Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2023 i American Art Collector

Last fall, Adolfo and I attended the Boston International Fine Art Show. It was steeped with both contemporary and historic masters and the galleries that represent them. We toured the Boston Tea Party museum and I bought a book called Benjamin Franklin’s Book of Virtues, which I read on the plane to Scottsdale, Arizona, on a cold January evening. Simply defined, virtue means to be or do good in the world—with courage being the strongest virtue of them all. American Art Collector has always chosen only the best artists for its pages and this issue continues the legacy. Our annual special sections on cityscapes and interiors will not disappoint. The artists, while very different in their approach and interpretation of the themes, deliver such a wide range of works that we…

February 1-25 Caleb Stoltzfus Gross McCleaf Gallery Philadelphia, PA » (215) 665-8138 www.grossmccleaf.com February 3-24 Playing Favorites Robert Lange Studios Charleston, SC » (843) 805-8052 www.robertlangestudios.com February 3-March 5 Daniela Werneck: Metamorphosis RJD Gallery Romeo, MI » (586) 281-3613 www.rjdgallery.com Through February 5 Kristin Leachman: Longleaf Lines Georgia Museum of Art, University of Georgia Athens, GA » (706) 542-4662 www.georgiamuseum.org February 9-12 Intersect Palm Springs Palm Springs Convention Center Palm Springs, CA www.intersectpalmsprings.com Through February 11 Jeffrey Vaughn Billis Williams Gallery Los Angeles, CA » (310) 838-3685 www.billiswilliams.com Through February 12 In Our Time: Selections from the Singer Collection Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art Scottsdale, AZ » (480) 874-4666 www.smoca.org Through February 12 Jane Manus, Undaunted Georgia Museum of Art, University of Georgia Athens, GA » (706) 542-4662 www.georgiamuseum.org January…

A major renovation and reconceptualization is taking place at the Baltimore Museum of Art in its Joseph Education Center. The renovation introduces more opportunities for dynamic, hands-on engagement, including the creation of a larger interactive gallery within the 5,625 square-foot center that features new site-specific installations encouraging direct visitor immersion. Other elements of the renovation include developing classrooms that expand available space for art-making and further foster the growth of arts and culture within the community. The new Joseph Education Center will reopen in fall 2023.…

A close look at a museum’s collections reveals not just individual works of art that can be singled out or included in a themed exhibition, but also a rich variety of associations among the works themselves. For A World Within, the Huntsville Museum of Art has assembled works by women artists in their collection and has explored the artists’ associations with past traditions, their utilizing traditional media in new ways and their embracing their role as “artists” without the pigeonholing of the characterization “women artists.” The museum explains, “Feminine art and craft practices grounded in the traditions of past generations have been a source of inspiration to the present day. As time has gone by, women refused to be relegated to their traditional roles, and pressed for recognition of their…

Daniela Werneck’s watercolors exude a seductive dreaminess. Though her style is realistic, the mood is that of a fairytale. They beckon the viewer to join the young women in peaceful repose as they gaze off into internal worlds, diffused sunlight casting intricate patterns on their skin. One wishes to inhabit the magical realms where children are visited by wrens and sparrows and hummingbirds attracted to the innocence of youth. Werneck presents a new body of work—perhaps her most stirring yet—in Metamorphosis, a solo exhibition opening at RJD Gallery on February 3. Metamorphosis—which the dictionary defines as "the process of transformation from an immature form to an adult form"—is an apt name for the show. The models for the series of paintings were two teenagers who the artist grew to know…

In 2017, Caleb Stoltzfus went to Spain where he honed his painterly realism under the tutelage of Russian-born artist Daud Akhriev. The experience would have a profound effect on his philosophies and perspective. Back home in Philadelphia, Stoltzfus and his wife would visit her parents outside the city, where he became increasingly intrigued by an old farm down the street from their house. “After traveling abroad and living in Spain I started to see the farm as a very particular place,” he says. “I began to think about the difference between what makes something special in Europe as opposed to here. “The farm became a place where I was finding myself in the sense that I was trying to figure out what about America was interesting to me or defined…

The February doldrums often come with daydreams of warmer climes and tropical getaways. It’s an ideal time to escape to Florida, not only for the weather but for an art scene that is at its peak during the winter months. Miami Art Week might be over, but contemporary art fairs continue to liven up the city, including Art Wynwood 2023 which will take place over President’s Day weekend on the iconic Biscayne Bay waterfront. Since its inception in 2012, Art Wynwood has earned a reputation as one of the most distinguished contemporary and modern art fairs in South Florida with a diverse, international collector base. Returning for its 10th edition from February 16 to 19, the fair will feature more than 50 international galleries presenting emerging, cutting edge, contemporary and…

Idaho, USA • jessicabryantstudio@gmail.com • www.jessicabryant.com An interest in wilderness has been a constant theme in artist Jessica Bryant’s work and life. Her love of landscapes began as a young child visiting her grandparents’ farm on the rolling plains of central Minnesota. “Watching the light and wind dance through the grasses, feeling the air change as a thunderstorm builds on the horizon and laying in the field while the milky way illuminates the night established my love of exploring the outdoors. Endeavoring to capture the full experience of a landscape became my focus, and identifying the visual phenomena responsible for our emotional sense of a place is the challenge that keeps me enthralled by my subjects,” says Bryant. She enjoys the unique challenges of her medium, watercolor. “I love its…

