Art Musings from inside the Bubble

Sculptures

2012-02-24T16:16:00.000-08:00

It's always interesting to take a look at the pieces of art that sell for record high prices at auction. Below is a list of the top selling sculptures ever sold. What's most interesting to me is that most of the sculptures have a primitive feel to them :

Alberto Giacometti's L'Homme qui marche I 104.3 million in 2010

Guennol Lioness $57.2 million in 2007

Alberto Giacometti's Grande Tete Mince $53.3 million in 2010

Amedeo Modigliani's Tete $52.6 million in 2010

Nu de dos, 4 etat by Henri Matisse $48.8 million in 2010

Constantin Brâncuși's Madame LR $37.6 million in 2009

Pablo Picasso's Tete de femme (Dora Maar) $29.1 million 2007

Artemis and the Stag (Artist Unknown) 1920s $28.6 million 2007

Constantin Brâncuși's Bird in Space $27.5 million 2005

Grande Femme Debout II by Alberto Giacometti $27.4 million in 2008

For the Love of God $100 million 2007 ??

"For the love of God" by Damien Hirst, made with 8,601 perfectly cut diamonds, allegedly sold for $100 million in 2007. However, the sale has not been officially confirmed. Some have suggested that the sculpture was not actually sold. Some say that the claims of it selling were a publicity stunt to generate interest in the artist and his work. If the sale is confirmed, it would become the highest price ever paid for a piece of art by a living artist.

An evening of Chocolate and Wine!

2012-02-14T15:41:00.000-08:00

What does chocolate have to do with art, you might ask? Well, many people consider culinary arts to be a form of artistry. I have to agree.

Last Wednesday, a friend and I were lucky enough to be invited to an evening of chocolate and wine parings at Piece, Love and Chocolate. It was a night I won't forget. What I absolutely loved, aside from all the wonderful flavors I experienced, was meeting so many passionate and warm people.

Ready to sample good things!

The event started with an intelligent lecture on how chocolate affects the senses, including how it affects brain chemistry. There's no doubt that chocolate makes us feel good. There are three areas of the brain that are stimulated when we eat it. Of course, the centers of the brain associated with pleasure are activated after eating chocolate, but, in addition to that, both the motor cortex and the prefrontal cortex are as well. The prefrontal cortex is the same area of the brain associated with learning but also with the development of addiction. Chocolate also increases serotonin levels in the brain, especially in those who tend to have certain kinds of depression e.g., SADS or atypical depression. LeeAnn, a clinical sexologist, explained how all the senses can be involved with taste. After the very interesting discussion about the senses, a nice warm towel was handed to each of us, and Sarah took over the lecture. Sarah is the chef at Piece, Love and Chocolate, and this lady knows chocolate!

The cocoa pod, where it all starts

I'm always impressed to meet anyone who knows all about chocolate--the history, the details of the chocolate making process and the properties of the yummy stuff. There is so much to know! There are certain areas in the world that employ unethical methods to gather and process cocoa beans, so it's important to know the origin of chocolate too. Here's a quick little video about that:

Sarah took us on an enchanting little journey filled with mouth-watering desserts, delightful wines and enjoyable conversation. I had a hard time being patient, because everything looked so tempting! I wanted to dive right in, but I was glad I waited, because Sarah had much to say about how and why the different wines were paired with specific sweets. What was most interesting to me about that aspect was learning more thoroughly about how the taste buds work. Most of us know that different areas of the tongue have different receptors that respond more or less to the four different flavors: sour, sweet, bitter and salt. Pairing a wine that stimulates the same receptors as the dessert can enhance the experience, but pairing a wine that stimulates a different area of the tongue can also be a good match, depending on how much the general flavors are alike. Of course, a few of the desserts stimulated two different parts of the tongue without any added help. Probably the best example of this is the dark salted liquid caramel nugget of goodness by Piece, Love and Chocolate. Holy cocoa bean! I can see why this is a best seller. Flavor explodes all over your mouth in a wonderful contrast of salty sweetness, and there is an equal blast of different textures as well with a hard outer shell, liquid caramel and crunchy salt on top. We were told that the best way to eat it is to bite the gorgeous little dark chocolate ball in half, take some salt and sprinkle it on the caramel in the remaining half and pop that into your mouth just as you are finishing the first half. Mmmm That was a good suggestion.

Chocolates at Piece, Love and Chocolate

As we moved through bite after bite of so many incredible chocolate works of art, I came upon my favorite, and I think a few others agreed based on the yummy noises floating about the room. It was the Raspbeverly cake, a flourless chocolate extravaganza with both a texture and flavor that people associate with "killer" chocolate. My oh my was that dense little square of indulgence something else. That's the stuff I dream about when it comes to chocolate. Woooaaa. It was good! I'm not even a huge fan of raspberry and chocolate, but this was sheer perfection on a plate. I bet I would like their plain flourless chocolate cake as well, and I can't wait to try it!

So many wonderful treats!

I won't go into each piece of chocolate we tried, but I will mention a few more stand-outs. There was the PLC sesame cut ganache with a very strong sesame flavor that blended well with chocolate, A PLC basil cut ganache that had quite a punch of basil flavor, the chocolate Linzer torte, a chocolate bar made with goat milk that had a wonderful little kick of tang at the finish, a creamy white chocolate cheesecake, various truffles and a lovely little lemon square with a chocolate crust. Before getting to the end of my plate, I hit maximum chocolate capacity and had to stop. Fortunately, I was sent home with a doggy bag.

I am hoping to participate in some of the other classes that Piece, Love and Chocolate offers. They have a wonderful selection of classes available. There's another class just like the one I mentioned taking place on March 7th: Chocolate Lab for Lovers... of Sensual Chocolate & Wine

Humor in art

2012-02-05T13:19:00.000-08:00

Cezanne's Cats

Art is often considered a serious subject. It can be intimidating, especially for those who haven't had a lot of exposure to it. However, many artists both past and present have created works that reflect having a good dose of humor. People are more familiar with cartoons and satire when it comes to humor in art, but there are also works in fine art that reflect true humor. In general, humor can be seen as something to be celebrated. Mark Twain once said, "Humor is mankind's greatest blessing." The joke need not be blatant or outrageous. Subtle humor that brings a smile can be very satisfying. In reality, artists often attempt to find humor in painful situations in order to better endure hard times, and then reflect that humor in their work. Of course, there are other artists who happily reflect joyous times and experiences in their work as well.

SmithKlein Gallery has quite a few artists who like to toss humor or whimsy into their works. Below are just a few examples in various mediums.


Fly Boys by Diane Naylor (oil)

dancing tortoise by Pokey Park (bronze)

Wild Wild West by Dwight Davidson (bronze)

Sheepdog in Door by D.D. LaRue (mixed media)

Tennis Turtle by Randy Chitto (clay)

All Together Now by Guiseppe Palumbo (bronze)

And just for an extra laugh, here are a few art jokes by Jim Lane:

If you've ever cleaned your fingernails with a palette knife--you MIGHT be an artist.

If you choose a wine with an eye toward using the bottle in your next still-life--you MIGHT be an artist.

If you've ever rinsed your watercolour brush in your coffee--you MIGHT be an artist.

If you've ever drunk the rinse water instead of the coffee--you MIGHT be an artist.

If you've ever painted an abstract and decided it looked better upside down--you MIGHT be an artist.

If your cat has chrome oxide green paws--you MIGHT be an artist.

If you've ever gotten cookie crumbs in the Titanium white--you MIGHT be an artist.

If you can spell phthalocyanine, you MIGHT be an artist.

If you've ever scrubbed a hole in a watercolour--you MIGHT be an artist.

Black, White and color

2012-01-24T16:09:00.000-08:00

The Kiss by Robert Doisneau

What is known as black and white in art is not necessarily limited to strictly those two colors. It's not uncommon to see shades of grays, tans and even browns in a black and white piece. Though the term is generally associated with photography, it is used when referencing television, movies, printing, drawing and even painting. Often Op Art relies on black and white to create a sense of movement to the viewer, though color is sometimes used too. It's important to note that the foundation of nearly all great works can usually be broken down into black and white.

Most of the best painters rely on good drawing and sketching skills. They work in tones before adding any color, focusing on obvious shadows and light areas. Tone usually implies that there is no color, and artists tend to use the term hue when referring to color values. Once the basic light and dark values have been noted, various colors and hues are addressed.

A great example of the progression of working from sketches to applying paint is Mark Lague's technique. He breaks it down into six steps:

Sketch by Mark Lague

1. The base drawing- Mark focuses on abstract shapes rather than actual objects. He sketches the largest and most significant shapes first.

2. Establishing the values- In the next stage of creating a painting, Mark will apply washes to establish the tones or values of the piece. The values, which remain as they are at the final stage of the painting, are applied in a thinner wash. The values are simplified and smaller shapes are kept to a minimum at this point.

Some color added to the painting by Mark Lague

3. Integrating light and dark- When the base paint is dry, Mark begins to add full color. He uses contrasting thick impasto painting with thin transparent passages in what he calls a "wet-on-wet" technique.

