Friday Fave

This Willem de Kooning oil was auctioned in Christie's Post War and Contemporary Evening Sale, November 13, 2007, realizing $19,921,000. Beyond the enormous price tag, this work is an outstanding example from de Koonings last great oil series.  In a creative spurt from the spring of 1975 through 1978, de Kooning drew inspiration from his immediate surroundings on Long Island; focusing on light, water and the landscape.  "When I moved into this house," de Kooning observed in 1976, "everything seemed self-evident. The space, the light, the trees-- I just accepted it without thinking about it much. Now I look around with new eyes. I think its all a kind of miracle" (W. de Kooning, quoted in M. Prather, Willem de Kooning Paintings, exh. cat., Washington. D.C., 1994, p. 197).  While his paintings remained largely abstract, glimpses of light and nature flow onto the canvases.

Willem de Kooning (American/Dutch 1904-1997). Untitled XXIII, oil on canvas

I love the fluidity and painterly nature of the brush strokes; not to mention the vibrant colors. It reminds me of springtime and the regrowth of the landscape.


Have a wonderful weekend!

{photo via Christie's}

Final Transformation

The curtains are in, the wood paneling has been removed, the painting is complete and the new floor has been laid..... the kitchen and nook transformation is complete!


The before pictures:

And the after pictures:

So much cleaner and brighter!

Friday Fave

Edmond-Marie Petitjean (French 1844-1925), Le Bassin à Honfleur, oil on canvas

This is one of my absolute favorite paintings from my very first auction.  I love the vivid colors, the play of light on the water and most importantly, Petitjean's ability to transform a bustling port into a serene vista.  Happy Friday!

{image via Weschler's}

Artist Intro: Phil Sandusky

The concept of plein-air ("outdoor") is most widely linked with the Barbizon School and Impressionist movement.  In the contemporary art world plein-air artists are reemerging- dedicating themselves back to the traditional art of painting directly from life.  Phil Sandusky is a wonderful example of a contemporary plein-air artist.  Sandusky paints from life mainly in New Orleans, where he lives and teaches, but his work also captures scenes of Atlanta, Jacksonville, New York, Charleston, etc.


Here are few of my New Orleans favorites:

After living in New Orleans for four years, his works bring me back to the everyday scenery of the city.  I just love how honest and natural each work is.  Rather than falsely glamorizing the landscape, as so many amateur artists eagerly do, Sandusky is able to capture the true essence and character of the city in each of his paintings.

Sandusky's works are available exclusively through Cole Pratt Gallery (New Orleans), Stellers Gallery (Jacksonville), and the Reinike Gallery (Atlanta).

{images via Cole Pratt Gallery, Reinike Gallery, Phil Sandusky}

Friday Fave

János Vaszary (Hungarian 1867-1939), Hillside Dwellings

Happy Friday!

{photo via Weschler's}

Auction Finds

We're getting ready for our European & American Furniture and Decorations auction this Saturday; which means I spend several hours every day working the exhibit.  I can't help but ogle and awe over all the items I wish could be mine.

Here a few have caught my eye:

Lot 388- Japanese Salmon-Red Ground Lacquer Cabinet on Later George II Style Giltwood Stand                                                   

Lot 388

Lot 246- Federal Parcel Gilt Mahogany and Eglomisé Panel Banjo Clock 

Lot 332- Pair of Italian Neoclassical Style Alabaster Columnar Table Lamps 

Lot 336- Louis XV Walnut Bergère en Cabriolet                 

Lot 346- Pair of Louis XV Style Parcel Gilt Gray Painted Beechwood Small Canapés

Lot 349- Louis XVI Style Giltwood Canapé                          

So many hidden treasures!

{photos via Weschler's}