Friday, September 27, 2013

New Artist Alert!!!

Alexei Butirskiy

Here at Old Towne Gallery we are extremely excited to introduce our new artist Alexei Butirskiy!

Here is a brief bio on this world renowned artist:

Since the beginning of the new millennium, literally thousands of collectors from around the world have added one or more of Alexei Butirskiy images to their collections.
What has caused this immediate and enthusiastic reception? As Aristotle once said, “Art not only imitates nature, but also completes its deficiencies.”

No one could have described Alexei’s complex painting technique more succinctly!

In his own unique way, Alexei Butirskiy achieves a marvelous transition from what is often unattractive source material through a masterful enhancement process of addition and subtraction, until he awakens the sleeping beauty in each composition.

“When I paint, I don’t just copy from any particular place. I try to memorize the original impression I had when I was somewhere, and then I recompose it in my head, based on how I feel about it. After that, I paint. I think it is very important for an artist to not just copy mechanically from nature. In that case, the artist could be replaced by a camera.

An artist should rather have a goal and then follow it to create the emotional images and a special atmosphere in the painting, and to thereby convey an individual message. Painting nature with all its many faces is always magnificent. To me, there is no such thing as bad weather.”

Alexei Butirskiy brings a genuine expression to the art world and a sense of both mystery and belonging to each of his paintings. “The source of my inspiration is life itself. I find peace and harmony all around me. I observe the beauty of my surroundings and love to share my appreciation of the world through my eyes and transfer it to my viewers by way of my canvas.” Born in Moscow in 1974, Alexei Butirskiy entered Moscow Art College in 1992. In 1996 he finished his studies at the Art College and graduated with an Excellence Diploma. In 1998 he completed the Russian Academy of the Arts where he studied under respected professor L.S. Hasyanova.

Since 2001, Butirskiy has participated in over 100 exhibitions. In 2007, Alexei was




invited to exhibit at the prestigious Il Vittoriano in Italy. He has exhibited at one-man shows and auctions in Russia, England and the United States.

Most recently, Alexei has concentrated his efforts primarily on representing urban life around him in truthful and unglorified terms. A sense of tranquility is conveyed in each of his paintings. They are typically without action or conviviality, and most are uncannily still, with only light, space, shadows and color offering dialog.

The power and intensity of the relationship between light and dark are the profound forces of his work. The sophisticated application of light effects with color reinforce the majesty of his compositions. Butirskiy’s paintings are reminiscent of the works of Claude de Lorraine and Caravaggio with their luminescent qualities and skillful variations of light and dark.

Alexei Butirskiy’s ability to combine architecture, color and format is a refined skill normally reserved for artists much his senior. As a result, he ranks among Russia’s top emerging artists. His work is exhibited in galleries and private collections throughout France, England, Austria, Germany, Morocco, Switzerland, Russia, Canada and the United States. From Russia with Love!


Come into the gallery today to see all of his breathtaking pieces!

-Megan A. Hansen


Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Introducing The Art Of Brian Challis!

Here at Old Towne Gallery we are excited to introduce our new artist Brian Challis!




From Brian’s early childhood he has had a passion for creating. One of his earliest memories is “sitting on the milk box, carving a figure in a piece of wood”. Although he never had an art class, at his high school graduation he received the school’s highest art award.
As an young adult, Brian’s interest turned to wooden circular stairways. The fertile three dimensional envelope and sensuous lines of helical stairs presented intriguing sculptural opportunities. He designed and built stairs for noted actors, businessmen, and U.S. Presidents. He has received twelve patents. His firm, Challis Stairways, was sold in 1992 to LJ Smith, an Ohio based stair parts manufacturer. For the following four years he ran a research and development group for LJ Smith.
Since 1996 Brian has dedicated himself to sculpture and design. In 1998 Larry H. Miller, a highly successful entrepreneur, asked Brian to design a theme restaurant. The Mayan Restaurant which has received international recognition is the result; the theme was conceived and the artistic design was created by Brian.
His body of work includes traditional, impressionistic and abstract sculpture. Some of his pieces include a blend of these genres.
His traditional work includes life-size sculptures of his own children. The tender emotions elicited by these highly detailed pieces hint at the love Brian has for children in general, his own in particular. In 2003 the Utah Jazz commissioned him to create 1-½ life size sculptures of John Stockton and Karl Malone for their home arena, the Delta Center.
For his impressionistic and abstract work, subject matter is generally absent, and when employed, is subservient to form. He has designed unique bearing and motor assemblies which give his kinetic pieces a freedom of motion found nowhere else. The fluid, moving lines of spirals, helical forms and the enigmatic mobius, have long intrigued him. His work often speaks of that intrigue. People frequently comment that Brian’s work is very similar to that of M C Escher, but in three dimensions. Although he was a poor student of math, Brian’s work is often imbued with mathematical undertones.