4. Completing the focal area- Unlike most artists, Mark will work section by section to finish the piece. He is careful to avoid adding too much detail.

5. Establishing depth- Once the focal area is completed, Mark addresses the remaining values of the piece, working on any background areas that need to be developed.

6. Finishing- In the last stages of painting, Mark will incorporate small shapes, but he is careful to edit himself. He feels it is critical to know when to stop adding detail.

The final piece by Mark Lague

More works by Mark Lague:

Haight Ashbury Light by Mark Lague

Hotel in Rome by Mark Lague

Chicago Afternoon by Mark Lague

Three Cabs by Mark Lague

Somewhat off the topic, but here's a cute little video about the color Pink!

A few interesting and fun videos

2012-01-22T15:12:00.000-08:00

Shock Art

2012-01-10T08:15:00.000-08:00

Dejeuner sur L'Herbe by Edouard Manet

Shock art has a somewhat long history, but it is considered in its true form to be strictly contemporary art. Whether making a political, social or cultural statement, art has a way of opening eyes and causing a stir. In fact, both Edouard Manet's Olympia and his Dejeuner sur L'Herbe were met with sneers and ridicule when they were first presented in the mid 1800's. Critics attacked his work and considered it to be extremely controversial. Even today his work remains at issue with some. More extreme shock art and what we accept as true shock art became popular in the 1970's. The genre was pushed more firmly into the spotlight in the late 80's and early 90's. Since then, it has become more mainstream and even marketable, though its main purpose is still to stun and baffle the viewer.

Lady Gaga

Marilyn Manson

Of course, what was once shocking no longer causes the same kind of commotion. This is partly because we have become desensitized as we are bombarded with increasingly outrageous images and acts in the arts. Mapplethorp's homoerotic photos may still raise an eyebrow, but they are no longer as jaw-dropping as they once were, even though some still find them objectionable. Everyone seems to be trying to rise (or lower) the bar when it comes to the shock aspect. From Marilyn Manson and Lady Gaga in music to Damien Hirst and Zhang Huan in art, these people are pushing the envelope, but how far is too far?

It's not surprising that art is often designed to get a response, especially when there's a powerful message behind the piece or act. When it comes to religion and art, people often have a very strong reaction. As a result, controversy usually erupts when First Amendment rights are met with those who dislike certain images or ideas. Here in Colorado in 2010, there was such a clash when Enrique Chagoya's work was displayed at a museum in Loveland. The exhibit included a piece titled “The Misadventures of the Romantic Cannibals", which upset quite a few people including one woman who ended up vandalizing the lithograph by breaking the plexiglass case around it and ripping the artwork. When Andres Serrano tried to make a statement about what he felt was the misuse of religion, he created another piece of art that prompted protests. Again, the work was vandalized. People refused to see that his work was a criticism of what he called the "billion-dollar Christ-for-profit industry" and a commentary about those who "abuse the teachings of Christ for their own ignoble ends". Was it necessary to photograph a plastic Christ on a cross placed in a glass of his own urine to get this message across? It's hard to say. The piece certainly sparked many debates.

Andres Serrano's Piss Chris

Controversial images have been spilling into the advertising world as well. There is actually a category of advertising called Shock Advertising. As fashion trends forge into new and bizarre territory, so do advertisers with their methods of getting people's attention. Unfortunately, one byproduct of startling advertising is furthering the objectification of women and people in general. I often suggest a series of short videos called killing us softly, because it's a great way to raise awareness around how much we are bombarded with objectifying images in the media. The more the boundaries are pushed and the more we see these sometimes disturbing and almost always startling images, the more accepting we become, even when it doesn't sit well on some level. One has to wonder too if the message behind the piece of art or the message behind the advertisement gets lost in the shock aspect. Despite research showing that sex doesn't actually sell (only 8 out of 100 of the most effective advertisements rated by Ad Age used sex to sell their product), many companies still use suggestive images in an effort to generate interest in their product. Let's face it, shocking images are hard to forget. Some fashion companies known for their deliberately offensive ads include: American Apparel, Calvin Klein, Dolce and Gabbana, French Connection UK and Duncan Quinn. Of course, most fashion magazines contain countless pictures that objectify people. The question remains: Where do we draw the line?

10-year-old model in Vogue (France)

Moving past fear

2012-01-06T15:34:00.000-08:00

The Long Shadows of Wonderland by Bryce Widom

In the field of art, there are many fears to address. Many times artists will push themselves to try new techniques, use a different subject matter or even switch mediums in an effort to grow in their discipline. Even the first step of becoming an artist can be steeped in worry. There's often a fear of failure, even before stepping into the role of an artist. Because art is something that people judge subjectively, it can be scary to present works to be critiqued. Often, a beginner will have less apprehension, because there are no expectations and the self-pressure is less than that of a more established artist. Beginning artists can also find encouragement from those around them, but the encouragement can sometimes taper off the longer one keeps at it. An important aspect to bear in mind when dealing with the fear of starting a piece of work is to know that any perceived failure can teach, inspire and eventually lead to improvement for the next time. In a sense, there's no such thing as a mistake. Instead, errors can be seen as lessons to direct us and take us in new and different directions. Another point to address is that taking small risks while working toward a larger goal can be less intimidating. The man thing is to keep the joy in the process and work with any fear that arises --address it, define it, but don't get caught up in it. In fact, focusing more on the process and less on the outcome can be a great way to lessen anxiety.

Bountiful Sweetness by Bryce Widom

For Bryce Widom, an oil painter at SmithKlein Gallery, fear is something with which he is intimate.

He describes his relationship with art and fear in the following way:

"The longer I go without painting, drawing, sketching, the bigger the fear grows. For me, the fear is borne from a core of doubt regarding my own value. There's a story, deep inside my psyche, that I'm deficient. It rarely surfaces in full, instead leaving only threads of anxiety in its wake, thoughts like "I can't paint", "I'll never create anything of value again", "I should just give up with art, and find another career", and "I'll never be able to serve others through my art".

Acknowledging this fear, yet persisting, diving in again and again into my work, is the biggest challenge I know. So challenge isn't something that I need to search for or create. And as I mature as an artist and individual, I've learned that this fear is not something that I actually need to listen to; that I can allow it to be present, while simply doing my work, regardless. There are times when I feel like I'm being pulled into a black hole, a void - and no matter how dark it's been, or how strong the pull, I've always resurfaced.

The main learning for me has been to simply do the work. To allow the anxious and fearful thoughts, the dark and damning emotions, the heavy lethargy that sets into the body, but to not believe that it's the totality of the Truth. It's as simple as picking up a pencil and paper, and as the graphite works its way across the paper, the thoughts settle, the emotions relax, the body becomes lighter and more energetic, and the creative urge is allowed to have its way with me.

Certainly, there are technical challenges - color, composition, materials, light/shadow, etc. in each work - but in my experience, these challenges all rest upon that larger internal challenge. And when I am able to find the courage to allow all the thoughts, emotions, and sensations that are here to actually be here - and to dive into the work, regardless - then new discoveries in all these other fronts are often bountiful, enjoyable, and surprising."

Bugle by Sandy Graves

Sandy Graves is a bronze artist at SmithKlein. She identifies many fears around being an artist including: deadlines, worries about whether or not people will buy her work, critiques of her work, making enough money in her chosen profession, artists' blocks, the possibility that she may one day lose interest, and concerns about the direction and future of her work. Sometimes the fear of not creating exactly what we imagine can be paralyzing, but sandy has found that letting go of attachments and putting energy into her work allows her to move through many fears.

She states:

"Creatively, the fear gives me incentive to sculpt even if I don't know what I am going to make. I get excited about what the future will bring and how I will expand my style to meet the future. I am MUCH less fearful now that I made the commitment to being a full time artist and quitting my day job ( Scariest week of my life). I think that the biggest thing that I have learned is that if I sculpt enough so that I don't get overly emotionally attached to every idea that I have, throw away what I don't like, and finish what I do like, people out there will feel the energy that I put into my art. Also, Not everyone is going to like my work and some people will love it more than I could ever imagine, and that is OK!"

Influence of Orient by Matt Abraxas

For some, participating in the art world isn't about fear per se, but can still involve overcoming limitations and other challenges.

Matt Abraxas addresses some other concerns in the following way:

"I don't really have any fear in art, but I do struggle between pleasing others (which tends to equal financial success) and creating work that evolves and pushes my limits. My aim lately is to do both at the same time.

I find the most difficulty in not jumping too far out of my body of work whether in style or theme. One of the greatest challenges to an artist is to stay fresh and yet consistent. I have to pull the reins in a bit on ideas that leap way out into a whole new look. I like the idea of slow growth. It actually requires more trust than leaping off the ledge because a series of work requires a commitment and often I don't know exactly what I'm committed to until much later. I'm inspired by John Singer Sargent, who gradually altered his technique while simply executing a different brushstroke. I'm far from this level of discipline myself, but I like to think I'll raise up to it one day."