Oksana is a painter and art teacher who was born and raised near the Baltic Sea. After formal academic training where she honed her techniques, she taught drawing and painting for six years at a university. Later, she became a professional graphic designer. “My technique differs from customary watercolor techniques and incorporates other mediums,” she says. “I created my own method of working with watercolor that makes my pieces bright and expressive. In my artwork, I want to portray the incredible and beautiful world that God created and arouse kind and beautiful feelings.” “Working with watercolors feels like I’m living my life,” Oksana continues. “Watercolor paintings are so light, fresh and create a unique and special atmosphere. I can work with watercolors in any style, experimenting with different effects. The…

Welcome to the February issue of American Art Collector magazine. Now that the peak of the holiday season is behind us and winter—hopefully—begins to loosen its grip, it is time to focus on what lies ahead in what is shaping up to be an exciting year in the world of contemporary realism. This issue is especially diverse and far-reaching in its content. We’ll take you on a tour of California’s top galleries, upcoming art events and even into the stunning home of an avid collector of artists you have likely seen in this magazine. We’ll also take a trip to Florida and South Carolina to showcase more not-to-miss art shows and fairs happening this month, and bop around the country in our coast-to-coast survey of gallery exhibitions. You will experience…

The Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg (MFA) in St. Petersburg, Florida, has partnered with EnChroma to create a more accessible art viewing experience for the nearly 350 million people worldwide who experience color blindness. EnChroma creates glasses for people with color blindness, which has been available to all MFA visitors since March 2021, allowing people to see a fuller range of the color spectrum, especially meaningful when viewing works of art. This past fall, MFA highlighted this technology during a community event promoting Color Blindness Awareness Month. EnChroma glasses at the museum are available in adult and children’s sizes, as well as in fit-over glasses for those who also wear prescription lenses.…

Famous for his modernist realist nudes, American painter Philip Martin Pearlstein died in New York City on Saturday, December 17. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1924, Pearlstein lived a robustly creative life, painting exactly what was in front of him. He was a preeminent figure painter of the 1960s to 2000s and has been cited by critics as leading a major revival in realist art. His work has been exhibited in several solo exhibitions throughout the United States with paintings in the collections of over 70 public art museums. Pearlstein was 98 years old at the time of his passing.…

Subscribe today to get the best contemporary American art magazine in the country, and the only monthly magazine that highlights the top artists, galleries, museums and fairs throughout the art market. Need proof? The proof is in your hands. Flip through this stunning issue to find the most thorough coverage of the contemporary realism genre through: » Previews of all the biggest gallery shows, art events and sales. » Destination guides for the hottest art markets. » Special genre sections to expand your collecting power. » 12 issues a year, each one presenting work from the top artists and the rising newcomers… and everyone in between! Join our huge community of subscribers s who have chosen American Art Collector as their go-to trusted source for everything they need to know…

Contemporary art space The Momentary, in Bentonville, Arkansas, is currently holding two solo exhibitions and immersive installations in which visitors can “explore the nostalgia of the ‘90s in frosted hot pink, traverse through time and space to Haitian ruins, and immerse themselves in a pulsating audio labyrinth.” Yvette Mayorga combines images of family, found objects, ‘90s nostalgia and moments of Midwest life in her show titled Yvette Mayorga: What a Time to be, on view through May 21. And Firelei Báez presents her largest sculptural installation yet during her self-titled solo show, on view until March 26.…

This past August, Australian artist Evert Ploeg unveiled a new commissioned portrait of Michael Happell, president of the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC). The club was founded in 1838 and is one of the oldest and largest sporting clubs in Australia, and boasts one of the biggest stadiums in the Southern Hemisphere. Happell is the 31st president of the MCC and his new portrait will be displayed alongside his predecessors in the historic Long Room at the Melbourne Cricket Ground stadium. After visiting the National Portrait Gallery in Australia’s capital city, Canberra, and viewing a number of Ploeg’s works in the collection, Happell and his family chose him to paint the official portrait. “Our collaboration began when I met Michael at the MCC,” recalls Ploeg. “The conversation quickly led to Michael’s…

The state of California embodies the age-old slogan, “The Land of Opportunity”—once reserved for the whole of the United States. Ranking as the third largest state in the country, there’s just so much to offer. Besides the abundance of beautiful weather, beaches and varied terrain, there’s also a diversity in culture, the enchantment of Hollywood, the boho lifestyle of San Francisco, the peaceful atmosphere of San Diego, and of course, unparalleled arts and entertainment offerings, among so much more. With so much inspiration at any given time, many artistic hubs have formed throughout the state. One such vibrant art scene is the ever-growing Arts District in Downtown Los Angeles. Many artist’s studios and galleries exist in what were once abandoned warehouses—first inhabited in the 1970s and growing to prominence in…

