Price databaseBrowseSell your artwork
Watchlist

John Olsen Works on Paper: Auction Prices

Australian · 1928–2023

ArtSell has recorded 170 auction results for John Olsen works on paper between 2009 and 2026, of which 129 sold (76% sell-through). Prices realised range from $233 to $97,974, with a median of $16,560 across 129 priced sales (USD at the sale-date rate). The highest recorded price is $97,974 for “Emus & Windmills 1976” at Menzies in 2014.

Record: Emus & Windmills 1976 — $97,974Sign up free to see

170auction results2009–2026years recorded76%sold$16.6kSign up free to seemedian price$98kSign up free to seehighest

Price chart & statistics for John Olsen →

All works on paper results

Sign up free to see all prices. You’ve seen the free realized prices for this month. Artist, title, date, house, medium, size and estimates stay visible to everyone. Create a free account · Sign in
  1. John Olsen, Running Giraffes, Mixed Media on Paper
    Running Giraffes
    Mixed media · Paper
    58x60.5cm
    Davidson Auctions · · Lot 7
    A$17,000≈ $11,879≈ £8,916≈ €10,431HammerSign up free to seeEst. A$18,000–25,000View at Davidson Auctions ↗
  2. John Olsen, Spoonbill c1983, c1983, watercolour, ink and pastel on paper
    Spoonbill c1983, c1983
    Watercolor · Paper
    75.0 x 54.5 cm; 103.5 x 81.5 cm (framed)
    Menzies · · Lot 65
    A$34,364≈ $24,938≈ £18,308≈ €21,187Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. A$12,000–18,000View at Menzies ↗
  3. John Olsen, Old Pond, watercolour, ink and pastel on paper
    Old Pond
    Watercolor · Paper
    66.0 x 79.0 cm; 101.0 x 112.5 cm (framed)
    Menzies · · Lot 14
    A$49,091≈ $35,625≈ £26,154≈ €30,268Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. A$20,000–30,000View at Menzies ↗
  4. John Olsen, The Arrival of the Crows (2006), 2006, mixed media on paper
    The Arrival of the Crows (2006), 2006
    Mixed media · Paper
    153 x 102 cm
    Smith & Singer · · Lot 62
    Unsold / did not meet reserveEst. A$50,000–70,000View at Smith & Singer ↗
  5. John Olsen, Brolga Displaying, 1973, watercolour and gouache on paper
    Brolga Displaying, 1973
    Watercolor · Paper
    36.5 x 59cm
    Leonard Joel · · Lot 77
    A$8,500≈ $6,040≈ £4,528≈ €5,238Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. A$7,000–9,000View at Leonard Joel ↗
  6. John Olsen, Landscape with Lake Rydal, 2001, watercolour, pastel and synthetic polymer paint on paper
    Landscape with Lake Rydal, 2001
    Watercolor · Paper
    84 x 95cm
    Leonard Joel · · Lot 27
    A$50,000≈ $35,531≈ £26,633≈ €30,813Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. A$50,000–70,000View at Leonard Joel ↗
  7. John Olsen, Untitled, 1961, watercolour on paper
    Untitled, 1961
    Watercolor · Paper
    36 x 48cm (59 x 69cm framed)
    Leonard Joel · · Lot 54
    A$7,500≈ $5,265≈ £3,954≈ €4,536Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. A$6,000–8,000View at Leonard Joel ↗
  8. John Olsen, Pond in Rain, watercolour on card
    Pond in Rain
    Watercolor · Board
    72.5 x 61cm (101 x 87cm framed)
    Leonard Joel · · Lot 8
    A$13,000≈ $9,125≈ £6,854≈ €7,863Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. A$12,000–18,000View at Leonard Joel ↗