Brian’s sculpture has been juried into numerous art shows. Awards include First Place, Second Place and several Merit Awards. Salt Lake City asked Brian to organize an art Gallery for the 2002 Olympic Games and invited him to be one of two featured artists at the two week show.
His work is found in public and private collections throughout the U.S., and abroad. Brian is married and has six children. We are thrilled to be carrying Brian's work! Stop by the galllery to see his inventive sculptures in person!

- Megan A. Hansen

Thursday, March 14, 2013

"Are You Smarter Then An Art Consultant?" Art Quiz

Here is a little quiz to test your random fine art knowledge. How many of the 15 questions are you able to get right? (answers are at the bottom of the post) 


1. Which of these famous artists is credited with painting a mere 35 paintings (we are aware of) during his lifetime?

      A. Pablo Picasso
      B. Johannes Vermeer
      C. Vincent van Gogh
      D. Michelangelo


2. Of these famous artists who's first name was actually Oscar?

     A. Degas
     B. Rembrandt
     C. Braque
     D. Monet


3. Often the subject of Chagall's work, what was the name of his first wife?

     A. Bella
     B. Maria
     C. Jacqueline
     D. Olivia


4. Who painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel?

     A. Michelangelo
     B. Da Vinci
     C. Rembrandt
     D. Renoir


5. True or False: Picasso's full name was Pablo Picasso?

    A. True
    B. False


6. It is generally accepted that this artist died at the age of 37 from a self-inflicted gun shot wound, though a gun was never found.

    A. Joan Miro
    B. Andy Warhol
    C. Van Gogh
    D. Matisse


7. Etching is a form of print making where a _________ is used.

     A. Linoleum block
     B. Copper Plate
     C. Lime Stone
     D. Silk Screen


8. Which famous artist once said " Good artist copy, Great artist steal"?

     A. Miro
     B. Chagall
     C. Braque
     D. Picasso


9. Which of these artist did NOT identify as Catholic?

     A. Chagall
     B. Michelangelo
     C. Salvador Dali
     D. Cezanne


10. Michelangelo's famous sculpture "David" was created with what material?

     A. Porcelain 
     B. Bronze
     C. Marble
     D. None of the above


11. Marc Chagall lived to be ____ years old.

     A. 56
     B. 102
     C. 77
     D. 97


12. The most expensive painting ever sold is a painting by which famous artist?

    A. Paul Cezanne
    B. Andy Warhol
    C. Salvador Dali
    D. Pablo Picasso


13. This artists is attributed with having a major role in the "Surrealism" movement.

     A. Matisse
     B. Da Vinci
     C. Rembrandt
     D. Salvador Dali

14. French painter Edgar Degas was known to be "friends" with this important female artist.

     A. Mary Cassatt
     B. Frida Kahlo
     C. Georgia O'keeffe
     D. Degas didn't have any friends 


15. The famous painting Mona Lisa was created by___________.

     A. Michelangelo
     B. Leonardo Da Vinci
     C. Raphael
     D. Caravaggio 
    





    
Time to check your answers!

1)B    2)D   3)A   4)A    5) False    6)C    7)B    8)D    9)A    10)C    11)D   12)A    13)D   14)A    15)B

How did you do?










Monday, February 25, 2013

What would they drive??

