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Oil Paintings Take Center Stage in 2026 Auction Lineup
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The current online auction run by ComicConnect, which began recently, already features a Carl Barks oil painting among its diverse offerings. Bidders can view the piece alongside other original works, setting a tone that oil paintings are becoming a staple even in venues traditionally focused on illustrated material. Looking ahead, the Annual Winter Estates Auction hosted by Bruce Gamage Jr. is scheduled for a Saturday in 2026. This event, centered on historic estates in Maine, highlights a pre‑surrealist oil painting by Giorgio De Chirico as a marquee item, underscoring a growing interest in early‑20th‑century canvases within estate sales.

The auction also provides live phone and absentee bidding, expanding access for collectors who cannot attend in person. Later in the year, Carlsen Gallery’s Pre‑Holiday Auction will showcase an oil painting by Bruce Nelson titled "Cooperstown in Autumn," presented through live online platforms such as LiveAuctioneers.com and Invaluable.com, with a simultaneous YouTube stream. This inclusion demonstrates how galleries are leveraging digital channels to bring fine‑painted works to a broader audience during seasonal sales periods.

Finally, ComicConnect’s Winter Mega Monthly auction, slated for 2026, will close with multiple sessions and includes additional oil paintings among its lineup, reinforcing the trend that oil paintings are now a common draw across varied auction formats. Across these events, the consistent thread is the elevation of oil paintings as key attractions, whether in estate sales, pre‑holiday offerings, or specialty online events. The shift reflects collector demand for high‑quality canvases and the willingness of auction houses to integrate them into traditionally non‑painting‑focused programs.

Based on 3 digest summaries · Generated December 20, 2025

ComicConnect

December 11, 2025 —

ComicConnect is currently hosting an auction featuring a variety of original art and memorabilia, which began on December 11, 2025. This auction includes notable pieces such as illustrations by Mark Buckingham and Jorge Jimenez, as well as works by Erik Larsen and Esau and Isaac Escorza. Bidders can explore unique items like a Carl Barks oil painting and various comic illustrations, each with no reserve prices. Looking ahead, ComicConnect will open its Winter Mega Monthly auction for bidding on January 26, 2026, with sessions closing from February 10 through February 12. This event promises to showcase a wide range of comics and collectibles. For those interested in comic art and memorabilia, ComicConnect offers an engaging platform for both buyers and sellers. Readers are encouraged to check the website for upcoming auction dates and featured items.

Carlsen Gallery

December 3, 2025 —

Carlsen Gallery will host a Pre-Holiday Antique Auction on December 7, 2025. This event features a diverse selection of fine quality antiques, including a rare George Washington inaugural button from 1789, an Augustus Saint Gaudens bas relief rondelle, and a Louis Vuitton wardrobe steamer trunk from the 1920s. Other notable items include an 18th-century Pennsylvania Chippendale walnut highboy, an oil painting by Bruce Nelson titled "Cooperstown in Autumn," and an antique Shirvan scatter rug. Bidders can participate through live online platforms such as LiveAuctioneers.com and Invaluable.com, with the auction also available for viewing on YouTube. For those interested in the world of 18th and 19th-century American furniture and accessories, Carlsen Gallery offers a rich array of items worth exploring. For future auction dates and details, please visit their website.

Bruce Gamage Jr. Auctioneer/Appraiser

December 11, 2025 —

Bruce Gamage Jr. Auctioneer/Appraiser will host its Annual Winter Estates Auction on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 12:00 noon. This event features a remarkable selection of historic items from the Philip Booth estate of Castine, Maine, and the Francis Bush estate from Camden and Brewer, Maine. Notable pieces include an 18th-century portrait of Josiah Hook, an original 1802 appointment signed by President Thomas Jefferson, and a rare tall clock by Daniel Balch. Additional highlights comprise a pre-surrealist oil painting by Giorgio De Chirico, a Russian Imperial tea service, and various Native American artifacts. The auction will also showcase fine American period furniture, Civil War memorabilia, and a collection of sterling silver items. Previews are available on Friday, January 16, from 3:00 to 6:00 PM and Saturday, January 17, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. For those unable to attend, absentee and live phone bidding options are offered. For more information on upcoming auctions, please visit Gamage Antiques.

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