  9. John Olsen, Brolgas Dancing, 1970, watercolour on paper
    Brolgas Dancing, 1970
    Watercolor · Paper
    36 x 53cm (59 x 75cm framed)
    Leonard Joel · · Lot 7
    A$2,200≈ $1,544≈ £1,160≈ €1,331Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. A$2,000–3,000View at Leonard Joel ↗
  10. John Olsen, Swimmers Surrounded by a Phallic Landscape 1985, 1985, watercolour and ink on paper
    Swimmers Surrounded by a Phallic Landscape 1985, 1985
    Watercolor · Paper
    61.0 x 79.5 cm; 85.5 x 102.5 cm (framed)
    Menzies · · Lot 50
    Unsold / did not meet reserveEst. A$20,000–30,000View at Menzies ↗
  11. John Olsen, Lake Eyre: The Edge of the Void 2021, 2021, gouache, watercolour and pastel on paper
    Lake Eyre: The Edge of the Void 2021, 2021
    Gouache · Paper
    96.0 x 80.0 cm; 118.5 x 102.0 cm (framed)
    Menzies · · Lot 45
    A$29,455≈ $19,110≈ £14,564≈ €16,499Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. A$25,000–35,000View at Menzies ↗
  12. John Olsen, Leaping Cat 2021, 2021, watercolour and pastel on paper
    Leaping Cat 2021, 2021
    Watercolor · Paper
    65.0 x 86.0 cm; 87.0 x 107.5 cm (framed)
    Menzies · · Lot 44
    A$24,545≈ $15,925≈ £12,136≈ €13,748Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. A$20,000–25,000View at Menzies ↗
  13. John Olsen, Untitled, 1975, ink and watercolour on paper
    Untitled, 1975
    Watercolor · Paper
    74.5 x 55.5cm
    Leonard Joel · · Lot 11
    A$6,000≈ $3,894≈ £2,911≈ €3,355Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. A$6,000–8,000View at Leonard Joel ↗
  14. John Olsen, Arriving at the Lily Pond, 1977, Pen & Ink
    Arriving at the Lily Pond, 1977
    Drawing
    19.5x29cm
    Davidson Auctions · · Lot 41
    A$1,500≈ $983≈ £740≈ €850HammerSign up free to seeEst. A$1,500–2,500View at Davidson Auctions ↗
  15. John Olsen, The Wind in the Willows, Rydal 1991, 1991, watercolour, gouache and pastel on paper
    The Wind in the Willows, Rydal 1991, 1991
    Watercolor · Paper
    100.0 x 78.0 cm; 129.5 x 105.0 cm (framed)
    Menzies · · Lot 56
    Unsold / did not meet reserveEst. A$40,000–60,000View at Menzies ↗
  16. John Olsen, Frogs - Morning 2019, 2019, watercolour and pastel on paper
    Frogs - Morning 2019, 2019
    Watercolor · Paper
    79.5 x 92.5 cm; 99.5 x 113.0 cm (framed)
    Menzies · · Lot 26
    A$73,636≈ $47,416≈ £35,183≈ €40,697Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. A$45,000–55,000View at Menzies ↗
  17. John Olsen, Tree Frogs and Banana Leaf (also known as Kimberley Tree Frogs) 2010, 2010, watercolour and pastel on paper
    Tree Frogs and Banana Leaf (also known as Kimberley Tree Frogs) 2010, 2010
    Watercolor · Paper
    91.0 x 105.0 cm; 114.0 x 126.5 cm (framed)
    Menzies · · Lot 25
    A$122,727≈ $79,026≈ £58,638≈ €67,828Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. A$50,000–70,000View at Menzies ↗
  18. John Olsen, Arriving at the Lily Pond, 1977, Pen & Ink
    Arriving at the Lily Pond, 1977
    Drawing
    19.5x29cm
    Davidson Auctions · · Lot 26
    Unsold / did not meet reserveEst. A$2,000–4,000View at Davidson Auctions ↗
  19. John Olsen, Lake Alexandrina, 1975, watercolour on paper
