I have found some info on the painting I was asking about. It's painted by Douglas Van Howd, it's typically referred to as "Bull Elephant & Mate" or just "Bull Elephant".

Now I need to know if it's worth getting appraised or what. Does anyone have a clue what this original is worth??

Here are two pictures of it:

the whole painting:

http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/2525/bigc.th.png

Close up of signature:

http://img812.imageshack.us/img812/7571/sigz.th.png

This list shows 3 oil paintings. You'd have to be a member to see more detailed info but it does show the titles, price and size.
Artist Douglas Van Howd. Free art prices (1935-)

There doesn't seem to be any info available at all on the going rate for original Van Howd paintings. Good luck!

Hi If you e mail this person, she will give you an estimate.
"Holly Thomasson" <[email protected]>.I was really surprised of the value of my copy on canvas. The copies on paper are also valuable. Yours is similar to mine,different animals. It is worth your time, they are very nice. They are at the Van Howd museum,studio, I think. Good luck.