Why David Najar’s market needs two valuation playbooks
David Najar (b. 1962, Israel) paints luminous seascapes and reflective groves that he calls “contemporary expressionism.”1 He trained in the 2000s alongside Itzchak Tarkay and Moshe Rosenthalis after a career teaching Krav Maga, so his output mixes classical studio practice with gallery-ready polish. Park West Gallery championed him early, which means hundreds of unique canvases, hand-embellished giclées, and dye-sublimation editions entered the market through cruise ship auctions, VIP events, and direct online drops. That distribution creates a two-lane secondary market: one lane for singular acrylic originals, another for editioned works that still carry tactile gel or metallic effects.
For appraisers and consignors, the assignment is to identify which lane you’re in within the first five minutes. Mislabeling an embellished giclée as an original—or undervaluing a richly textured canvas because it still has a Park West inventory label—can shift a quote by thousands of dollars. Use the cues below to keep the dual-market reality straight.
Two-lane market: originals vs. editions
- Studio originals. Expect palette-knife ridges that rise 2–4 mm above the ground, scattered pinholes where Najar scratched foliage, and handwritten notes along the stretcher (often in Hebrew). Originals typically lack edition fractions and frequently include Park West inventory stickers plus a gallery-stamped COA.
- Hand-embellished giclées on canvas. You’ll see a printed base layer, but gel-medium highlights sit on top of the inkjet surface. The edition number (e.g., 142/295) is usually lower right in paint marker or graphite, and the verso may show a black spline frame that differs from the heavier pine used on originals.
- Dye-sublimation or seriolithograph editions on metal/paper. These stay perfectly flat, have UV-cured inks, and often ship with acrylic facemounts. Signatures are typically in paint pen on the face or graphite in the lower margin.
- Cross-check paperwork. Park West’s COA lists medium, edition size, and often the lead cataloger. Appraisers should confirm those details against the physical evidence before quoting a range.
Inspection & documentation workflow
- Survey the surface under raking light. Originals show inconsistent ridges and palette scrapes; editions reveal smoother sweeps and repeated textures along mirrored edges.
- Photograph the verso. Capture stretcher stamps, Park West labels, and any courier stickers (e.g., DHL, Cruise Line Logistics). They help prove chain of custody and date the initial sale.
- Measure everything. Note image size, framed size, and depth. Najar’s standard canvases sit in the 24×36 and 30×40 inch ranges, while dye-sublimations frequently measure 29.25×43 inches (as in the “Season Illusion” comp below).
- Record lighting reactions. Use UV to see if an embellished giclée has aftermarket touchups or if an original shows restoration fill along the shoreline highlights.
- Log accompanying ephemera. Park West invoices, Tarkay workshop photos, or VIP event invitations can keep provenance intact and improve liquidity.
Market benchmarks from the last 18 months
Recent online sales show how edition type, size, and presentation translate into hammer prices. Use the figures below as directional guidance, then adjust for your specific medium and paperwork.
| Lot | House & date | Hammer | Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lot 569 – Summer Finds, hand-embellished giclée on canvas (18"×18") | Prime Time Auctions, Fine Art – Paintings – Decor, online; closed 5 Jun 2024 (Chubbuck, ID) | $110 after 29 bids | Smaller square format but active gel highlights and edition number kept interest above $100 even in a timed sale.2 |
| Lot 537 – Up in the Trees, 22"×29" hand-embellished giclée | Prime Time Auctions, same catalog; closed 5 Jun 2024 | $80 after 22 bids | Entry-level pricing for mid-size embellished works without framing or shipping incentives.3 |
| Lot 79 – Season Illusion, dye-sublimation on metal (29.25"×43") | Clearing House Estate Sales (AuctionNinja), Pittsfield MA pickup; closed 17 Aug 2025 | $260 after 37 bids | Large-format sublimations with clean mounting can exceed $250 when offered in lifestyle auctions with regional pickup.4 |
The Prime Time results confirm the current floor: under $150 for smaller embellished squares, $80–$120 for mid-size canvases without premium framing, and mid-$200s when metal editions remain turnkey for décor buyers. The AuctionNinja sale, by contrast, demonstrates that scale plus ready-to-hang presentation can double the hammer even without a COA in the listing copy.
Documentation kit that keeps deals moving
- Park West COA + invoice. Photograph both sides; collectors like to see the serial number and any notation that the work shipped directly from Southfield, MI.
- Edition info. Note the fraction, proof designation (AP, PP, HC), and whether the signature is paint pen or graphite.
- Condition macros. Capture corners, edges, and varnish sheen. Highlight any gel cracks, frame scuffs, or metallic print abrasions.
- Shipping or storage history. Retain crate labels or climate-control logs if you kept the piece in storage—insurers often ask.
- Story assets. Event photos with Najar, Tarkay studio snapshots, or letters from Park West consultants can differentiate an otherwise common edition.
Channel & timing strategy
- Re-engage Park West or high-touch galleries for originals. Unique canvases with pristine provenance may return to Park West’s VIP circuit or to boutique galleries that cater to Najar collectors. Expect tighter timelines but also more rigorous condition standards.
- Lean on timed online auctions for embellished editions. Prime Time Auctions’ June 2024 sale and similar platforms show that well-lit photography plus low opening bids attract 20–30 bidders even for $80–$120 lots. Bake shipping and buyer premium math into your reserve.
- Bundle décor-ready sublimations for regional pickup venues. The AuctionNinja hammer illustrates how larger dye-sublimations thrive when buyers can inspect locally. Pair them with contemporary furnishings or lighting to create lifestyle lots that stand out in catalog view.
Care, framing, and insurance watchpoints
- Acrylic & gel surfaces. Dust with a microfiber cloth only; avoid household cleaners that can soften gel medium or leave streaks on metallic prints.
- Framing. Originals benefit from float frames that allow the impasto to breathe. Editions on metal should keep their float mounts or cleats intact—document hardware to prove authenticity.
- UV exposure. Keep embellished giclées away from direct sun to avoid differential fading between the inkjet base and hand-applied highlights.
- Insurance riders. Note whether your policy treats Park West COAs as sufficient proof of authenticity or if they require an independent appraisal; plan renewals accordingly.
Quick FAQ
What’s the current spread between originals and embellished editions?
Studio originals with heavy impasto and Park West provenance typically appraise in the mid-four figures, whereas embellished giclées in the 24×36 range often trade between $350 and $900 framed. Timed auctions may clear lower, as the Prime Time comps show.
Does a Park West COA guarantee resale?
It validates authenticity and edition data, but buyers still expect fresh condition photos, edition numbers, and sometimes a recent independent appraisal when the asking price exceeds $5,000.
How far in advance should I book an appraisal before selling?
Give yourself two weeks. You’ll need time to gather photos, scan paperwork, and—if you’re consigning to a gallery—allow their curatorial team to review your report.