    Lake Alexandrina, 1975
    Watercolor · Paper
    59 x 84cm
    Leonard Joel · · Lot 62
    A$9,000≈ $5,836≈ £4,381≈ €5,145Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. A$10,000–15,000View at Leonard Joel ↗
  20. John Olsen, Sealife 2012, 2012, pastel on paper
    Sealife 2012, 2012
    Pastel · Paper
    80.0 x 95.0 cm; 98.0 x 112.5 cm (framed)
    Menzies · · Lot 80
    Unsold / did not meet reserveEst. A$18,000–24,000View at Menzies ↗
  21. John Olsen, Frutta Mista del Mare 1991, 1991, watercolour, ink and pastel on paper
    Frutta Mista del Mare 1991, 1991
    Watercolor · Paper
    99.5 x 94.5 cm; 112.5 x 105.5 cm (framed)
    Menzies · · Lot 28
    A$85,909≈ $51,594≈ £40,378≈ €46,713Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. A$50,000–70,000View at Menzies ↗
  22. John Olsen, The Edge of the World - Lake Eyre 2012, 2012, watercolour, gouache and pastel on paper
    The Edge of the World - Lake Eyre 2012, 2012
    Watercolor · Paper
    160.0 x 121.0 cm; 180.0 x 140.0 cm (framed)
    Menzies · · Lot 27
    A$92,045≈ $55,279≈ £43,261≈ €50,049Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. A$60,000–80,000View at Menzies ↗
  23. John Olsen, (Cave Painting) (Wild Australia Series) (1971), 1971, gouache on paper
    (Cave Painting) (Wild Australia Series) (1971), 1971
    Gouache · Paper
    45 x 63 cm
    Smith & Singer · · Lot 19
    A$6,136≈ $3,718≈ £2,908≈ €3,395Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. A$5,000–8,000View at Smith & Singer ↗
  24. John Olsen, Frogs & Banana Leaf II, watercolour and pastel on paper
    Frogs & Banana Leaf II
    Watercolor · Paper
    78 x 99cm
    Leonard Joel · · Lot 70
    A$28,000≈ $17,828≈ £13,745≈ €16,329Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. A$25,000–35,000View at Leonard Joel ↗
  25. John Olsen, Paseo on Sunday, 1966, Wax Crayon on Paper
    Paseo on Sunday, 1966
    Drawing · Paper
    49.5x64.5cm
    Davidson Auctions · · Lot 29
    A$4,500≈ $2,885≈ £2,259≈ €2,726HammerSign up free to seeEst. A$5,000–8,000View at Davidson Auctions ↗
  26. John Olsen, Lake Eyre, the Desert Sea 1978, 1978, watercolour and gouache on paper
    Lake Eyre, the Desert Sea 1978, 1978
    Watercolor · Paper
    106.0 x 75.0 cm; 139.0 x 103.5 cm (framed)
    Menzies · · Lot 69
    A$49,091≈ $31,957≈ £25,228≈ €30,256Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. A$35,000–45,000View at Menzies ↗
  27. John Olsen, Paul Klee's Statement 1991, 1991, watercolour, pastel and pencil on paper
    Paul Klee's Statement 1991, 1991
    Watercolor · Paper
    100 x 95 cm
    Smith & Singer · · Lot 40
    Unsold / did not meet reserveEst. A$35,000–45,000View at Smith & Singer ↗
  28. John Olsen, Chef Dreaming of a Menu, Pen & Ink
    Chef Dreaming of a Menu
    Drawing
    19x10cm
    Davidson Auctions · · Lot 7
    A$475≈ $318≈ £246≈ €292HammerSign up free to seeEst. A$500–800View at Davidson Auctions ↗
  29. John Olsen, Lake Eyre 1985, 1985, watercolour and pastel on paper
    Lake Eyre 1985, 1985
    Watercolor · Paper
    57.0 x 57.0 cm; 97.0 x 90.5 cm (framed)
    Menzies · · Lot 85
    A$27,000≈ $17,978≈ £14,204≈ €16,819Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. A$22,000–28,000View at Menzies ↗