This weekend I went to the car show in Salt Lake City. As I viewed all of the diverse, creative, and innovative models I wondered to myself, what would the Art Masters think of our modern day vehicles?? Better yet.. what would they drive? Based on both their creative style and personality, I have paired some of the most famous artist with what I think would be their perfect modern day car. Enjoy!


Marc Chagall: VW Bug




Much like Chagall's work, the VW Bug is whimsical yet timeless. With curves and a childlike tone it is a car for the innovative dreamer.




Pablo Picasso: Nissan Cube


Best known for his "cubism" work, I cannot think of a more suitable car for Pablo Picasso. The Nissan Cube suits the blocky look that made Picasso famous.






Claude Monet: Toyota Prius



Know largely for his love of nature and gardens, I would bet the eco-friendly Prius would be one of Monet's top picks.  






Miro: Jeep Wrangler

        

The Jeep Wrangler is unique and durable car. With lines that are bold and definite it reminds me of Miro's work. I see Miro as the avant-garde type. Always taking the path less traveled by. What better automobile to take on the adventure?







Michelangelo: Cadillac CTS




Cadillac CTS is a fast and bold upgrade of a classic. Much like the work of Michelangelo, I feel the CTS is the perfect balance of timeless tradition and exciting innovation.








Salvador Dali: Audi R8




When I think of Surrealism, Salvador Dali is the first person that comes to mind. To me the Audi R8 is wild, fast, and beautifully surreal. The perfect fit for Dali if you ask me.



-Megan Ann Hansen



Monday, February 11, 2013

Most Expensive Paintings Ever Sold

Here is a list of the 10 most expensive paintings ever sold! We bet you can't guess which artists painting is currently in the top spot!





10. TITIAN
"Diana and Actaeon", 1556-1559
$91 million 
Private sale, February 2009. Buyer: United Kingdom
This work have all the splendour and glory of the best of Titian's 'painted poetries'. It was previously at the Duke of Sutherland collection, who offered it to the U.K. It has a "sister picture", "Diana and Callisto", bought for £45 million ($72 million) in 2012.





9. PABLO PICASSO
"Dora Maar au chat", 1941
$95.2 million 
Sotheby's New York , May 2006. Buyer: anonymous
Dora Maar (1907-1997) met Picasso in 1930, and their relationship lasted until 1946. A native from Paris, raised in Argentina and therefore fluent in Spanish, Maar was one of Picasso's favourite models. This painting, measuring 130- 97 cm, was recently rediscovered and authenticated by Picasso's daughter, Maya Widmaier Picasso.




8. ANDY WARHOL
"Eight Elvises", 1963
$100 million 
Private sale, 2008. Buyer: anonymous
This unique work by Warhol, measuring over 12 feet long, had been at the collection of Roman collector Annibale Berlingieri for over 40 years. It surpassed the previous world record for a work by Warhol, the $71.7 million paid at Christie's New York in 2007 for "Green Car Crash (Green Burning Car I)"





7. PABLO PICASSO
"Garçon a la pipe", 1904
$104.1 million 
Sotheby's New York , May 2004. Buyer: anonymous
The sale of this young smoker was a milestone in the Art auctions world. It broke the record that Vincent van Gogh held since 1990, and it was the first time that the $100 million barrier was broken. Although the name of the buyer was not revealed, some sources says that he could be Guido Barilla, the Italian pasta magnate.





6. PABLO PICASSO
"Nude, Green Leaves and Bust", 1932
$106.5 million 
Christie's New York , May 2010. Buyer: anonymous
This sensual and colorful masterpiece the most expensive work by Picasso ever sold at auction. The work, formerly in the collection of Mrs. Sidney F. Brody, had been never exhibited in public since 1961






5. EDVARD MUNCH
"The Scream", 1895
$119.9 million 
Sotheby's New York , May 2012. Buyer: anonymous
This iconic work is the most expensive painting ever sold at auction. The work is the most colorful of the four versions of Edvard Munch’s masterpiece 'The Scream', and the only one still in private hands




4. GUSTAV KLIMT
"Adele Bloch-bauer I", 1907
$135 million 
Private sale, 2006. Buyer: Ronald Lauder.
The acquisition of this iconic work by cosmetic magnate Ronald Lauder caused a shock in the Art world, not only for the spectacular sum paid for it, but also for the way it was sold, far away from the noisy auction houses. The painting was part of a group of five canvases which had been recently returned to the heirs of Ferdinand Bloch-Bauer. The Nazis confiscated his paintings during the World War II, and after the war, the canvases were placed at the National Gallery of Austria in 1948.




