GUEST: I bought this watercolor in 1975 because I think it spoke to me about rural Louisiana, which is my home. I hung it in the hall in a very obscure place because I was-- didn't really didn't want my husband to see it right away. And he didn't see it for about eight months. And then when he did see it, it was quite a surprise, but... (laughs) I kind of hid it from him.
APPRAISER: Here is the signature, Lloyd Hawthorne, and it's dated 1975. Which is the same year that you bought it.
GUEST: Yes. How much did you pay for it, then?
APPRAISER: $150.
GUEST: He actually is from Pineville, Louisiana.
APPRAISER: Yes, he is.
GUEST: And he was in World War II. He started his artistic career in the military as a medical illustrator, and then he worked at the Louisiana Electric Company as a draftsman and artist. But he would frequently take breaks and go study art at LSU. This picture is a lovely example with the Louisiana landscape and these figures. It's in great condition. I think if this were to be offered in a retail gallery, the asking price might be about $2,500.
GUEST: Oh, really! Really. I made some money! Yeah!