White Glow by Matt Abraxas

Grace in Motion by Judy Greenan

Judy Greenan approaches fear in a way that allows her to make new discoveries. Grounded by the safety of her studio, she is able to face fear, go out on a limb and have the courage to push herself to be a better painter. She feels that oil paint is very forgiving, and this can allow her to be more fearless and less worried about making mistakes. Judy states, "I really think that the motto 'Just do it' ought to be replaced with 'just start it'. We need to recognize that getting lost in fear leads us to a dark, dead end while faith and detachment to outcome will open a door, allowing light to permeate. This can eventually lead to great joy and excitement."

Tiny Dancer by Judy Greenan

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T13:57:00.000-08:00

To all our loyal followers and all the art lovers out there, have a safe, healthy and wonderful transition into the new year!

Enjoy this fun video:

New Works in the gallery!

2011-12-28T15:51:00.000-08:00

Check out a few new pieces we have in the gallery:


Pony Song by James Moore (Bronze)

The Conversation by James Moore (Bronze)

The Messengers by Craig Kosak (Oil)

8.2 Seconds by Sandy Graves (Bronze)

Humble by Sandy Graves (Bronze)

Paysage Boullonais by Gerard Mortier (Oil)

Chemin de Promenade

The art of Fraud

2011-12-18T13:29:00.000-08:00

When I first heard about Rosie Ruiz cheating in the Boston Marathon, I was pretty upset. What's interesting is that because of her fraudulent behavior, she became somewhat of a celebrity. The same thing has occurred in the art world with people like David Stein and Han Van Meegeren. Though the artists who created forgeries of greater painters were often put in jail, their names were suddenly in the spotlight. It seems any time there is scandal or controversy, it will attract attention to the person involved. Thomas Kinkade is the perfect example of this when his bad business dealings and somewhat shady behavior were pointed out in contrast to his supposedly divinely inspired landscapes. His works suddenly were in high demand after Kincade was sued. In the art world, fraud isn't limited to the artists either. In April of 2011, an art gallery owner, Alan Kass, was charged with selling phony artwork that he passed off as originals. It can't be helped that these people were thrown into the spotlight once the news of their cheating ways became apparent.

Perhaps the most renowned art forger is Elmyr de Hory from Hungary. Oddly enough, a great deal of the information that has been compiled about the artist came from another con artist, Clifford Irving. Elmyr was so successful as a swindler, because he was so good at copying the great artists such as Picasso, Matisse, Renoir and Modigliani. In a strange twist of fate, one of de Hory's art dealers swindled him out of a great deal of money when the two were traveling and selling de Hory's forgeries. Before an investigation was launched, Elmyr's paintings were bought by many prestigious museums and art galleries. Though he was never charged with forgery, de Hory spent two months in jail. Because it couldn't be proven that he created the forgeries in Spain where he was tried, he was charged with consorting with criminals and homosexuality instead. De Hory was one of the subjects of a documentary by Orson Wells. In addition, his name appears in the lyrics of songs, and his life is the subject of a play.


Elmyr de Hory -forgery of Modigliani

Elmyr de Hory -forgery of Matisse

David Stein was arrested several times for theft before he became successful in art forgeries. He focused on copying the style of Marc Chagall, but he could produce works that looked like those of Picasso, Klee, Braque and Matisse as well. A book called Three Picassos before breakfast (Mémoirs of an Art Forger's wife by Anne Marie Stein as told to Georges Carpozi, Jr (Hawthorn Book Inc) was written by Stein's first wife. Because Stein offered his paintings at too low a price compared to the originals he copied, suspicion was aroused and an investigation ensued. He was living in New York at the time and spent time in jail there. After his prison term ended, he was deported to France where he spent more time in jail.

Book about Stein

Stein forgery of Chagall

Many forgers started out with their own style and attempted to have a successful career. In the case of Han Van Meegeren, his work was not well received by critics. Feeling slighted and in retaliation, he set out to copy the masters so exactly that people couldn't tell the difference. In one case, it took him six years to create what he felt was the perfect forgery. Van Meegren's art deals eventually sold one of his forgeries to a Nazi banker and art dealer, Alois Miedl in 1942. The painting was then sold to Hermann Goring. When Allied forces enter the scene, Goring hid his collection of artwork, but the Allied forces found all of the hidden works and among them what looked like an unknown Vermeer. An investigation was held, and Ven Meegeren ended up confessing that he had forged the piece. Van Meegeren was then put on trial. With the help of a chemical laboratory, it was discovered that the artist had used a plastic bonding agent in his work called Abertol that wasn't found in originals by Vermeer. Other inconsistencies were found, and the artists was sentenced to at least a year in jail. While waiting to be placed in jail, Van Meegeren was basically a free man, but his declining health kept him close to home. He diefd before ever serving time in jail.

The Supper at Emmaus by Han van Meegeren (1936) in the style of Vermeer

There are new and changing copyright laws that protect pieces of artwork now. Everything from music, books and paintings can be copyrighted, and the laws vary from country to country. However, controversy around forgeries still erupts today. It is generally not frowned upon to be inspired by other people's work, but direct copies leave a sour taste in most people's mouth. In early December of 2011, art forgery scandals rocked the New York art scene. Some of New York's top art dealers are under investigation by federal authorities for possibly selling forged paintings by many of the master painters. In an article by Theimproper, it was stated that, "The Knoedler gallery shut its doors on Wednesday and has been sued by a London collector who bought one of the allegedly forged works, “Untitled 1950” by Pollock, for $17 million in 2007.
The collector’s forensic analysis found that two paints in the work had not been invented until after Pollock’s death, the suit claims.
At least 15 other works brought to market by Rosales over a period of nearly two decades have been questioned by experts, according to the Times.
The paintings were allegedly bought by the unnamed collector in the 1950s directly from the artists.
The works were later passed on to the son of the original collector, who reportedly lives in Mexico and Switzerland and has insisted on remaining anonymous."

Possible forged Jackson Pollock

Lyudmila Agrich

2011-12-10T16:27:00.000-08:00

Corner Cafe

Lyudmila Agrich was born in Russia and eventually settled down with her family in Odessa in the Ukraine near the Black Sea. As a child, she was encouraged by her parents to be creative. As a result, she spent several years in musical school and the school of fine arts for children. She was lucky to have had a taste of creativity so early. Lyudmila intuitively knew that moving in an artistic direction was what could bring her happiness and contentment. Before she started her career in art though, Lyudmila received her bachelor degree in Architecture and Fine Art. She worked in the architecture field both in the Ukraine and in the United States for a few years before she felt drawn to start painting.

In 2001, Lyudmila quit architecture and became a professional artist. Painting has become her life, not just her career. She feels fulfilled and happy when she is painting. in the last few years, she has replaced her paint brush with a palette knife. This way she can create bolder, brighter and more powerful images of nature, flowers and people. Her style is considered to be expressionistic impressionism. Over the years, she has been looser with her application of paint, which results in what appears to be movement on the canvas. Her main focus is to capture intimate moments in ordinary life. No matter what she is painting, a landscape, or a little cafe in an old European town, she wants her paintings to speak in the language of human feelings. She tries to avoid creating pictures that are just thought of as merely pretty. Instead, she wants to communicate with people by evoking specific emotions and feelings in them.

SmithKlein Gallery presents new works by Lyudmilla Agrich. Her latest works will be on display until the end of the month.

Street Flower Shop

Jammin'

Dasies

Sunset Tango

Sunny Fall Day

City Rush

Sydney Lynch

2011-11-30T15:00:00.000-08:00

Sydney Lynch

Sydney Lynch grew up with the curiosity of many young children. Her interest was captured by her grandmother's collection of costume jewelry, which she kept in an array of tiny boxes. Since then, she has collected many objects that have intrigued her over the years. From shells to rusted metal, these objects inspire Sydney's creative side. During college, Sydney was further inspired when she worked on a Navajo reservation. There she was surrounded by beautiful landscapes and the open sky, and she met silversmiths who gave her the idea to start making her own jewelry.

Sydney states, "Working with the materials is the most exciting part of the process for me. Simply put, I like making things. In my one of a kind pieces, I exercise my love of color, incorporating a wide range of colored stones in the designs. Another body of work focuses on sterling, sometimes oxidized, combined with high karat gold. Many of my designs are abstract, leaving the wearer open to finding their own personal, intuitive relationship with the piece."

SmithKlein Gallery carries a beautiful selection of jewelry by Sydney Lynch. Below are a few pieces from our collection:


Cuff

Earrings

Necklace

Earrings

Cuff

Earrings with Peridot

Earrings

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T15:09:00.000-08:00

SmithKlein Gallery would like to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!

I remember when I was young making turkeys in art class around Thanksgiving time that looked something like this:

There was also this one:

While there isn't a huge assortment of Thanksgiving art, I was able to find a few interesting depictions or interpretations of the holiday in art listed below. Enjoy!