  30. John Olsen, Little Zen Moments Lily Pond 1999, 1999, watercolour and oil pastel on paper
    Little Zen Moments Lily Pond 1999, 1999
    Oil · Paper
    50.0 x 37.0 cm; 81.0 x 61.5 cm (framed)
    Menzies · · Lot 15
    A$29,455≈ $19,613≈ £15,496≈ €18,349Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. A$22,000–28,000View at Menzies ↗
  31. John Olsen, Salsa Ailioh, 2007, ink and pastel on paper
    Salsa Ailioh, 2007
    Pastel · Paper
    28 x 40cm
    Leonard Joel · · Lot 8
    A$5,500≈ $3,658≈ £2,884≈ €3,414Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. A$6,000–9,000View at Leonard Joel ↗
  32. John Olsen, Searching Around, 1969, gouache on paper
    Searching Around, 1969
    Gouache · Paper
    75.5 x 56cm
    Leonard Joel · · Lot 12
    A$9,000≈ $6,012≈ £4,735≈ €5,535Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. A$10,000–15,000View at Leonard Joel ↗
  33. John Olsen, Lake Alexandrina 1975, 1975, watercolour on paper
    Lake Alexandrina 1975, 1975
    Watercolor · Paper
    59.0 x 84.0 cm; 74.0 x 97.0 cm (framed)
    Menzies · · Lot 103
    Unsold / did not meet reserveEst. A$15,000–20,000View at Menzies ↗
  34. John Olsen, The Yin Yang of the Wimmera 1970, 1970, gouache on paper
    The Yin Yang of the Wimmera 1970, 1970
    Gouache · Paper
    59.0 x 79.5 cm; 75.0 x 89.0 cm (framed)
    Menzies · · Lot 15
    A$24,545≈ $15,993≈ £12,682≈ €14,786Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. A$20,000–30,000View at Menzies ↗
  35. John Olsen, Tree Frog, 1971, Ink & Colour on Paper
    Tree Frog, 1971
    Drawing · Paper
    50x46cm
    Davidson Auctions · · Lot 94
    A$2,000≈ $1,328≈ £1,034≈ €1,214HammerSign up free to seeEst. A$700–1,200View at Davidson Auctions ↗
  36. John Olsen, Echidna Passing Flowers 2000, 2000, watercolour and pastel on paper
    Echidna Passing Flowers 2000, 2000
    Watercolor · Paper
    65.0 x 60.0 cm; 100.0 x 93.5 cm (framed)
    Menzies · · Lot 78
    A$34,364≈ $22,760≈ £17,927≈ €20,719Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. A$25,000–35,000View at Menzies ↗
  37. John Olsen, Night Jar 1974, 1974, ink and wash on paper
    Night Jar 1974, 1974
    Drawing · Paper
    47.0 x 38.0 cm; 72.5 x 61.0 cm
    Menzies · · Lot 62
    A$8,591≈ $5,690≈ £4,482≈ €5,180Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. A$4,000–6,000View at Menzies ↗
  38. John Olsen, The Roads to Broome 2000, 2000, watercolour on paper
    The Roads to Broome 2000, 2000
    Watercolor · Paper
    79.5 x 89.0 cm; 118.5 x 125.0 cm (framed)
    Menzies · · Lot 46
    A$44,182≈ $29,262≈ £23,048≈ €26,638Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. A$30,000–40,000View at Menzies ↗
  39. John Olsen, Owls at Cooper Creek 1980, 1980, watercolour and gouache on Torinoko paper
    Owls at Cooper Creek 1980, 1980
    Watercolor · Paper
    192 x 100 cm
    Smith & Singer · · Lot 29
    A$79,773≈ $52,478≈ £41,832≈ €47,903Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. A$65,000–85,000View at Smith & Singer ↗
  40. John Olsen, Landscape, 1977, watercolour and gouache on paper on card
    Landscape, 1977
    Watercolor · Paper
    66 x 96.5cm
    Leonard Joel · · Lot 8