The February group show at Robert Lange Studios delves into the abiding passions of artists. Playing Favorites showcases the favorite subject matter of two dozen accomplished contemporary painters. Featuring all new work created for this show, the exhibition is as bold as it is diverse. “We asked artists to look back over the span of their painting career and remember paintings they really loved to create and why,” gallery owner Robert Lange says. For Nicola Johnson, the answer is found in painting figures. “My favorite subject matter is people,” Johnson says. “I’m drawn to capturing someone in a beautiful, quiet moment of meditation.” Her painting, Calm, does just that. Johnson uses blocks of color and shadow to capture a young woman standing at a window. A cityscape appears just outside.…

Lily Pad West is pleased to host an exhibiton of new works by Concord, Massachusetts-based artist, Andy Newman, who also spends time at his family home in Cavillargues, France. His time spent in both locales have helped shape this body of work, which consists of figures, abstracts and the more dominantly featured landscapes and architecture. In 20 to 25 paintings, Newman showcases his love of place, along with perspective, form, color and light—all the hallmarks of a truly talented artist. “Thinking of the title of the show Within Villages of Stone,” says Newman, “it’s a literary way of expressing the genres I work in. Many of my landscapes are anchored by architectural subjects, which allow me to center my interest on form, light and composition, with less stress upon the…

With its proximity to Los Angeles, Palm Springs always has a touch of urban cool amid its retro stylings and nostalgia for its Hollywood heyday. Intersect Palm Springs, which brings a broad mix of contemporary and modern art and design galleries and a full slate of engaging programming to the desert from February 9 to 12, will take it to the next level. Notable exhibitors include Blue Rain Gallery, with locations in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Durango, Colorado. Blue Rain will be featuring artists from their impressive roster, including quintessentially Californian works by Dennis Ziemienski; while Chicago’s Gallery Victor Armendariz will present works by their diverse stable of talented artists. Other notable exhibitors hailing from the Coachella Valley and far beyond include Andrew Rafacz, Berry Campbell, Catharine Clark Gallery,…

As an adaptation of the Art in Bloom event held at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the Naples Art District, based in Naples, Florida, displays a unique showing of artworks in their second edition of Artful Arrangements. This free event allows visitors to peruse the district’s large concentration of studios and galleries, where over 30 artists present their work alongside floral interpretations of them by professional floral designers. “The premier of Artful Arrangements last year was a huge success and exceeded our highest expectations in every way,” says Paula Brody, president of the Naples Arts District. “The event drew hundreds of visitors into the district, who marveled at the spectacular arrangements, fine art and creativity of both the artists and designers!” Brody notes that paintings, photography, jewelry, fiber…

Massachusetts, USA • hillary@hillaryscottstudios.com • www.hillaryscottfineart.com Hillary Scott is fascinated by the effect of light and atmosphere, particularly those fleeting moments of morning and evening light. “In my work I attempt to create a sense of space, season, serenity and nostalgia,” she says. Her oil paintings have an unmistakable warmth to them, often hazy, dewy scenes of gentle light scattered across lakes and ponds. “Rather than the painstaking detail I used to paint as an illustrator, my philosophy is now ‘say more by painting less.’ By creating a mood, the primary goal is to evoke an emotional reaction in my viewer,” Scott continues. “As my style has evolved over many years to be less illustrative and more realistic, I still strive to capture a dreamlike quality in each painting. To…

When artist Elizabeth Barlow moved to Carmel-by-the-Sea in California several years ago, her work transformed dramatically. After years in San Francisco living an exciting urban life, she was suddenly surrounded by ocean mists, cypresses and year-round flowers. “I found myself yearning to paint flowers,” Barlow says. “Each day now, I walk to my studio in the center of the village and I am greeted by other citizens of our precious world—roses, poppies, lavender and bougainvillea. My flora portraits are a wake-up call to pay attention to beauty because it will transform how we walk through this world.” She often reflects on this quote by Rainer Maria Rilke: “Learn to fathom what a flower infers.” “Flowers are potent symbols of the incredible power of the life force on this earth—of strength…

Jing Zhao was born and raised in Qingdao, China, and now lives in Frisco, Texas. She has been drawing since the age of five and began her formal art education when she was 11 with a private art teacher. For seven years she drew every day in hopes of someday attending the Central Academy of Fine Arts, the most presitigious fine art academy in China. For various reasons, she studied law instead. But art has always been a companion to her. Zhao enjoys creating portraits, figures and landscapes that express a certain beauty she finds in vignettes from daily life. “I have traveled [to] a lot of countries in the world and I try to hold on to a childlike curiosity and use a well-trained eye to see the qualities…

More than five years ago, precious stones found a way into Lara Restelli’s life and taught her about simplicity and beauty. Since then, the artist has been fascinated by them, learning about and admiring their power and properties so much so that they became her primary subject matter. “I chose to use color, form and composition as the foundation of my work, Restelli says. “So, now I paint larger-than-life, realistic paintings of rocks, gems and crystals that are full of color. I use oil paint as my medium since it is the perfect conduit to achieve my detailoriented paintings. The sole purpose of my work is to convey the serenity and joy I feel when I paint them. “Precious stones radiate exuberant colors, and they have an incredible amount of…