a night full of modern art, timeless design, and good company.
Special Feature with Claire Fraser: The Sporting Art of P.L. Rosseau
Percival Leonard Rosseau...was a tremendously interesting artist... - Claire Fraser