Original children’s book illustration painting by well-known English artist, Susan Beatrice Pearse (1878-1980). Circa 1910 - 1930. Watercolor and gouache on artist's board. Mounted in a period Arts and Crafts gold frame. Signed by the artist, lower left "S B Pearse". Label on the reverse with the artist's name. This painting depicts a little girl sitting at the base of a tree amongst the grass and daisies, with her hands clasped around her knees. She is wearing a white dress and there is a small bird sitting on a branch, telling the little girl a secret or story. It’s hard to take your eyes away the girl's expression of wonderment at what she is hearing from the bird.

SIZE: Painting - 11.5" x 15" (29.2 cm x 38.1 cm) / Frame - 16" x 19.5" (40.6 cm x 49.5 cm)

PROVENANCE: San Francisco collection.

NOTES / REFERENCES: Susan Beatrice Pearse (1878 – 1980). Susan Beatrice Pearse was born in Kennington, South London, England. She was educated at King Edward's School, Southwark. Pearse became a prolific illustrator of children's books and producer of images for postcards. She is best known for her work on the 'Ameliaranne' series of children's books which were published between 1920 and 1950 by George G. Harrap of London. She also created drawings for greeting cards and often included pictures of dolls in her work. Her early work was in the Edwardian - British Arts and Crafts manner and her later work had a more modernist - Art Deco feel. She is also known for her fine illustrations for the 1932 edition of 'Mother Goose Rhymes'. She died in 1980 in Fulham, London at the age of 102.

Previous auction examples:

* Swann Galleries (Jan. 2015) - “Dreamland” - Watercolor & Gouache 14” x 18” - $10,500

* Sotheby’s (April 2011) - “Shut I Town” - Watercolor 17” x 11.5” - $3,200

NO RESERVE - NO BUYER’S PREMIUM

Very good condition with no damage or restoration. No fading or damage to the surface and the colors are bight and unblemished. The frame is in fair condition with wear and repairs.