Gallery4Collectors Blog

Art auctions for Vintage Photography gives us a glimpse into our past and helps people understand the history that came before us.  Unlike the collections which are considered the basis for art collectors, vintage photographs are truly a great exploration into our recent past.  Many eras of current civilizations have come to add their own share of make up vintage photography.

Even though Vintage Photos are not the largest selection under the artistic category in auctions, they are still valued for their recollections of past events and vintage modes of photography itself.

Cameras, equipment, photographic books and photo postcards pre-1940 are definitely becoming more and more collectible items.  You’ll find tons of online auctions listing these items.  All of these items have contributed to the history on file.  As motion pictures took on a predominant role in culture, the photograph is still the basis of the system forming it all.

Much of what seems to have the most value are photographs coming from eras predating film and going back further, images captured years right after the invention of the camera.

With this in mind, you can better grasp the worth of the photos that might have caught a person’s eye back in time.  It is the moment in history that can never be recreated again, thus making it a valuable glimpse into the past.  Research of each vintage photograph is necessary to gain the attention of a collector and increase the value of your auction item.  This can take time, but will be well worth it.

There are many online and offline auction houses that could be of service to you in researching the vintage photographs or film you want to sell.  Consultation with an Appraiser can be very helpful and the more professional they are –  the better.

Art Auctions for sculptures are a great way to find new art for your home or office. I like to surf the online auction sites for really great sculptures! I have found some to be very interesting.

CARVED SCULPTURE

There was a sculpture sold recently on EBay that was entitled, “Love”.  The art auction for this sculpture went above the estimated value.  The piece was red and blue, and made of polychrome aluminum.  The French artist’s name was Robert Indiana.  The art auction listed the item as 6′ tall, 6′ wide and 3′ deep.  Now this piece is going to take a huge location or become an outside sculpture.

I also found a hall stand carved from wood which I found in an online art auction.  The carving depicted a playful bear climbing a fir tree.  There was a young bear cub carved into one of the branches.  The branches were there to serve as coat or hat hooks & there was a mirror on the piece in a carved oak leaf type frame.

There was also an exquisite sculpture by a Russian artist that sold recently in an art auction.  The subject of the sculpture was a Bar Mitzvah boy and the medium was marble.  I think marble statues are timeless and elegant.  Marble is an excellent medium for sculpture.

BRASS & BRONZE SCULPTURE

Yitzhak Danziger is an Israeli artist and I happened upon an abstract brass sculpture at an online auction.  Unfortunately, it did not sell well and sold for less than it’s estimated value.

I have also found  lot of bronze sculptures on art auctions and most are of well known people.  My favorite bronzes are abstract and I particularly enjoy the work of Harry Bertoia.  One of my favorites is a piece entitled, “Bush”.  This piece is also known as a “Brain” or “Coral”.  An online auction started the bidding at $ 39,000, however it did not sell.

A number of artists product bronze sculpture art in the form of animal figures.  Unfortunately, I have not seen a lot of interest for this particular style of artwork.  I’m not sure if it is the subject matter or the price is too high.  Bronze is an expensive medium for an artist to work with and it takes many, many hours of training to become proficient.

GLASS & CRYSTAL SCULPTURE

Dale Chihuly is one of my favorite glass sculptors.  He work goes for quite a price at the online auctions, so I’ll probably never be able to afford a piece of his artwork.  He is just magnificent though!  There are permanent displays of his artwork all over the world.

Crystal sculpture can be simple and look like paperweights, or, can be quite impressive if the sculpture used the many facets within the crystal to highlight the sculpture.  A crystal sculpture done right can be magical.

Art collecting can be a great hobby, pastime or a great investment. If you are new to this type of activity, you can be overwhelmed with the vast number of approaches from which you can choose from. So, to make things easier for you, here are some of the top tips you can get with regard to collecting art.  

 Why do you buy art?  

1. You should understand that you should buy a piece of artwork because you like it. Yes, it’s just that simple! Although it may be common sense, a lot of people overlook this important idea. Some buy artwork because other people told them to do so, or because they saw others buying something similar. If you find a piece of art that moves you, and you think it can enhance your life, then buy it! You do not have to wait for the approval of others to do so since the whole decision if yours to make.         

2. What use is the beauty of a piece of artwork, if personally you don’t appreciate it or find it unattractive. Remember, when collecting art, there is nothing more gratifying than seeing a piece that talks to you and moves your soul. Especially if the piece of art remains fresh and exciting for you even though you’ve looked at it 100 times or more. So, go art shopping!         

