Thursday, June 21, 2012

New Artist Alert!!

John Schuyler
(Pacifico #65)
44" X 24"

Here at Old Towne Gallery we are excited to be bringing in the art work of John Schuyler. A New York born artist, who's unconventional fresco paintings are sure to leave a powerful impression on all who visit the gallery! His abstract paintings offer a rich, dimensional texture, and a clean fresh feeling that will bring a whole new look to the gallery.



(Pacifico #78)
48" X 48"


Artist Statement:


 The inspiration for my work is both selective and indiscriminate. After the initial influence sparks the beginning of a painting, the piece generally takes on a vision of it's own, a relationship develops between us and occasionally conflicts must be overcome. At other times it's very passionate and I'm in the moment, not questioning the end result, trusting it will take me where it wants to go.
            My work has evolved over the years and continues to undergo numerous transformations.
            The ultimate intention of my work is to evoke an emotional response, A strong feeling of any kind indicates passion and with that we can truly live life to its absolute fullest.
(Artist Statement courtesy of www.John Schuyler.com)








Sunday, June 17, 2012

What's new in Old Towne


OTG logo small
Greetings,
As the summer season begins in Park city you'll always find fresh new artwork at Old Towne!  Below are a few images of our favorites here in the Gallery! 
Sincerely,
 
Colby Larsen
Old Towne Gallery
 
Matter Unorgazined
"Matter Unorganized" by Eric Lee 48 x 60
 
"Contemplation" by Richard Johnson 30 x 30
 
Ballerina
"Ballerina" Edgar Degas, Original Lithograph, signed in pencil - $14,500
 
Got It!
"Got It!" by Mark Yale Harris -- 11' x 8' x 7'
 
 
Sunflowers
"Sunflowers" by Georges Braque, Original Lithograph, signed in Pencil $9,800
 
Old Towne Gallery 
580 Main St.

Park City, Utah 84060
435.655.3910

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

They Said it Best: Quotes From Influential Artists


In life it is important to take time for reflection. Wether it be on your own thoughts or on the ideas of others. Here are quotes by  some of my favorite artist that I find powerful, intriguing, and inspiring.




 I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way - things I had no words for.
-Georgia O'Keeffe



All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.
                                                                    -Pablo Picasso


Art is the lie that enables us to realize the truth.

-Pablo Picasso





If I create from the heart, nearly everything works; if from the head, almost nothing.
                                                                   -Marc Chagall


Everyone discusses my art and pretends to understand, as if it were necessary to understand, when it is simply necessary to love.
                                                                     -Claude Monet




There is only one valuable thing in art: the thing you cannot explain.
                                                                  -Georges Brauqe





Faith in oneself is the best and safest course.
-Michelangelo



Art is never finished, only abandoned.
                                                                     -Leonardo da Vinci




By: Megan A. Hansen

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Eric Lee: All in a Name





The beautiful glass art by artist Eric Lee is simple and soothing yet has an energy that is extremely intriguing. I find that these words best capture the qualities that his works contain:

Emotion                                                 Layers
   Reflection                                             Expressive
              Inherent beauty                                   Evolving
           Color pallet




 Emotion: Eric's work has a the ability to evoke a variety of emotions. He uses composition, color, and technique to convey a feeling. Some pieces are passionate and some are soft. His work allows the viewer to take in information and apply it to their life. Every piece will evoke a personal emotion for the viewer. 


 Reflection: Eric's work is reflective, both the physical material and the way it allows the viewer a moment get lost in an image. In today's society we are so busy hustling from one place to the next. It is seldom that we take the time for personal reflection. For me exploring Eric's work is a quiet and personal experience. Even if just for a minute, it allows time to simply look without the pressure of having to find an answer.  


 Inherent Beauty: The organic shapes and forms often juxtaposed by geometric shapes and/or linear brush work make for a beautiful combination. Eric has an excellent sense of space and is able create compositions that are powerfully beautiful. 


 Color Pallet: In my opinion, color pallet is one of the most powerful components in Eric's work. Color often determines the viewers most immediate reaction to a piece. While blues and violets give a calming feeling, Reds and oranges bring out a more passionate feeling. Though composition and technique are important, color is the first thing the viewer will relate to. Eric uses unusual and beautiful color combinations that are simply striking.


 Layers: One quality you will never attribute to Eric Lee's work is flatness. Every piece has layers of paint that work together to create a multidimensional experience. Energy comes through the layering of paint and the way each layer interacts.   


 Expressive: Eric's various techniques convey a feeling that is nearly tangible. For me, the organic free forms are more soothing while rigid brushwork becomes energetic and fierce. I love the emotional quality each brush stoke contains. It's as if I can feel what the artist is feeling as he is applying the paint wether it be slow and methodical or fast and violent. His work is widely expressive.


 Evolving: Eric's work is always evolving and changing. No two pieces are the same. Turning art into furniture, developing new techniques, experimenting with color combinations, Eric is constantly looking to further the experience his art offers it's viewers.      

           






Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Did you know?

10 Interesting facts on famous artist:


Pablo Picasso

1. Picasso's full name consist of 23 words! his given name is: Pablo Diego José Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno María de los Remedios Cipriano de la Santísima Trinidad Martyr Patricio Clito Ruíz y Picasso.