    A$17,000≈ $10,818≈ £8,855≈ €10,175Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. A$18,000–24,000View at Leonard Joel ↗
  41. John Olsen, Desert and Orange Chats 1993, 1993, watercolour and pastel on paper
    Desert and Orange Chats 1993, 1993
    Watercolor · Paper
    95.5 x 99.5 cm
    Smith & Singer · · Lot 65
    A$49,091≈ $31,498≈ £24,969≈ €29,152Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. A$40,000–60,000View at Smith & Singer ↗
  42. John Olsen, Plate with Squid and Fish, 2020, Charcoal
    Plate with Squid and Fish, 2020
    Drawing
    41x52cm
    Davidson Auctions · · Lot 64
    A$2,500≈ $1,598≈ £1,252≈ €1,465HammerSign up free to seeEst. A$1,500–2,500View at Davidson Auctions ↗
  43. John Olsen, Aboriginal Education, Ink & Pastel
    Aboriginal Education
    Pastel
    56x38cm (sheet)
    Davidson Auctions · · Lot 63
    A$5,000≈ $3,196≈ £2,505≈ €2,930HammerSign up free to seeEst. A$5,000–7,000View at Davidson Auctions ↗
  44. John Olsen, Man and Landscape, pastel on paper
    Man and Landscape
    Pastel · Paper
    555 x 725mm
    Art+Object · · Lot 59
    NZ$12,185≈ $7,390≈ £5,940≈ €6,878Price realizedSign up free to seeView at Art+Object ↗
  45. John Olsen, Frog and Pond, watercolour and pastel on paper
    Frog and Pond
    Watercolor · Paper
    76 x 55 cm
    Smith & Singer · · Lot 84
    A$61,364≈ $41,100≈ £32,936≈ €37,483Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. A$35,000–45,000View at Smith & Singer ↗
  46. John Olsen, Monkeys 1982, 1982, pastel and gouache on paper
    Monkeys 1982, 1982
    Pastel · Paper
    80.0 x 91.0 cm
    Menzies · · Lot 105
    A$14,114≈ $9,420≈ £7,641≈ €8,685Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. A$15,000–20,000View at Menzies ↗
  47. John Olsen, Edge of the Void 2009, 2009, pastel, watercolour and gouache on paper
    Edge of the Void 2009, 2009
    Pastel · Paper
    150.0 x 100.0 cm
    Menzies · · Lot 78
    A$50,000≈ $33,259≈ £27,820≈ €32,212HammerSign up free to seeEst. A$50,000–70,000View at Menzies ↗
  48. John Olsen, Birds and Dam 1977, 1977, watercolour, gouache and ink on paper
    Birds and Dam 1977, 1977
    Watercolor · Paper
    66.5 x 101.5 cm
    Smith & Singer · · Lot 44
    Unsold / did not meet reserveEst. A$45,000–65,000View at Smith & Singer ↗
  49. John Olsen, Warburton River Groove 2011, 2011, watercolour, charcoal and pastel on paper
    Warburton River Groove 2011, 2011
    Watercolor · Paper
    152 x 121 cm
    Smith & Singer · · Lot 8
    A$116,591≈ $78,827≈ £66,230≈ €75,708Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. A$70,000–90,000View at Smith & Singer ↗
  50. John Olsen, Honey Eaters (1997), 1997, synthetic polymer paint, pastel and crayon on paper
    Honey Eaters (1997), 1997
    Acrylic · Paper
    98 x 92 cm
    Smith & Singer · · Lot 59
    A$49,091≈ $33,892≈ £28,756≈ €34,117Price realizedSign up free to seeEst. A$40,000–60,000View at Smith & Singer ↗

Other media by John Olsen

PaintingsPrintsPhotographsSculptureOil PaintingsAcrylic PaintingsMixed MediaWatercolorsGouachesPastelsDrawingsEtchingsLithographs

All John Olsen auction results → · Own a works on paper by John Olsen? Get a free auction estimate →