3. Another good thing to do when starting to collect art is visit galleries. Go to as many art galleries as you can. Gallery staff can be very helpful to you and can only add to your art education. Also, visiting galleries will be a great way to be exposed to different kinds of art, whether it be original paintings, sculptures or prints.Art galleries provide you the “real thing”. The more artwork you can examine the more familiar you’ll become with details of different types of art. Galleries often showcase prestigious collections. Looking at collections of other people will help generate ideas for your own collection. You’ll soon learn what you enjoy and what you don’t care for.
   
   Most galleries have a mailing list, so sign up and get updated of the latest releases and events the gallery is presenting. Gallery4Collectors.com offers a free Collectors Club and we send out newsletters on a regular basis so you can stay updated on the latest art market. We also offer our members a 15% discount plus free shipping.
    
   If you are invited to a gallery event, go! The more exposure to the art industry the better. Events like these can bring you opportunity to know more people within the industry and find more good deals.

    

4. If you don’t have many art galleries in your area, visit your local art museums or non-profit art centers. OR go online and find internet art galleries like ours, Gallery4Collectors.com. 

Art collection can be a very stimulating and inspiring hobby for everyone. It isn’t just for the wealthy and the well known, but it’s for regular everyday people with a love for art.

There are various forms of art that you can choose from, especially since art’s definition can greatly vary between different people. It doesn’t really matter though, whatever it’s form, you’re the one to make the decision on what attracts you. You’re the one that decides what you are willing spend for a piece of art.

 BUYING OR SELLING ART
SHOULD YOU GO FOR PRINTS OR ORIGINALS?

 In the art world there seems to be people that look down on others due to their different tastes when picking out art. For instance, there are those people that only buy original artworks and would never even consider buying prints.

 However, you should be aware that if you are just starting to collect art and you are doing this for your own enjoyment, then originals may not really be necessary especially if they are out of your budget.

 WHEN BUYING GICLEES OF THE ORIGINAL ART

 Everyone should realize there is nothing wrong with buying prints, especially with the advent of canvas giclees. Giclees are one simple way to have expensive looking framed art that would look great on your wall. In fact, the top end giclees on canvas come extremely close to what the original painting would look like, especially if they have been retouched by the artist.

 You should realize this is a great way to start your art collecting at a much lower price. A giclee canvas would even have the same texture as on the original work which helps show dimension and depth where paper prints won’t.

 Now as to buying original art, the phrase investment art is often associated. For after all, one of a kind always demands a higher price. In fact a lot of art collectors have purchased original art from many different artists when they were first getting started. By keeping an eye out for upcoming artists you can inexpensively add original artwork to your collection. As the artist gains notoriety these pieces will increase in value right along with the newer work that is being produced.

ALL FRAMED UP

Once you have purchased an original or a canvas giclee, you have the option to frame it by yourself or get someone else to do it for you. Generally you can find frames in a price range you can afford – ranging from metal frames to ornate and even hand carved wooden frames. The internet is an excellent place to start.

Of course if you are going to frame a canvas that saves you the cost of using matting, which is one reason I much prefer the canvas giclee prints.

WITH REGARD TO USING MATTING

It is just another way of framing your picture inside the wooden frame by use of different colors and levels of cut out mats. You should take note this is not as easy as it sounds and sometimes detracts from your print. This is the best reason for using an expert that knows how to match the colors in your art, as well as, in the frame and getting it all to come out right.

WALL DISPLAYS OF MATS

You will find upon entering a frame shop complete walls that are taken up by thousands of frames and thousands of mat choices. If this is the way you prefer to go, you should take your time and deliberate on your choices carefully, since the mat and frame color combinations can have a great affect on how well or bad your artwork will look.

Personally, and I will say it again, you’d be better served and have a better investment by staying with a professional when dealing with matting and in my opinion I would just stay with a canvas giclee in a good looking frame. You just can’t go wrong.

POSTERS AND OPEN EDITION PAPER PRINTS

While we are talking about frames, if you want a clean and contemporary look it is recommended that you stay with brushed metal frames. These are not only cheap, but are still elegant looking too. They usually come in many, many different colors. However, it’s usually best to stay with black or bronze.

This article could go on and on because of the many types of art such as, contemporary art, modern contemporary, abstract, old masters and the list goes on. But for now, I hope I’ve been of some help and I’ll see you next time.