Thanksgiving- Konstantin Rodko

Abstract Thanksgiving- Stushie

A Turkey In a Landscape - Peter Wenceslaus

I won't hurt you - Anonymous

Thanksgiving, John Currin

Women in Art

2011-11-22T15:41:00.000-08:00

Self Portrait by Elisabeth Vigée-Lebrun

There's no doubt that the female figure is appealing and alluring. Women have been the subject of countless paintings, sculptures and photographs throughout the years. Though women as subjects in art is fine, there are and have been outstanding women creating art as well. The National Museum of Women in the Arts is dedicated to recognizing the contribution of women artists around the world.

Throughout history, women have struggled to be recognized in the arts. During the 1960's and 1970's, as more feminists movements took center stage, several organizations involved with the feminist art movement formed, bringing more visibility and recognition to women artists. While some female artists rejected feminist analysis of their work, wanting instead to be associated with more general and genderless art movements, others were content to be associated with the feminist movement. Judy Chicago, for example, promoted feminist art. She states, "I believe in art that is connected to real human feeling, that extends itself beyond the limits of the art world to embrace all people who are striving for alternatives in an increasingly dehumanized world. I am trying to make art that relates to the deepest and most mythic concerns of human kind and I believe that, at this moment of history, feminism is humanism."

In the early 1990's, Rachel Whiteread became the first woman to win the prestigious Tate Gallery Turner prize. Since then, women have been much more acknowledged and accepted in the art community. Though women have less trouble succeeding in the art world today, it can still be a struggle for many, especially in other cultures, to have the same advantages that men have had in this field. Fortunately, more and more women are achieving a high level of success and making it as artists.

SmithKlein Gallery has many fine artists who are women. Below are just a few of the artist we carry:

Ready to Rain by Jessica Garrett

Apollo of Dogs by Louise Peterson

Pin by Carolyn Morris Bach

Glass Vase by Lucy Bergamini

The Thinker by Pokey Park

Cuff by Sydney Lynch

The Shopper by Jeannine Young

Free Glass Perfume Bottle!

2011-11-13T14:39:00.000-08:00

Perfume Bottle

SmithKlein Gallery will be giving away a free hand-blown glass blown perfume bottle to one of our facebook fans! To be entered in the drawing for the give-away, simply like our business page, and we will add you to the contestants. http://www.facebook.com/pages/SmithKlein-Gallery/168778979835864

A winner will be announced once we have 300 fans or on Janurary 1st, whichever comes first!

Horses in Art

2011-11-13T14:19:00.000-08:00

Horse in Lascaux cave

Horses have been the subject of art renderings that date back to prehistoric times. Some of the most famous depictions of horses were found in the famous Lascaux caves and are estimated to be about 16,000 years old. From racehorses to workhorses, horses have been revered throughout history. In the past when horses were used as a means of transportation, these great creatures took soldiers into battle. As a result, artists felt compelled to capture the horses' majestic demeanor. Though they are less well represented today, horses are still considered a favorite subject of some artists.

Rouillard - Cheval a la Herse.


"Horse From The Temptation Of Saint Anthony" by Salvador Dali

Tang horse

SmithKlein Gallery has several artists who have created some beautiful sculptural horse pieces. A few are listed below:


Giuseppe Palumbo - Running Free

Lorri Acott-Flowler- Mare & Foal

Siri Hollander- Black Horse

Linda Raynolds- Friends

Jim Budish -Horse I

James Vilona - Modern Horse

Sandy Graves- Storm Cloud

Boulder Youth Body Alliance Awareness Night this Friday November 11th 6-8PM

2011-11-09T14:44:00.000-08:00

SmithKlein Gallery will be hosting an awareness night for Boulder Youth Body Alliance (BYBA) this Friday, November 11th from 6-8PM.

The event is listed on the Downtown Boulder, Inc website at the following link: BYBA event

SmithKlein Gallery presents an awareness night for Boulder Youth Body Alliance. Boulder Youth Body Alliance (BYBA) is a youth-directed program that cultivates healthy teen role models who promote a positive body image to their peers. The evening will commence with a speech at 6:30PM given by a few of the members of BYBA. They will be discussing their experiences being a part of the group. Artistic "Yay Scales" will be available for purchase throughout the night, and all proceeds from these scales will go to benefit BYBA. Join us on November 11th from 6-8PM at SmithKlein Gallery in Boulder to learn more about Boulder Youth Body Alliance. Desserts will be provided by Alfalfa's Market.

BYBA members have lobbied on washington in an effort to get Colorado officials to co-sponsor the Federal Response to Eliminate Eating Disorders (FREED) Act, which would provide better health-care treatment for those suffering from eating disorders and related issues.

Eating disorders have a higher mortality rate than all other mental illnesses combined. Please show your support by joining us on November 11th and find out how you can help support BYBA in their quest for better treatment and a better understanding of eating disorders and distorted body image.

More about BYBA:

"BYBA was founded in 2004 by Carmen Cool, MA, LPC after meeting a group of passionate high school youth who wanted to do something about the issue of eating problems and body dissatisfaction in their school. These teens, many of whom had personally struggled with their own body image or eating disorder, felt helpless as they watched their peers engage in unhealthy behaviors to drop a dress size before prom, and angry at how pervasive negative self-talk is in their school. After years of working as a therapist with eating issues and body image concerns, along with the untimely death of her sister to anorexia, Carmen longed to create a place where youth could support each other. Instead of trying to change their bodies to meet externally imposed standards of beauty, she helped youth to engage in activities that build self-esteem.
Since then BYBA has directly trained more than one hundred high school students as leaders, to enhance their own body esteem and self-acceptance, and to support their peers. They, in turn, have provided education to nearly 7,000 students, teachers and members of their communities."

Big Oops!

2011-11-08T15:14:00.000-08:00

I had to share this article about a cleaning woman in Germany who accidentally cleaned a part of a sculpture, ruining the $1.1 million piece that was on display in a museum:

$1.1 million sculpture damaged by cleaning woman in German museum

By Maura Judkis

A $1.1 million art installation in Germany’s Ostwall Museum was damaged by a cleaning woman who mistook a hand-painted patina for dirt and scrubbed it away. Artist Martin Kippenberger's “When It Starts Dripping From the Ceiling” was comprised of a wooden structure and a rubber trough painted to look as though it had once contained a puddle of dirty rainwater.
Picture taken Thursday Nov. 3, 2011 shows the base of the sculpture "Wenn's anfaengt durch die Decke zu tropfen" ( "When it Starts Dripping from the Ceiling" ) by German artist Martin Kippenberger in the Ostwall museum in Dortmund, western Germany. (Mike Siepmann - AP)

The artwork fell victim to an expensive mistake when a woman from the cleaning agency, whose employees had been instructed to stay at least eight inches away from the art at all times, “cleaned” the installation. According to the Associated Press, it remains on view while insurance adjusters assess the damage, and the owner of the work decides whether it should be restored.

Kippenberger, a German artist known for working in a variety of styles, died in 1997. He was the leader of a group of German “bad boy” artists that at emerged in the wake of Neo-Expressionism, and made as much trouble as he did art, appropriating other artists’ work and once buying a gas station in Brazil and naming it after himself.

Thanks to his trouble-making persona, some have suggested that he would have liked the way that the cleaning woman “completed” his sculpture.

***********************************************************************************************************

http://www.last.fm/music/Martin+Kippenberger

Of course, this sculpture fiasco has stirred up all kinds of debates from the cost of the piece to the question of what defines art. Clearly, in this case, it's not the cost of the materials that contributed to the $1.1-million dollar price tag. No, the hefty price tag was likely more about the artist, Martin Kippenberger, considered one of the most talented German artists of our time. Kippenberger died in 1997 at the age of 43. He dabbled in many different styles including mixed media, painting and performance art. He even recorded some music at one point. His influence on younger artists was well noted, and his pieces have been displayed in museums all over the world. Always controversial and struggling with concepts of originality, Kippenberger pushed the envelope as far as he could. His works will be remembered, some for their political statement and some for their reflections on society. There's no doubt that he was an artist who fought to convey messages to his viewers. It's no wonder that he is considered so influential. All of his pieces seem to have incredible depth and meaning. He will be remembered as an artist who was very prolific and constantly morphing and adapting, always eager to try his hand at something new.

Die sympatische Kommunistin, 1983

Fred the Frog Rings the Bell, 1990.

Martin, into the corner. You should be ashamed of yourself

The Happy End of Franz Kafka’s “Amerika”

Diane Naylor

2011-11-01T16:18:00.000-07:00

Being in Action - Diane Naylor

SmithKlein proudly welcomes Diane Naylor to the gallery.

Diane Naylor

Diane exhibits her artwork in galleries and museums throughout the mid-west and abroad. Raised in the rolling hills of Grant Wood County of Eastern Iowa, Diane Naylor attended Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) and acquired her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD) & has attended the Maharishi University of Management.

“My love for the planet has inspired my artwork to communicate to the viewer the importance of all beings great & small. From the dark backgrounds of still-life to the fun & whimsical, I wish to reach all viewers to raise the consciousness of their atmosphere with my artwork.”

