Gerard Mortier

French-born artist Gerard Mortier will have his new works on display at SmithKlein Gallery throughout the month of May, 2014. Below is some information about the artist:
 

The true Opal Coast as seen in the mind of Gerard Mortier, the great interpreter of light and how it plays on the canvas.

For almost thirty years Mortier's work has been seen and appreciated in New Zealand, Spain, Europe and Colorado.

The relationship between Gerard Mortier and the Opal Coast can be seen in his paintings. Rather than making fleeting moments of his general childhood memories, Gerard Mortier chooses to share his memories of the sea and rocks at Audreselles with the public. Little by little and over the years, his self-taught techniques improved, and he became more precise. By 1970, his first works became known. Right away, the works were successful, not only locally in northern France but beyond.

Gerard's paints and equipment.

Gerard works on his next project

Looking at his work is to experience an aesthetic moment.

Seascapes are what Gerard typically painted in the past.

However, for Gerard Mortier, going forward is a must. It was not in his plans to copy the seascapes of northern France again and again. He felt the need to grow and go beyond. While he admits to having adopted some of the impressionists' styles, he began to move away from impressionism and embrace a more abstract approach. Nevertheless, he never forgets the importance that light as well as contrast play in his paintings. These will remain his main asset as an artist.

More work by Gerard Mortier.

A landscape by Gerard Mortier.

Besides, Gerard Mortier is not limiting himself to a unique source of inspiration. Taking less familiar paths, he becomes fascinated by Paris, Lisbon and other areas. He readily admits wanting to leave behind some old habits, so he can plunge into a different poetic milieu.

In the end, it will be a pleasure for admirers of Gerard Mortier to find scenes of the Bologne area still in his works. It will feel like a breath of fresh air full of maritime smells. The painter promises to always come up with some surprises, surprises we are certain will match the quality of all his past work.

The artist at work.

Wedding Bands at SmithKlein Gallery

SmithKlein Gallery carries a large selection of wedding bands for both men and women.

Fullerton Bahr

Fullerton Bahr

Fullerton Bahr

Ayesha Mayadas

J Cotter

Todd Reed

David and Ronnie

Sarah Graham

Martha Sullivan

Engagenent and Wedding Ideas at SmithKlein Gallery

The wedding season is nearly upon us. If you are looking for beautiful, hand-made, unique engagement rings, wedding bands, special occasion necklaces or earring, check out the wonderful selection of jewelry at SmithKlein Gallery.


Engagement Rings:

Ayesha Mayadas

Ayesha Mayadas

D'Ette

Fullerton Bahr 

Todd Reed

Sarah Graham

David and Ronnie

Martha Sullivan

Bruce Cascia 2014

SmithKlein Gallery presents new works by Bruce Cascia during the month of April 2014.

And Away We Go! Oil painting by Bruce Cascia.

We were interested to know a little bit more about the artist, so here is an interview with Bruce and a few of his latest oil paintings:


(Q:) Are there any subjects that inspire you more than others or are you open to painting anything?

Bruce: I like painting nostalgic imagery. Actually, the more challenging something is, the more intrigued with it I am.

(Q) Do you paint on location or by photograph?

Bruce: Most of the time I paint from a photograph. I've done watercolors on location. They lend themselves to quick completion, so I'm done before the light changes

(Q:) Do you see any trends unfolding in your art - developing techniques, use of color, particular abstractions, etc.?

Bruce: I like painting metallic objects, reflections and brightly colored compositions. 

(Q:) Do you paint full time? What is your studio space like?

Bruce: I try to paint every day, but when sales are down I have to compensate my income with web design and art direction.

Bruce's studio.

(Q:) Is there anything you would like to highlight about your work in general? Do you feel like you have a message that you are trying to convey through your art?

Bruce: I've been painting Chicago Hot Dog Stands for a while. Since a lot of them have been torn down, I'm trying to preserve them on canvas.

(Q:) What inspired you to become an artist? How old were you when you started painting?

Bruce: I always liked drawing. As a kid, I thought if I could draw a dollar bill and change the denomination I could be rich! I practiced for weeks, and then my dad told me I could go to jail for counterfeiting. In the end, I used my talents to create school bulletin boards.

(Q:) How did you develop as an artist? Did you take classes or read about painting to improve your technique over the years?

Bruce: I'm pretty much self taught. At 12 yrs old, I took my first oil painting class at the local Y. I also painted from art history books checked out from the library to learn different techniques.


(Q:) What advice would you give to anyone who is thinking about going into art?

Bruce: Paint what you like and be the best at it.

Going Nowhere. Oil painting by Bruce Cascia

Chicken and Waffles. Oil Painting by Bruce Cascia.