The author of this article, James Husted, owns and operates an online art gallery with his wife, Marilyn. Gallery4Collectors.com has been in business for almost 11 years now and this article comes from experience and frequently asked questions by customers. Visit their site and join the Collectors Club and pick up your free gifts.

The Empty Lodge - new release artwork by Martin Grelle

Martin Grelle’s amazing ability to tell a story on canvas is legendary.  This image is another outstanding story.  Two braves cautiously approach what appears to be an abandoned teepee.  As one of the braves slowly pulls back the cover on the doorway of the teepee, he carefully looks inside, but finding no life there. 

With the empty teepee and the campfire out, these braves can only wonder what caused its inhabitants to abandon their home.  Satisfied that no one is in the camp, the braves will be on their way to journey through the mountains back to their own lodge.

Whether painting the Native Americans in a dramatic, picturesque setting, or the American cowboy in the dusty cattle-working pens, Martin Grelle captures the spirit, beauty, and vastness of the West in his historically-accurate, compelling images. Grelle studies diligently to portray the diverse cultures of the American West accurately and with sensitivity.

His knowledge of the cowboy’s way of life, gained from his time spent horseback on ranches during the annual Cowboy Artists of America’s (CAA) trail ride, as well as the time spent with local ranchers and friends, is evident in his contemporary cowboy paintings.

The many hours spent in museums, at historical re-enactments, in visiting with experts on Native American culture, and reading from his extensive library, have helped him to bring his vision of the Plains Indian culture to life on canvas.

Grelle was born when his family lived on a small farm a few miles from the small, Central Texas town of Clifton, which he still calls home today. This beautiful and historic area has become a mecca for artists, including many of Grelle’s close friends. They all enjoy getting together to “talk art”, critique each other’s work, and exchange ideas. Many of them, including Grelle, teach annual workshops through a local art facility known as the Bosque Conservatory, which has begun to have a national presence. Grelle treasures this feeling of community and the opportunities he is afforded living in such a creative environment.

The artist’s talents were evident as a child and he began painting at an early age. Luckily for the budding painter, acclaimed Western artists James Boren and Melvin Warren had settled in the same area while he was in school. With excellent guidance from James Boren, a full-time artist was born in his early twenties. Since then, Grelle has studied and traveled widely to seek subject matter for his work. Working primarily in oils on canvas, the artist’s figures and landscape become one in a painterly style rich in vibrant color and narrative.

For more than 30 years Grelle has made a career of his art, and has won awards of both regional and national importance. In 1995, he was elected to the Cowboy Artists of America, and he is one of the younger active members. He is currently serving his second term on the board of directors for that organization, and participates in the Annual CAA Exhibition and Sale at the Phoenix Art Museum each October. Grelle won the CAA People’s Choice Award in 2002, for his painting Monarchs of the North, and the Ray Swanson Memorial Award in 2008, for his painting Newlyweds.

He has also been privileged to participate in other major juried shows across the United States. Included in that list are the Prix de West Invitational Art Exhibition and Sale at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, which he has participated in each year since 1995, the Masters of the American West Fine Art Exhibition & Sale at the Autry National Center, and the inaugural Quest for the West Exhibition & Sale at the Eiteljorg Museum.

Awards of merit include the Prix de West Purchase Award, which he won in 2002 for his painting Teller of Tales, and again in 2005, for his painting Two Coups, making him one of only 6 artists to have won the top award twice. Grelle has also won twice the Nona Jean Hulsey Ramsey Buyer’s Choice Award at Prix de West, first in 2004 with Signs Along the Snake, and again in 2006, for Dust in the Distance. The artist is represented by Overland Gallery of Fine Art, in Scottsdale, Arizona, where a one-man show is held for Grelle each March. The 2008 show marked Grelle’s 20th anniversary one-man show with the gallery.

The artist has been profiled in a number of publications, including the magazines Art of the West, Western Art Collector, Southwest Art, Western Art & Architecture, Persimmon Hill, American Cowboy, Western Horseman, Wild West, and InformArt. His work has also been showcased on the covers of many of these publications.

Grelle says humbly, “I thank God for the ability and the opportunities He has given me, and I hope I can continue to grow and learn more with each finished painting. I am honored by everyone who collects my work, and I will always strive to create artwork worthy of their attention, and their investment.”

Don’t miss your chance to purchase this one of a kind piece of Amerian Native American artwork.

Ron DiCianni’s Resurrection Mural

The Resurrection is a 12’ x 40’ mural, oil on canvas. It is a depiction of the moment of Jesus emerging from the tomb, with waiting angels, fainted roman guards, and a crowd of Biblical notables excitedly waiting for His exit. They include, on right of Christ, Moses, David, Isaiah & Abraham.