Diane uses oil paint on panel to create her captivating works. Inspired by some of the most profound thinkers imaginable, Diane chooses to follow a path of compassion that is reflected in her paintings. She is continually touched by animals and nature.


The Gap of Creation- Diane Naylor


Forest Family- Diane Naylor

Ambition- Diane Naylor

Fly Boys- Diane Naylor

Transcendence- Daine Naylor

The Scar Project

2011-10-28T14:36:00.000-07:00

I wrote an article for Examiner.com on the SCAR project. Because I feel that there's a very important message in this project, I am reposting the article here:

Vanessa from the SCAR project

THE SCAR PROJECT

The SCAR Project (Surviving Cancer, Absolute Reality) is a large scale photography exhibit dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer. David Jay, a fashion photographer, has not only helped raise awareness, he has helped women who have survived their battles with breast cancer find their strength and reclaim their beauty. Over 100 women between the ages of 10-35 have been photographed bearing their scars. The images are haunting, stark and, indeed, beautiful. Though the exhibit is not yet scheduled for Boulder, Colorado, the images can be seen online at http://www.thescarproject.org/gallery/

David started the project when a friend of his was diagonsed with breast cancer. He felt it was a way for women who have gone through this serious battle to express themselves. He states, "For these young women, having their portrait taken seems to represent their personal victory over this terrifying disease. It helps them reclaim their femininity, their sexuality, identity and power after having been robbed of such an important part of it.” By presenting these photographs, David Jay has reminded the public that while breast cancer awareness is increasing, coming face to face with it in images hits people on a much different level than a pink ribbon.

While the images are severe and honest, they capture raw emotion. In each subject grace, bravery, fear and acceptance is found. Though the trauma of having come through something life threatening is reflected in many of these survivors' eyes, they appear to be at peace with their bodies. Vanessa Tiemeier, one of the subjects photographed, says of David, "He has a talent of capturing your true emotion. I just look so timid and unsure, still trying to accept the physical differences. There's so much that is behind my eyes in that photo that I didn't even know was happening." For survivors, being photographed can be liberating. Recently, Jay has taken his project one step further, and has begun to shoot images of women under the age of 30 in stage four cancer. It's likely that these women will not survive. For these women, it's a way to show others what they are going through when words often can't convey all that they must endure. By keeping this project honest and true, exposing the flaws that make people unique, Jay hopes to keep spreading the word about breast cancer. Most of the women he photographs would likely be dead already had they not been checked. An early detection is key in a successful treatment.

Women from all over the country have participated and agreed to be photographed for the SCAR project. It has been nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in feature photography. Upcoming exhibits including one in Italy can be found on the SCAR project website at http://www.thescarproject.org/exhibition/

"An amazing testament to strength, courage and inner beauty that transcends scoiety's standards of outer beauty. Seriously, brilliant." - Tina Carroll

Couples in Art

2011-10-25T16:51:00.000-07:00

Vertumnus and Pomona - Camille Claudel

Artists often have a reputation for being stormy and passionate. Often this intensity is carried into their relationships. When two artists connect, tempers and personalities can collide into a violent mess of attraction and aversion. In describing her relationship with Diego Rivera, the well known painter Frida Kahlo said, "I suffered two grave accidents in my life. One in which a streetcar knocked me down...The other accident is Diego."At the same time, two artist entwined can often push each other to reach a higher level of success in their work.

One of the most tumultuous relationships in the art world was that of August Rodin and his mistress, Camille Claudel. Though Claudel was often overshadowed by Rodin, she was a highly accomplished artist, often showing her works at either the Salon des Artists Francais or the Salon d'Automne. Not all relationships between artists are as turbulent as the one between Claudel and Rodin. There are artist couples who have supported and encouraged each other in a much more peaceful way. One example of this is Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner. Despite Pollock's alcoholic tendencies and bipolar behavior, the relationship with his wife was a committed one. Though the two fought to be recognized and attempted to push for individual expression, they provided much needed encouragement to each other. In the case of Alfred Stieglitz and Georgia O'Keeffe, these two were known as a power couple. They both achieved great success in their careers, influenced others and helped other artists become recognized in America.

SmithKlein Gallery carries the works of several couples who collaborate on their artwork. Fortunately, these calmer relationships seem to be ones in which the emphasis is on supporting each other, not competing.

Jeff & Susan Wise

Jeff & Susan Wise are artists who create some of the most impressive jewelry in the country. They have had several pieces in museum collections and have won many awards for their work.

Earrings- Jeff & Susan Wise

Pin- Jeff & Susan Wise

Another couple in the gallery also makes jewelry. Fullerton Bahr is the husband and wife team who have been creating their pieces for over 12 years. They are exceptional metal-smiths, using a variety of metals to create their works.


Ring- Fullerton Bahr

Pendant- Fullerton Bahr

SmithKlein Gallery also carries bronze sculptures created by Jacques and Mary Regat. This couple lives in Alaska where they sculpt their pieces. Below is a video of the two talking about a bronze sculpture they donated to a charity event in 2008.

New Day Dawning- Jacques & Mary Regat

Spook- Jacques & Mary Regat

The Van Gogh Debate

2011-10-19T15:26:00.000-07:00

White House at Night

A recent segment on 60 minutes described the turbulent life of Vincent Van Gogh. It would make sense that the troubled artist killed himself, but there are certain things that just don't add up. Two Pulitzer-Prize winning authors have completed a 976-page biography about Van Gogh (Van Gogh: The Life) that casts enough doubt on the original theory that the depressed artist killed himself. It is now thought that Van Gogh may have been accidentally murdered. Steven Naifeh and Gregory White were convinced that suicide, the way it had been presented and accepted in the past, didn't make sense. With the help of a tremendous team of researchers and translators, the two came up with a more likely chain of events.

While it's true that Van Gogh was what some might call crazy, it is quite possible that he suffered from partial seizures. This could have been why he was so afflicted in life. He seemed to crave what he could not consistently have: companionship. Though Van Gogh's brother, Theodore, paid the painter Paul Gauguin to keep Vincent company, the relationship didn't last and was filled with much turmoil. After a falling out between Gauguin and Van Gogh, Van Gogh began to act slightly more crazy, cutting off a large chunk of his ear. It's possible the kind of seizures Van Gogh had got worse under stress, and losing what he felt was a friendship caused him to act out. It's true that Vincent was unstable, but does this mean he committed suicide?

Despite the troubles that were obvious to those around him, especially his family, Van Gogh wrote in his journals that he considered suicide to be a sinful act. While he did address suicide and his contemplations of following through on such an extreme deed, all evidence points to a man who ultimately would make all efforts to refrain from such an act. In the end, he turned to painting to ease the pain of living in this world. He may have been afflicted, but he was able to find comfort in painting.

The plot thickens...

Many look to one of Van Gogh's last paintings as a foreboding and ominous piece that could have possibly reflected his inner conflict and the suffering he was experiencing. However, Wheat Field with Crows was not the artist's final piece. There were other less agitated paintings after that one was completed. Plus, one must consider that an intense painting does not necessarily reflect the desire to end one's life. What is clear is that Van Gogh was, indeed, shot. What's not clear is who did the shooting. The weapon was never found. Another strange piece of the puzzle is that the bullet was found in Van Gogh's abdomen, which is generally not an ideal place to shoot when committing suicide. Though forensics wasn't what it is now, there was evidence that the bullet entered at a strange angle.

Wheat Field with Crows

It's possible that Van Gogh did want to die. However, it's unlikely that he pulled the trigger. Part of the problem is that Vincent didn't always remember what happened after his crazed episodes. With the help of translators and researchers though, the mystery seems to be less cloudy. For instance, there was a shot heard by people who lived in Auvers, that probably wouldn't have been heard had the gun been fired in a wheat field, as some have claimed. If Vincent had been painting in the field, it's strange that his painting equipment was never found. The prime suspect in the crime is Rene Secretan, a teenager at the time who, with his brother, spent time with the artist. Rene was known for teasing Van Gogh, and the boy owned a pistol. In his older age, Rene claimed that he loaned the pistol to the artist, but, again, the weapon was never found. In the end, some of Vincent's last words were unclear in meaning. For example, he told the doctor, "Do not accuse anyone; it is I who wanted to kill myself," yet when he was asked if he attempted to commit suicide, his reply was that it appeared so, not an adamant yes. Did he want to protect the person who shot him, or was he unclear if he had shot himself? His illness did make him not remember everything clearly when he was in the middle of an attack. Steven Naifeh and Gregory White are convinced that Rene Secretan did accidentally shoot the artist.

While we may never know whether or not the brilliant artist died in an accidental shooting or in a suicide attempt, one thing that is both unfortunate and true is that he was never recognized as the amazing artist that he was during his lifetime.

On his death bed, Vincent's last words to his brother were, "The sadness will last forever." And yet through his paintings, he provides so much joy and peace to others.

Noon Rest

TODD REED TRUNK SHOW OCT 20-23

2011-10-16T13:15:00.000-07:00

Todd Reed on his Jewelry

Starting Thursday October 20th, SmithKlein Gallery will be hosting a trunk show featuring the works of local jewelry artist Todd Reed. Todd is known for his use of raw diamonds. On Friday October 21st, Todd will be in the gallery from 1-6pm to answer questions and discuss his work.

