Monday, February 23, 2009

Touched by an Artist

First off, "what an amazing painter; William Thomson is truly one of the best American painters alive."

The experience of rifling through over 500 paintings was an experience unto itself. It was the first time in a long while where art moved me in such a way that it gave me goose bumps and put tears to my eyes. (Claudia went with me and both of us had red eyes by the time we were done). It took over 4 hours to go through his entire collection, I could not stop.

Bill Thomson's work creates a multitude of feelings, moods even some harsh realities but what's apparent is the skill of his brush and the use of color. His brush work is flawless using broad and tight strokes, creating soft and sharp edges but they all blend creating a mood in each piece. His color usage is spectacular using mostly earth tones in his pallet. Bill works in all kinds of mediums from acrylic, encaustic, egg tempera, oil to watercolor but somehow they all tie together producing an amazing image.

We are thrilled with the opportunity to add Thomson to our collection.

Represented in collections of; Britain Museum of American Art, Holyoke Museum of Art & History, Mattatuck Museum, DeCordova Museum, Berkshire Museum, and Slater Museum.




Thursday, February 19, 2009

Artist Focus: Don Gorvett in American Art Collector

The Gallery just received the advanced copy of American Art Collector Magazine and look who I found featured. Don Gorvett is "Etched in time... "The New England coast and the sea are fundamental to Don's creations, which are also influenced by a romantic passion for history, drama and music. Gorvett produces his reduction woodcut prints on a large French Tool Etching Press. His skills are draughtsman and his understanding of the medium of print are prominent features of his bold graphic style." AAC March Issue #41, pg 170.

"Early Morning on the Piscataqua;" This is an extremely rare print, only two remaining in this edition.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

There's Something About Jane

When asking Jane some questions, this is what I got. What else could I add? Nothing, I Love it!

Jane Kaufmann has been chipping ice around her kiln and shoveling it down the drive way to a place where the snow bank is low enough so she can throw it up and over the snow. Then she goes upstairs and unfreezes the window sills and opens the window and knocks the icicles down so they won't fall on the heads of guests.

For the past 40 years she has been working in her studio and she tells budding artists to be sure to marry someone rich so you don't have to pay your own way in life. Artists work hard. Why not marry the patron who loves you?

She tells collectors to buy what they like. Professionals can tell you what is "good" but if you don't like it, forget it. She often opens her wallet, takes a jack knife and digs down deep, to pay for a piece of art she loves. The chance won't come around again and she always regrets not getting art when it's available. -Jane Kaufmann
Kaufmann>>>Online Store

Thursday, February 5, 2009

What Economy?

I asked some of our artists this question; "Any advice for an artist just starting out in this current economy?" When I originally asked this question I had emerging artists in mind but after reading through the artist's comments, I realized this really wasn't about emerging at all. The question could be for any artist who is working in this current economy.

I became so energized after reading their comments; I knew they needed to be shared.

Any advice for an artist just starting out in this current economy?


"Just work! Get in the studio! This is a great time to focus on making better works, push, stretch, take risks, maybe fail, but explore new territory." -Kim Bernard




"I began sculpting full time during the 80's recession and has a very successful career which supported me as a sculptor for then years. You have to work hard and have a lot of luck (which you create for yourself), and have faith that your work is worth struggling for." -Christopher Gowell




"Sure- They are 2 non-related issues, so forget the economy and just paint! Your job is to work and improve." -Gail Sauter



"Just do it! Shine on and be thrifty. Creative people learn they need to take the time for thoughts to peculate from their unconscious. Allowing space for gathered reflection to come forward is part of the process of making art." -Wen Redmond
Check out "The Wire" just released today about this Obama piece.




"Being an artist is a lifetime lifestyle." -Dustan Knight




So I said "what economy" these artists have over three decades of experience, devoted their time and lives to their passion and not to mention they are extremely talented. So they must know what they're talking about.

More encouragement is Sotheby's and Art News Blog "But a Christie's auction in New York has blown my theory of an auction slowdown out of the water. The total for the night was an impressive $325 million, which is the second highest total for a post war and contemporary art auction." from Art News.