3. WILLEM DE KOONING
"Woman III", 1952-53
$137.5 million 
Private sale, 2006. Seller: David Geffen. Buyer: Steven Cohen
This painting is the only "Woman" by Willem de Kooning still in private hands. One of this women -described by T. Hess as "black goddesses"- has been chosen by theartwolf.com as one of the 50 masterworks of the history of painting.




2. JACKSON POLLOCK
"Number 5, 1948", 1948
$140 million 
Private sale, 2006. Seller: David Geffen. Buyer: Unknown (rumoured to be Mexican businessman David Martinez)
Right now, this stunning "drip" by Jackson Pollock is the most expensive contemporary painting ever sold, though the exact price was never confirmed (but the price displayed here is generally accepted to be true). The exorbitant sum demonstrates not only the strenght of the Art market, but also the increasing interest for the contemporary works of Art.




1. PAUL CÉZANNE
"The Card Players", 1892/93
$250 million 
Private sale, 2011. Seller: George Embiricos. Buyer: Royal Family of Qatar.
This is the last version of this famous composition by Paul Cézanne still in private hands. The fabulous psychological intensity in the faces of the players make this painting a masterpiece of post-impressionist art.

Monday, January 28, 2013

For the LOVE of art!

With Valentine's Day just around the corner a lot of people have "love" on their minds. 
Which got me to thinking..There are very few things I love more than art. To spread the love I have come up with a list of my top 10 "love affairs"(aka favorite paintings) of all time. Enjoy!




10. Coming in tenth place is the ever famous "Campbell's Soup Can" by Andy Warhol. What is not to love about Mr. Warhol?!




9. Picasso's "Guernica" is an emotionally charged painting that will be admired for decades to come. I love the raw and delicate nature of this painting.



8. "The Bath" by Mary Cassatt. It is fragile, intimate, soft and strikingly beautiful. With the bold patterns as a juxtaposition to the supple skin this painting just screams genius!



7. Monet's "Water Lilies". Let's be honest, if Monet is not one of your all time favorite artists it is quite possible that you have no soul.


6. Georgia O'Keeffe forces us to stop and really look at the intricate details that we would otherwise ignore. "Poppy" is a stunning piece that reminds me it is okay to slow down every once in a while and admire all the beauty this world has to offer.




5. Wayne Thiebaud's "Cupcake". Simple and sophisticated. I truly adore the way he manipulates color. His use of unexpected helixes of bright color could not be more brilliant!


4. "The Kiss" by Gustav Klimt. I have a hard time finding the words to express my love for this piece. It is emotional, whimsical, odd, and amazing. The intimate composition is ever inviting yet secretive much like a kiss.






3. "Nighthawk" by Edward Hopper is a piece that I will forever love. There is an overwhelming feeling of loneliness. It is introverted. It is human interaction. Hopper captures a world we all live in together and alone all at once.



2. To me she is the most beautiful and mysterious woman of all time. "The Girl With The Pearl Earring" by Johanness Vermeer captivates my imagination while satisfying my craving for aesthetic beauty. Who is she? Why does she part her lips? Is saying goodbye for the last time? Or simply glancing at her past? I want to know her story. My love for this piece falls somewhere between its precise technique and its mystery. 






1. I am fairly confident that I could write a novel on my LOVE for "Sunflowers" by Van Gogh. It is brilliant. I believe art, like love, is meant to move your soul, to help you understand, and excite your wildest dreams. Many years ago this painting captured my heart and ignited my ever growing love for art. 


There you have it my top 10 painting love affairs! Have a great Valentine's Day and be sure to celebrate ALL of the things you love!

-Megan A. Hansen