Craig Kosak

2011-10-11T15:35:00.000-07:00

SmithKlein Gallery Welcomes Craig Kosak to the gallery! Craig is an accomplished and primarily self-taught artist who has been in the art field for over 35 years. His contemporary wildlife paintings have received well deserved and positive recognition. SmithKlein Gallery is honored to be showing his work.

The Bison of Indian Creek by Craig Kosak

The bison of Winter Creek by Craig Kosak

Artist’s Statement by Craig Kosak

Inspired by the wildlife and landscapes I encounter while travelling I return to my studio with insights about the natural world and about the human condition. Rather than faithfully documenting the flora and fauna, I strive to capture the feeling and emotions these trips provide. Each trip consists of both a journey through the outer world, and an inner journey of self discovery. These paintings are about both worlds and how they relate.

Richly textured and developed using many layers of alternately opaque and translucent paint, strong graphic composition and bold colors combine to set the stage for realistically rendered animals, objects and landscapes. The subjects are integrated with abstract elements and expressive brushwork representative of the inner emotive world. I continue working until balance between both worlds is achieved and the painting comes alive.

Stylistically, my work is grounded in realism, inspired primarily by the iconic images of painter N.C. Wyeth. I am, of course, painting about today’s world and the modern paint handling of contemporary artists John Nieto and Nathan Oliveira have had significant influence in this regard.

Glass Blowing

2011-10-02T13:29:00.000-07:00

Glass blowing is one of the most romantic art forms in the world. Its origins date as far back as 40 BC in the region of Canaan (now Israel), however it wasn't until the 1st century AD in Italy that glassblowing really started to spread.

There are several techniques for blowing glass. The two most common are mold-blowing and free-blowing. Mold-blowing can include slumping and fusing glass. Generally hot molten glass is spread out into a wooden or metal mold. Once the glass has taken the shape of the mold, it is cooled. When the glass is cold, it will retain the shape once the mold is removed. In free-form glass blowing, the most prominent and respected technique, molten glass is gathered at the end of a blow pipe, and small puffs of air are blown into the tube. Free-form glass blowing usually requires a team of people, but talented individuals have been known to use this technique as well. The gaffer, or lead glass blower, will cap the tube once the desired shape is reached. More layers of hot glass can be added to this shape, and tools along with flat surfaces can be used to further shape the piece. Because the process is difficult to describe in words and much more beautiful to watch, I have selected a few of my favorite glass blowing videos:

Afro Celotto, one of our glass blowers is a master glass blower from Murano, Italy.

Here is another one of our artists, Kelly-Schaffermeyer, creating a vase.

And finally, because the process of reticello is difficult to explain, here is another one of our artists doing a demonstration of the technique while making a goblet. About 5 minutes into the video is where Kenny Pieper drops the second glass cup into the first. The technique is explained below.

Reticello Definition

"The Italian name for crisscrossed glass canework. Glass canes are heated, twisted in one direction, and blown into the form of a cup. The cup is set into an oven. Then, a second cup is made in the same fashion, however the glass cane is twisted in the opposite direction. The second cup is blown into the inside of the first cup. As the two cups come together, the grooves between the cane rods are sealed, causing air bubbles to lock into the crisscrossed pattern. The connected cups are then blown and formed into the final shape."

Selected images from SmithKlein Gallery:

Kenny Pieper- Blue Diva Vase

Afro Celotto- Icona

Tangent Vases by Kelly-Scheffermeyer

Woven Glass by Markow & Norris

Orchid Vase by Randy Strong

Jellyfish by Richard Satava

Be sure to chack out our website at www.smithklein.com for more glass images!

Competition in Art

2011-09-25T14:27:00.000-07:00

I've been intrigued by the competition between Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse for a long time. There are several articles on the subjects, a film and some exhibits that have taken place, exposing the relationship between the two artists. This article is interesting, because it states that one is forced to choose sides. In reality, I don't know that I could. I don't think I'm alone in this either. There are pieces by Picasso that resonate deeply with me, but there are works by Matisse that do the same. I suppose if I were forced to pick one over the other, I would be on team Picasso, as I tend to be more drawn to the fiery and intense over the cool and calm. Sometimes "capricious and unpredictable"aren't necessarily bad things. Fortunately, there's no need to take sides, and one can appreciate both Picasso's impassioned works and the more serene pieces done by Matisse.

Matisse

Picasso

Matisse

Picasso

Matisse

Picasso

Note that these pairs of artists and various things are different from rivalries, which would probably include Salieri instead of Haydn and the Dead Kennedys in place of the Clash, though in some cases rivals are also competitors. The list below actually splits artists and items into two categories: Apollonian, which is defined by reason, precision and control; and the Dionysian, which is defined by emotion, recklessness and abandon. Picasso would fall into the latter category, of course.

Apollonian Dionysian

Matisse Picasso

Jane Austen	Charlotte Brontë
Eliot	Yeats
Freud	Jung
Superman	Batman
Left brain	Right brain
New York City	Los Angeles
Pope	Swift
Puccini	Verdi
Johns	Rauschenberg
Bush	Reagan
Ego	Id
Stravinsky	Schoenberg
Windows	Macintosh
Hillary	Bill
Wordsworth	Shelley
David Remnick	Tina Brown
England	France
Madison	Jefferson
Mort Zuckerman	Donald Trump
Hetero	Homo
Army	Navy
Heaven	Hell
Shaw	Wilde
White wine	Red wine
Aristotle	Plato
Slate	Salon
Bonds	Stocks
Leviticus	Genesis
Felix	Oscar
North Korea	South Korea
Classical	Romantic
Cocaine	Heroin
Mies	Le Corbusier
The Clash	The Sex Pistols
Irving Kristol	Norman Podhoretz
Protestantism	Catholicism
Kant	Rousseau
Mozart	Haydn
Empire State Building	Chrysler Building
Magritte	Dalí
Mickey Mouse	Donald Duck

If I were to put some of our artists in these two categories, I would say Sergey Cherep and Lyudmila Agrich would fall into the Dionysian category, while Jessica Garrett and Erin Dertner would be considered Apollonian.

Dionysian


Sergey Cherep

Lyudmila Agrich

Apollonian

Jessica Garrett

Erin Dertner

Sandy Graves - Bronze Artist

2011-09-20T16:30:00.000-07:00

SmithKlein Gallery is proud to present bronze artist Sandy Graves to the gallery!

Sandy Graves

Sandy Graves was born in Colorado. She began her art career at a very young age, showing her work at county fairs as a 4-H member. While versed in many mediums, Sandy eventually focused sculpture.

She states, “I see bronze sculpture as being a friendly and beautiful medium. I enjoy watching the public interact with art. In sculpture, viewers can walk around it, touch it, and become part of the artistic expression in a very personal way.”

Originally Sandy focused on the figure as her main subject. She considers the figure to be special, because people react to it in such an instantaneous and personal way. Through her sculpting, she attempts to capture moments and memories of the human experience. Lately, Sandy has been working in the abstract with horses as her subject. It is a familiar subject for her, having grown up both owning and riding horses as a young girl.

Eventually Sandy started casting bronze pieces, and that has been her passion since 1999.

Storm Cloud by Sandy Graves

Carrots by Sandy Graves

Kiss by Sandy Graves

If You've Got an Itch by Sandy Graves

Coco Point 1 by Sandy Graves

Art Galleries and the Economy

2011-09-13T15:50:00.000-07:00

There's no doubt that tough economic times are having a detrimental effect on art galleries. In fact, another well known gallery, Studio Arts Gallery in Laguna Beach, is one more gallery that will be closing its doors at the end of this month. The owners said that decreased sales made it too difficult to keep their doors open. However, many gallery owners are trying to stay positive, knowing that art is something that will always draw people in and generate interest. As Horace put it, "A picture is a poem without words. " While art may not be a necessity, it is something that strikes people on a deeper level. It can challenge people to think, open people's eyes and make a statement- political, social or in general. As times get harder, it's important to be reminded of something that Stella Adler once said: "Life beats down and crushes the soul, and art reminds you that you have one."

It's hard to believe, but a Paul Cezanne painting was rumored to have sold for over $250 million in early 2011.

The Card Players by Paul Cezanne

In 2006, a Jackson Pollock painting sold for $140 million.

No. 5, 1948 by Jackson Pollock

Of course, paintings by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Pablo Picasso, Vincent Van Gogh and Gustav Klimt have all been record sellers in the past as well.

Many times, people come into SmithKlein Gallery and ask what makes a piece of art valuable. "Is it the name?" they might ask. The truth is that there are many factors that contribute to a piece having more value. A renowned name can help, but there's more to it than that. There is a somewhat small community in the art world that tends to make decisions about the value of art. These decisions are not set in stone, of course. It also doesn't mean that exceptions aren't found. In terms of pieces that are not being considered for auction though, it comes down to the cost of the materials, time put into the work and how much the artist feels the piece is worth. Sometimes an artist will have an attachment to a favorite piece, so he or she might ask a higher price for it. Keep in mind, with art, the materials are generally not cheap. One large tube of colbalt blue oil paint can cost $75.00! While most art will appreciate over time if kept in good condition, we feel that it's better to buy what you love rather than worry about the resale value.