Vincent van Gogh

2.Vincent van Gogh only sold ONE painting while he was alive. ("Red Vineyard")



Claude Monet

3. Claude Monet's first name was actually Oscar-Claude, His family simply called him Oscar.



Paul Cezanne

4. Paul Cezanne holds the record for most expensive painting ever sold. His painting "The Card Players" fetched a hefty $250 million when it sold in 2011



Marc Chagall

5. Marc Chagall was the eldest of nine children.



Michelangelo

6. In addition to being a painter and sculptor, Michelangelo, was also a poet. He wrote over 300 poems.



Renior

7. A fall from his bike during the summer of 1897 left Renior's right arm broken. He had paint with his left hand for a short period of time. Many believe this contributed to his crippling arthritis later in life.


Mary Cassatt
 
8. Though the theme of mother and child is among the most popular of her works, Mary Cassatt never married or had any children of her own.


Edgar Degas

9. Degas is often credited with being the grumpiest artist of all time. His wit was considered cruel and he made little effort to create personal relationships.

Rembrandt

10. Rembrandt made over 90 self- portraits during his career as an artist.

Friday, March 2, 2012

Art Around the World

One of the benefits of being in an art Gallery that is visited by hundreds of Travelers around the globe, is being introduce constantly to new artist.  Here at the gallery we have clients from Ukraine, Argentina, Italy, Australia, Russia, Chile, Canada, Mexico, Africa, and Even China.  These clients along with daily visitors seem to always share a favorite artists with us!!!  I LOVE it!  I jump on the computer every time and make sure they show me what they connect with.  I love seeing what else is out there......
Today I had a women in from New Jersey, she fell in love with Trevor Southey's work.  She connected with it in a way she did with an artist that lives in Venice, but is originally from Bosnia. His name is Safet Zec.   He left Bosnia after his studio was destroyed by the bombs in Sarajevo.  All his artwork was destroyed.   He now currently produces in Itally and has showed his work in Museums, and Galleries all over.  His work isn't cheap, it may be simple, but a small work of art 16x16 goes for about $14,000.  As he continues to shape his career he shows us a different view of life, a view that maybe he only can grasp from where he's been, what he's seen and learned.  His artwork is simple, bedsheets, wrinkled up shirts, a man crossing his leg, or the interior of a row boat.  His work for me is powerful, it's piercing to the soul, and like most great art, it makes you stop, look, and ponder.... 

-Colby Larsen, Owner



Tuesday, February 7, 2012

When Sundance Comes To Towne: 2012




 
Pre-Sundance:
The craziness of Sundance arrives just before the Films do. Moving-vans and delivery trucks fill main street in a scramble to get everything in place before the week kicks off. For us, this means wrapping up most of the art from the gallery and carefully packing it away in storage. The Work Hard Play Hard coordinators are right behind us transforming the Gallery into a lounge complete with a bar, photo studio, and all kinds free stuff from sponsors. The transformation felt hectic at best, but once all was put in place the lounge was ready for a crazy weekend of photo ops and parties.  


                                                                                     By Day:
The Lounge was used throughout the morning and afternoon as a photo studio and gifting suite for the cast from various films. The afternoons were easy going as various actors, artists, directors, producers, ect. came to hang out get their photo taken, enjoy a drink or two, and of course get some free swag. It was always fun to see who would stop by next

                                    


By Night:
As the sun went down the people came out. In the evening the Work Hard Play Hard Lounge would transform from a laid back lounge to a party hot spot that would host two or three private parties each night. Each party would last between 1-3 hours before they were off and a new group was on its way in. With every thing from film premiere parties to the Susan G. Coman foundation each party brought a different group of people to the lounge. Endless guest list kept the guys at the door busy as we were often at capacity. As the bartenders mixed up specialty drinks at the open bar and people milgled around the nights always seemed to fly by. Before we knew it the bartender was yelling out last call as we did our best to clean up and get ready to do it all again the next day. 



Sundance Fashion:

As you walked main street it was hard not to notice the fashion trends. I find the best words to explain the trends of this year come down to two words: Faux Fur. Whether it be the Spirit Hoods or Sorel Boots "with the fur" the streets seemed to be full of fuzzy warmth. 

People, People, People...

One of the best parts of the Sundance experience is the people you meet. From well know celebs to up and coming actors, actresses, directors, producers there is always someone new to meet and a memory to be made. We were fortunate to have both new and familiar faces stop by the gallery each day. 

Band One Republic with Gallery Owner Colby Larsen (middle)
Actor Cuba Gooding Jr. attending the "Compliance" premiere party

Production Designer, Walter Barnett and Casper Van Dien pose for photo during "The Pact" Party

Actress Anne Heche poses with Gallery Owner Colby Larsen.

Overall:
Sundance was a crazy time that consisted of fueling your body with coffee and energy drinks, limited parking spots, silly furry fashion, free swag, amazing parties, and great company. Sundance is such a wonderful, exhausting, and exciting time to be in Park City Utah. The end is bitter sweet as it is sad to see all of the excitement leave, yet it is nice to get some much needed rest. We can't wait until next year!
                                    
                                                                           - By  Megan A. Hansen