On the left of Christ are, Elijah, Noah, Esther, John the Baptist & Daniel. These are part of the ones referred to in Hebrews 12:1 as “the great cloud of witnesses.” On the upper right of the painting is the remnants of the place Jesus was earlier crucified, namely Mt. Calvary, also known as Golgotha, the place of the skull.

This mural was commissioned by the Museum of Biblical Art in Dallas, TX., after experiencing a tragic fire which culminated in nearly a total loss to the museum’s contents, among which was a mural that was well known for them as a “pilgrimage piece” one that many came from all over the world to see. After deciding to rebuild, the museum entered in negotiations with me to execute a new mural on the topic of The Resurrection of Christ. Once a contract was signed, I prayed for direction, and sketched out two ideas based on the idea. After selecting their preference, which also was mine, I began working on the final mural.

It seems that over the centuries every artist longed to paint a definitive scene that would stand the test of time. For Michaelangelo, it was the “Creation of Adam” which he did for the Sistine Chapel. For Rembrandt, it was the scene of “The Prodigal Son.” For me, it is “The Resurrection”, as this one act of history separates Christianity from every other religion, philosophy and dogma.

It authenticates The Nativity, The Crucifixion of Christ, and legitimizes every word Jesus said concerning Himself and His relationship to God. Many may ignore the Resurrection at their peril, but none can deny it as it is historically proven beyond doubt. My hope is that as this mural is installed, many will be confronted with the scene of “The Resurrection” and make the decision that He is worthy of being called their Lord and Savior.  Click here to find out how you can own this mural for yourself or your church.

Grandfather Mountain Landscape Artwork

Brand new release from Phillip Philbeck – June 2010

North Carolina is the home of renowned landscape painter Phillip Philbeck.  His subjects, mountains, rolling piedmont, and coastal views, hold great appeal with magnificent vistas, wide sandy shores, wonderful spring and fall foliage. 

Born in Washington, D.C., but a resident since very early childhood and presently living in rural Rutherford County, the artist enjoys the surroundings in which he grew up and is inspired to paint its farms, streams, ponds, coast or anything to which he feels an emotional attachment. Painting from his comfortable studio in his home, the artist only has to venture outside to find inspiration for his next landscape.

Philbeck’s canvases reveal his immense talent in a profusion of details, and he is especially known for the skies in his images. “The sky sets the basic tone for my landscapes,” states the artist.

Growing up, the artist drew and painted whenever he could.  With a heritage of an artistic and creative family, Philbeck’s father, who also painted, encouraged his son and nurtured the budding artist’s talents.  Although basically self-taught, young Philbeck attended college where he was mentored by instructors who saw a passion and talent that they encouraged the artist to pursue.  At the age of only 24, Philbeck began publishing limited edition prints, with many releases having sold out.

Join Phillip Philbeck in appreciating all that nature offers.  Come to the mountains and piedmont and enjoy the spring and the fall.  Take in the glorious coastlines.  And all other times when the landscape blooms anew or when the fall colors take your breath away or the smell the salt air brought by gentle breezes from the ocean.  Take in the beautiful landscapes created by this very talented artist.

Canyon Shadows Texas Landscape by Larry Dyke

Canyon Shadows depicts one of the greatest scenes from the Texas Hill Country.  Spring has sprung with the Bluebonnets in full bloom!

Larry Dyke is one of the most successful and acclaimed artists of his generation. He paints powerful landscapes inspired by his deep, personal belief in Christ and his frequent travels to domestic, international, and exotic locales.

A master of the landscape, the artist has devoted his life’s work to interpreting the beauty he beholds in nature. Dyke has a distinctive ability to create a scene which captivates the imagination of the viewer. His genius lies in his talent to create intricate settings that appeal to art lovers of all ages.

A devotion to his Christian beliefs is the driving force guiding Dyke’s life. In his paintings, the artist captures not only the great outdoors, but the spiritual sense of perfection he views as God’s handiwork. Each painting Dyke creates carries a related Bible verse below his signature. Dyke states, “When I became a full-time artist, I was impressed to put a scriptural notation on each of my paintings. It’s an expression of what I think the true answer to life is.”

A native Texan, Dyke is the consummate painter of what makes the Lone Star State so unique. As the title of one of his paintings, the artist chose “Deep in the Heart…” of his native land. The artist paints his beloved state, but he also creates scenes from his many travels that have featured the countryside of the northeast to the hills of Tennessee to the rugged landscape of California.