This article is rather amusing. I'm not sure I agree with everything, but I suppose many of the "rules" might be applicable to art in a broad sense. However, in contrast to what was stated, we have an artist who creates lovely cow paintings, and she seems to sell her work quite well.

Daisy Daze by Linda Elliott

I guess it's a matter of taking suggestions around art with a grain of salt or two. In fact, that whole part about how paintings about death don't sell can be tossed, as Massacre of the Innocents by Peter Paul Rubens sold for a whopping 76 million in 2002.

Massacre of the Innocents by Peter Paul Rubens

I would not hesitate to buy this painting by Picasso (if I had wads of extra cash lying about and it were for sale), despite the fact that is goes against quite a few of the rules in the article. True, it's dark and it's about death and violence, but it is one of my absolute favorite paintings. The painting has spent time in many art museums around the world.

Guernica by Pablo Picasso

Getting back to the original topic, these are, indeed, difficult times for galleries. Most people don't have millions of dollars to spend on paintings or sculptures. On the other hand, most galleries are not selling works by the old masters either. Gallery owners are hanging on in this difficult time and are doing all they can to make ends meet. A few things that have helped many galleries include adding events, reaching out to the community more and working with artists to bring in more variety. Mark Steven Greenfield, director of the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery states, “What I see happening is a return to work that has a basis in skill and craft.” He remains positive, and thinks that people will respond when artists are somewhat forced to focus on quality work. We are incredibly grateful to have artists who aim for excellence at SmithKlein Gallery. We also appreciate so much the support of our clients and friends, and we hope that people will continue to support the arts in general, even during economic hard times.

Humane Society Donation Week Sept 9th-15th

2011-09-10T16:27:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that SmithKlein Gallery will donate 10% of sales from certain artists to the Humane Society of Boulder. Artists include: D.D. LaRue Bryce Widom Louise Pererson Jessica Garrett Sergey Cherep Sydney Lynch and Matt Abraxas A purchase of any art by one of the artists listed will result in 10 % of the sale going to the Humane Society. Donations will continue for one week: September 9-15th. Please join SmithKlein in helping the Humane Society of Boulder!

Art Movements- Graffiti

2011-09-06T15:49:00.000-07:00

I'm always amazed at how many art movements there are. It shouldn't be such a surprise given the broad definition of art, which can include nearly anything that affects the senses or thoughts, or anything that evokes an emotional response. Is gluing several doll parts to a canvas and hanging it art? By definition, yes it is art. Even if it creates disgust, confusion or frustration in the viewer, or makes people ask why, that is art. I actually saw an exhibit of plastic doll parts on canvas once, so I'm not stretching my example here. While it did spark debate and evoke emotion, I tend to put that kind of art more in the craft category than the fine art category, though I acknowledge that it is, indeed, art- as much as I may or may not like it.

It might surprise some people to know that one of my favorite genres of art is graffiti, a form of art that dates back as far as the Roman Empire and even before if one considers cave drawings. Of course today's graffiti is often associated with a whole culture of music and style, especially hip hop that began to emerge in the 70's in mostly African-American and Latino communities. Graffiti has moved far beyond mere "tags" (names or words) and "bombing" (bombarding public areas with massive amounts of paint, usually delivered from a fire extinguisher with less concern about artistry and precision) and into true art forms. In fact, both in the United States and in other countries, some graffiti is more like elaborate murals than spray painted block letters. Though many graffiti artists will use their art to thrust political, social and economic issues into the spotlight, the creators tend to remain anonymous, and while graffiti has the reputation of being controversial, people of many diverse backgrounds have learned to see beauty in this expressive art.

A few stand out graffiti artists today include:

Banksy

Banksy- Change

JR- Son

And the team Cyclops and Sweet Toof

Cyclops & Sweet Toof- Pure Evil

One of our artists in the gallery, D. D. LaRue, did some graffiti art. However, long ago she gave that up to focus on sculpture:

D.D. LaRue's Dog in Red VW Door

More about D.D. LaRue:

D.D. LaRue is a visionary, self-taught, mixed media artist whose work has been featured in galleries, publications and on television. Using a combination of sturdy, lightweight material, including wire, wood, paper mache, gypsum, fiberglass, and air brushed enamel, Dede creates striking free-standing interior and wall sculptures which explore the complex relationships between animals, humankind and their environments.. Sometimes whimsical and sometimes challenging, D.D’s eye- catching animals combine a fearless point of view with a respect for the dignity inherent in all animal species.

She states, “As the human race’s relationship to the world becomes ever more complex and technological, I feel it becomes increasingly important to attune our emotional and spiritual connections to nature.”

Dog in Front of Fan by D.D. LaRue


Little Snarley by D.D. LaRue

Poker Party by D.D. LaRue

In the last few years, an extension of graffiti has emerged, and it's called Yarn Bombing. Instead of paint, yarn is used to make a statement on public structures.

Yarn Bombing

Art Movements

2011-09-04T13:43:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine who is an artist and I often get into discussions about whether or not any new movements in art can really emerge after what was termed Modern Art. He is convinced it's impossible- that any new movement will largely be based on old ones or perhaps a combination of several past movements. I'm not so sure. While I see his point, I look to music as my guide. Is taking something old and making it new (remixing, borrowing or stealing ideas) really creating something new? I think so. There are times when the cover is better than the original, and the cover is, indeed, something new. Sure, there are elements of the past, but in the end it's something different.

By the way, if anyone hasn't seen the film Rip, I highly recommend it.

Let's actually talk about Girl Talk, AKA Greg Michael Gillis, the one who brought mash-ups into the spotlight. He basically takes pieces or samples of older songs and uses them to create new songs. Of course this stirs up controversy both in terms of ethics and actual lawsuits. Gillis believes that mainstream media wants to create controversy where none actually exists though. However, he admits to getting people a little riled up too. He states, "The name Girl Talk is a reference to many things -- products, magazines, books. It’s a pop culture phrase. The whole point of choosing the name early on was basically to just stir things up a little within the small scene I was operating from. I came from a more experimental background and there were some very overly serious, borderline academic type electronic musicians. I wanted to pick a name that they would be embarrassed to play with. You know Girl Talk sounded exactly the opposite of a man playing a laptop, so that’s what I chose." Most people would agree that remixes and mash-ups are different enough that they deserve a title that goes beyond merely stealing someone's idea. The reality is that remixes and mash-ups are now considered a new genre of music.

Girl Talk

In terms of art, the same thing is happening. Artists are creating new genres that combine old styles or take an old style one step further- Impressionistic Realism, Abstract Impressionism, Hyperrealism and Geometric Abstract Art are just a few examples.

At SmithKlein Gallery, we carry an exceptional cityscape artist who uses a technique that is unique, yet is still based off of older styles. Though there is no real term for it, we have started calling it Mosaic Impressionism.


London Night by Mark Lague

San Francisco Bus by Mark Lague

Up close, one can appreciate Mark's technique. The paintings look almost like something done in pointillism, but with cubes or blocks of paint instead of dots.

More about Mark Lague:

Inspired by the urban life, Mark Lague passionately paints visually intriguing cityscapes that exude a palpable energy. From New York to Rome, he has the extraordinary ability to capture the very heart and soul of each and every city that he visits. Mark’s highly collectable oil paintings are a sharp contrast to the meticulous and detailed photo realist renderings he once did in pencil when he was starting his artistic career, but his hard work gave him a solid foundation in art technique. His fresh new approach to painting takes a great deal of planning. However, he is less concerned with fine detail and focuses more on capturing the energy and movement of his subjects, be it a lively city or quiet rainy street. In fact, eliminating some of the detail in his work allows the viewer to become more engaged with the piece.

Mark begins every painting with a value study in pencil. He generally paints “alla prima” or all in one session, but in order to do so, he must first plan and sketch out his piece in pencil to establish the value pattern and to work out the format of the finished work. “Painting directly and spontaneously, while maintaining control and accuracy,” is Mark’s basic philosophy when it comes to Plein Air painting. Captivating and raw, Mark’s paintings show dazzling reflection and striking design like no other. Mark Lague has been recognized and accepted into many prestigious juried exhibitions in both the United States and in Canada. He is considered one of the top cityscape artists of our time.

Hotel In Rome by Mark Lague

Erin Dertner

2011-09-02T17:04:00.000-07:00

SmithKlein Gallery is presenting a show featuring new works by renowned oil painter, Erin Dertner.

Stop in at 1116 Pearl Street to see the display. The show will continue through the end of the month.

