Collecting P. Buckley Moss: The Simplicity of Life in Watercolor - WorthPoint (2024)

American painter Pat Buckley Moss is one of the top collected artists in history. Born in 1933, she struggled in school due to dyslexia but was visibly gifted at art from an early age. Moss had six children with her first husband, Jack Moss, who transported the family to the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia for work in 1964. This move proved significant for her artistry; she became intrigued by the lifestyle of Amish and Mennonite people and the farmland landscapes in the background of their lives.

After the success of a museum exhibition in 1967, she prioritized the pursuit of her art as a means of financial support and gaining recognition. She built a solid following and created a network of galleries and her own museum in 1989. Her work became in such high demand that she started re-producing paintings to fill her supporters’ desires.

Why Collect Her Artwork?

Why are Moss’s paintings enticing to the huge entourage supporting her through collecting? Many are attracted to the serene scenery she paints, which conveys a feeling of peace. Her integration of the Amish people portrays the beauty of a simpler life that brings a sense of joy when observing her work. The natural rural countryside she’s drawn to has brought many people comfort, to cherish a moment of calm amidst a chaotic world all around.

In addition to the content of her artwork, Moss has always been a generous and genuine person. She was considered “The People’s Artist” by some, and she established the P. Buckley Moss Society in 1987 to raise money for children’s charities. About ten years later, she founded the P. Buckley Moss Foundation for Children’s Education to help children with learning disabilities, inspired by her struggle with dyslexia. She cares about those who care about her work, so sometimes, she opens her home for collectors to gather and signs her work for them. Also a breast cancer survivor, she started PALS, an organization supporting women fighting cancer.

Archiving and Authenticating

The P. Buckley Moss Museum has gone to appropriate lengths to authenticate her work and has an extensive archival record of this work. This considerable process began in 1987. The museum’s goal is to label each original piece with an ID number, including ones owned by individual collectors. Their objective is not to place a monetary value on her work; they recommend contacting The American Society of Appraisers to be informed on prices. Registering a painting as a collector provides insurance in the case of damaging or losing the possessed artwork.

Two numbers must be checked to verify the validity of a painting, which would distinguish a painting from a print. All prints show the number of a print and the number of prints in an edition. An original painting, drawing, or sculpture would have a signature and a date. However, some of her early works had no signature, or some were signed multiple times. Searching for an “AP” for “artist proof” will help notify the possessor that a piece is a limited-edition print. In addition to using online databases to assist in the process of inspection, there are ample resources for collectors to discover information about the value of originals, the pieces that are currently available, and authorized Moss dealers in different areas.

Selling Her Watercolor Paintings

Let’s look specifically at two of P. Buckley Moss’ watercolor paintings, one of them titled “Tree of Cats II” (2002). Black cats are a common theme found throughout her artwork, representing herself. Canada Goose Gallery has a vast collection of her art and showcases her work primarily. Through the gallery, “Tree of Cats II” sells for $1600 and is registered as authentic with P Buckley Moss with an official certificate as proof. In comparison, a print sells for $75 through P. Buckley Moss Galleries. This print is number 918 of 1,000, hence the marking 918/1000.

The second watercolor painting is “Concord Bridge” (1993). Moss enjoyed drawing historical landmarks and wanted to depict this significant structure symbolizing the American Revolution. The original is currently offered for sale through Renjeau Galleries in Boston for $5500 with a 3-inch traditional champagne frame, a 3-inch light brown mat, and a half-inch blue liner. Moss signed the painting and the glass.

The gallery has a separate website just for her artwork and has collaborated with her for two shows. They house one of the most extensive collections of her limited-edition rare prints. In contrast, an artist proof through P Buckley Moss Galleries is $340, which is still a high price for a print but significantly lower than the original. Artist proofs are considered higher quality since they are the first prints made with a fresh plate.

There are many thoughts as to why P. Buckley Moss’ paintings are so popular and timeless. Some point to the diversity and versatility of subjects she paints and the different styles she rotates between. Although her work is easily recognizable, she often tried new approaches which appealed to broad audiences. Her paintings are considered to be decorative, appealing to homeowners who desire peace in their living area. Another reason that people love her paintings is that she loves painting them, and that’s communicated through her finished products. The large following she’s accumulated over time has led her to be known for creating art from one of the most collected art portfolios in history.

Susanna Andrews is an artist who is passionate about creative writing and producing short films. She loves to research topics related to art history and the stories behind antique and vintage art and collectibles. She graduated from the University of Washington with a BA in Interdisciplinary Arts, and lives in Southern California.

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