Dyke also has created extraordinary paintings of world-renowned waterfalls and rain forests in Africa and South America, and landscapes of some of the world’s most celebrated golf courses. His attention to detail results in some of today’s most beautiful, intricate paintings in the traditional, realistic genre.

Canyon Shadows is a peaceful Texas landscape image.  This is his latest release – coming out in June.

Holding Things Together – Western art by Chris Owen

This skilled cowhand is an expert at cinching up and climbing on his horse when the ground crew is ready for calves at the branding. His job is to bring the calves to the wrasslers with a least amount of hassle.  A depiction of motion, energy, form, and brushwork indicate that he is, beyond doubt, “holding things together”.  Chris Owen

The West and its revered icon, the American cowboy, live the past, the present, and the future in the contemporary paintings of outstanding artist Chris Owen. The artist’s paintings portray the spirit and essence of the cowboy lifestyle – from riding herd to working with horses to everyday chores. These dedicated, hard-working legends of the American West inspire Owen to portray a way of life that has endured and will live on in his paintings.

In 2006, a giclee of the Owen’s painting, “A Cowboy’s Morning,” won the very prestigious international Benny Award for the finest giclee of the year. In 2003, he was the official poster artist for the Coors Western Art Exhibit in Denver, where he also exhibits annually. In addition, Owen has won the “Museum Purchase” and “Limited Edition Print Artist” awards at the Cheyenne Frontier Days, Governor’s Invitational Art Show.

Owen studied fine art at Montana State University and was awarded a scholarship to study at the acclaimed Art Center college of Design in Los Angeles where he studied for two years.

Growing up in Montana and spending summers on his grandparents’ ranch inspired Owen’s love of the western way of life. His grandpa’s tales of having met C. M. Russell also added to the artist’s desire to express his love of the West through his work. With this background, Owen’s personal experience and research allow him to portray the romance of the West as few artists can. On his canvases, the artist bears the hopes, dreams, and passions, not only for himself, but for all who desire to live in the spirit of the American West.

Owen states, “The cowboy endures as the foremost American icon. He is the most compelling of characters and, due to his romantic lifestyle and unique personality, a natural subject of artistic interest. His ongoing endurance as the premier American cultural hero stands as testament to the spirit and values that have made the people of the West great.”

The artist lives and paints outside of Billings, Montana.

A western art collector would do well to take a look at Chris Owens’ artwork!

Tom duBois – The Invitation – Noah’s Ark Series of Artwork

Tom duBois’ outlook on life is eternally young. He has the gift of seeing through a child’s eyes – transforming the realistic into the magical. He is fond of a quote by Picasso, “Every child is an artist…the problem is remaining a child once you grow up.”

The artist’s unassuming and humble personality, combined with his outstanding talents, result in highly imaginative works of art unique to his creative genius. Always a delightful artist and guest at gallery shows, duBois has amazed and entertained his collectors with not only his artistic abilities, but also his acoustic guitar and songs.

duBois loves to travel for research on the animals and people featured in his paintings as well as for period clothing. The artist has been known to stop people on the street if they fit his idea for a person he plans to include in an image. And, with his winning smile and honest persona, he is rarely turned down by one of his potential “models.” With meticulous research and attention to detail, duBois creates rich, intricate works that astound the viewer.

Over a short period of years, duBois was catapulted to the pinnacle of the limited edition art world. His most famous images are from his Noah’s Ark Series, the Disney Discovery Collection, the phenomenal Hosanna, and other religious works of art. With sell-out editions on each release, duBois has established himself as an artist who captures the whole story in his paintings.

In the Noah’s Ark images, the artist created fantastic, colorful scenes depicting the construction of the Ark, the Ark as it sailed the endless water covering the earth, the gathering of the animals for their journey on the Ark, and the celebration of the waters receding as Noah and his family returned to land. duBois’ “Hosanna,” depicting Christ being led into the City of Jerusalem through the throngs of people who worshipped Him as He bestowed His love on them, is a masterpiece of creativity that has been compared to some of the world’s most admired religious works.

For the Disney Discovery Collection, duBois created amazing images featuring five of the Disney characters…Snow White, Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, Pinocchio, and Cinderella…images that astounded the art world. Hidden within the images were characters and items from each story…to view one of these works is truly incredible.

Tom duBois is a unique talent whose imagination knows no bounds.

The Invitation is now available in signed open edition prints at affordable pricing!