Symphony of Spring by Erin Dertner

More about the artist:

Erin Dertner

At the age of nine, Erin Dertner knew she wanted to be an artist. Inspired by the beautiful California sunlight and nearby bodies of water, she began learning to paint. Her mother was her first teacher, but Erin soon received extensive training from renowned teachers including Marlin Simandle, Edward Betts, Kim English, Ovanes Berberian, La Vere Hutchings, Gail Chase-Bien, Ted Goerschner, Hope Stevenson, and others. As Erin’s career evolved, she began teaching and is now known for her extraordinary use of light on canvas. Teaching workshops allows Erin to share her zeal for painting.

Though she is accomplished in watercolor, acrylic and dry pastel, Erin is currently focused primarily on oil. She works with both a brush and a palette knife, but she has been working more and more with the latter, creating rich vibrant images reminiscent of the great impressionists. Encouraged by SmithKlein Gallery to continue her palette knife technique, Erin has matured into a skilled artist. Erin’s work is honest and deliberate. By building her work in many layers of paint, she achieves depth and a deep perspective unlike any other. Erin paints with passion, capturing the essence of a location by painting en plein air. Texture, mood, color and light are translated into a harmonious creation that allows the viewer to be transported directly to the scene. Erin’s travels provide her with ample opportunity to learn and grow as an artist as she explores other environments and climates in France, Italy, Greece and choice locations in the United States.

Erin has been painting for over forty years. She is featured in several prestigious galleries and has sold many paintings over the years. She and her husband currently own a gallery on the West Coast. They have two grown sons who follow in their mother’s footsteps by being both artistic and adventurous. According to Erin, “There is no better life than to study the world with paintbrush in hand and a heart full of love and gratitude.”


Napa Valley Majesty by Erin Dertner

Crimson and Coral by Erin Dertner

Bronze Sculpture

2011-08-28T13:31:00.000-07:00

Bronze is a metal alloy made by smelting together copper, tin and occasionally other elements. It is highly valued for many reasons. For example, it is sturdy and much less brittle than iron and other metals, making it resistant to rapid corrosion. It also doesn't cause much friction or create sparking, which is why it is often used to make tools, especially those used in combustible environments.

In terms of art, it is the most commonly used metal for casting sculptures. Traditionally, bronze sculptures are cast using a complicated process called the lost wax process. Below is a video, explaining how this is done.

Bronze has a unique resonance that makes the metal alloy ideal to use for casting bells. One of our artists, James Moore, creates beautiful bronze bells. Here are a few examples of his work:

James Moore- Elements Bell

James Moore- Wild River

For additional images of James Moore's work, visit his page on our website at the following link: http://www.smithklein.com/moore.php

A few other bronze artists we have in the gallery are:

Jeanning Young

Jeannine Young- Umbrella Girl

Louise Peterson


Louise Peterson -On the Rise

And Jim Budish

Jim Budish- Chauncey and Abby

In the final stages of bronze sculpture making, a patina is usually applied. These days a hot patina can be used that allows more control of the end result. A hot patina can be applied by heating the metal and adding various solutions to the surface or by brushing the metal with a solution and then heating the metal with a blowtorch.

One of the artists in the gallery, Robert Deurloo is notorious for using exciting patinas. One of our favorites is his purple hippo.

Robert Deurloo- Purple Hippo

For a complete listing of all our artists, please visit out website at www.smithklein.com

10 % donation to the Humane Society | Downtown Boulder | Downtown Boulder, CO

2011-08-26T15:18:00.000-07:00

Starting on September 9th for one week, SmithKlein Gallery will donate 10% of sales from certain artists to the Humane Society.

For more information, check out the following link:

10 % donation to the Humane Society | Downtown Boulder | Downtown Boulder, CO

Impressionism

2011-08-24T14:40:00.000-07:00

In the late 1800's, a radical group of Paris-based artists broke all the rules of traditional painting. Far from the realistic and more academic paintings of the past, impressionists moved away from classical painting and began to paint in a way that captured movement and a different perspective. In short, their aim was not to create an exact replica, but to provide the viewer with an impression of a scene captured in a specific moment in time.

Perhaps the most well known impressionist, Claude Monet, was a factor in how the term impressionism came into being, after a critic saw his piece, Impression, soleil levant.


Monet - Impression, soleil levant

Painting in an impressionistic manner is done differently than more traditional painting. Short brush strokes that apply the paint directly onto the canvas are used, and the more thickly applied paint on the canvas is referred to as impasto. The idea behind impressionism is that the paintings are supposed to be spontaneous, and often painted on location.

SmithKlein Gallery has several impressionistic painters in the gallery at this time. Here are two artists that we feature:

Gerard Mortier - La Fenetre

Gerard Mortier’s work takes the viewer on an intimate tour of the country he knows and loves best, the Opal Coast of France, a seaside stretch of land on the English Channel from Calais to Etaples. Considered to be the “ambassador of the Opal Coast”, Mortier brings to life the region’s beaches, farms, fishing boats, and winding village streets. Ambivalent weather and ever-changing light are captured through his masterful use of broad strokes and vibrant colors. Traversing the region with his easel, Gerard paints as the light of the moment inspires him. The soft mauves and blues of the skies and the luminescent immaculate white facades, blue shutters, and brilliant orange rooftops of the region’s houses are typical of Gerard’s work. Using a thick application of paint with a palette knife and brush, impasto style, and large vertical and horizontal planes of brilliant color, he makes palpable the power of the wind and sea that characterize this part of France. When not traveling, Gerard also finds subjects to paint in the tranquil garden of his rustic country home in the northern part of his country.

Lyudmila Agrich - Toward the Sun

Lyudmila Agrich was born in Russia. After changing her place of residency several times, her family finally settled down in the beautiful city of Odessa in Ukraine by the Black Sea. As a child she got all attention and love from her parents. They were always encouraging in all of her creative expressions. As a result she spent several years in musical school and the school of fine arts for children. She was lucky because she was able to taste the nectar of creativity so early, and intuitively she knew in the beginning what could bring her happiness and contentment. But when she had to make a choice she went to Architectural school and received bachelor degree in Architecture and Fine Arts.

After practicing architecture for a few years in Ukraine and then in the USA (since 1992) she became miserable in technical field of beams and concrete. She started to hear very strange calling for painting. She quit architecture in 2001 and became a professional artist. Her choice is not her career; it is her life, fulfilled and happy. She replaced her painting brush with palette knife in order to create bolder, brighter, and powerful images of nature, flowers, and people. Her style is expressionistic impressionism. She is not looking for a new style or new techniques to shock or amaze people. The main focus is to capture intimate moments in ordinary life. No matter what she is painting, a landscape, or a little cafe in an old European town, she wants her paintings to speak in the language of human feelings. She tries to avoid creating pictures that are just pretty. Instead she wants to communicate with people by evoking similar emotions and feelings in them.

Todd Reed Jewelry

2011-08-23T14:40:00.000-07:00


Todd Reed Necklace

One local artist SmithKlein Gallery carries is jewelry designer Todd Reed. Todd is known for his unique designs using raw diamonds. Unlike traditional diamonds that are cut and polished with a focus on brilliance and clarity, the uncut diamonds Todd uses showcase a natural beauty. Forever conscious of the environment, Todd also uses high carat recycled gold and other metals.

In his own words, he explains a little bit more about his work:

"It started as a way to question society about the idea of perceived value. In particular how value and perceived value relate to ideas of beauty or perfection that have become norms of society.

There are certain ad campaigns, such as, "She'll like you at a half carat, but she'll love you at a carat.", that prompted me to make this line of jewelry. This would be a line of jewelry that really did use the most perfect diamond in the world, the actual raw diamond. Uncut. Unpolished. Natural, perfect geometry. That was around 1994 when this idea really started to take off.

I am a self-taught goldsmith and metalsmith, and very much enjoy the hard work that goes into each piece. I have been extremely fortunate in that my work has won many international awards, and is frequently included in books, trade publications, and consumer magazines. My work can be seen at the finest shows and exhibitions in galleries and museums around the world. My work continues to grow as I grow, and I am still inspired by most everything. Beauty and nature are endless inspiration."

The following are a few favorite selections of Todd Reed's work that SmithKlein Gallery has in the gallery:

Ring- Lavender Diamonds in Oxidized Silver


Pendant- Raw Cubes and Cut Diamonds in Gold

Earrings - Rose Cut and Raw Cube Diamonds in Gold

Ring- Rose Cut Diamond with Cut Diamonds Around the Edge in Gold

Sunday at the Gallery

2011-08-21T14:30:00.000-07:00

SmithKlein Gallery has decided to start a blog!

It is just a week after the annual Loveland Sculpture in the Park Show, and we were thrilled to see all the new works by many of our bronze artists. Here are just a few selections that we now have in the gallery:


Pokey Park's new Turtle


Jeannine Young's Dancer in Bronze

Warren Cullar's Rock, Paper, Scissors

Lately on our facebook page, we have been adding some of our favorite quotes by artists. Here's one that really stood out. We would love to know some of your favorite quotes relating to art!

"Art is not what you see, but what you make others see." - Edgar Degas

Keep checking back here and on our website at www.smithklein.com to find out more about upcoming events.