Original Art

Art collectors have long had the choice of purchasing art on paper or art on canvas. The paper art included original works such as watercolors, pastels, pencil or ink drawings, lithos, serigraphs and etchings....and canvases were mainly acrylic, oil and mixed-media.  Some artists tend to gravitate toward one medium, while others like to vary their offerings.  But paper and canvas are not the only things used on which to paint.  Oil can be used on panel, board and even silk; and don't forget the whole area of sculptural materials! 

To collectors, the difference between original art work and prints is huge, even though aesthetically, there may not be much difference. Purchasing authentic original art can be as simple as choosing something you adore.  Whether the piece appreciates over time should be immaterial to the purchase decision, as there is never a guarantee that a given piece (original or print) will rise in value. 

The reasons to purchase original art include owning something unique, having a piece actually created by an artist you admire, providing a focal point in a room and a great conversation starter or simply the satisfaction of owning something of quality.  Even if the piece is not large, purchasing original art conveys an impression of wealth.  Clearly, the owner can afford to buy what they like; original artwork.

Gallery One’s famed Masterworks in Miniature opens on Friday, March 9, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a wine and cheese celebration and the exhibition of close to 200 small and truly outstanding works of original art — created by today’s most collected painters.

Now in its 21st year, Masterworks features original paintings and sculpture by Robert Bateman, Edna Hibel, Carl Brenders, Michael Dumas, Terry Isaac, Dean Morrissey, James Christensen and more than 100 other artists. Most works are framed. Prices range from $400.  While some Masterworks will fit in the palm of one's hand, others are as large as 9" x 12." A rare few may be a bit larger. Regardless of size, all are exquisitely detailed and represent the high quality expected of the individual artists. Genres include wildlife, portraiture, still life, landscape, abstract, western and fantasy.

The artists are from all over the world. Some are miniaturists, specifically known for small originals. Many like Bateman and Christensen have carved out enviable reputations for full-sized originals — at prices that do not fit the average wallet.  “When such top artists are ‘forced’ to work small, their prices become really affordable,” said Alan Brown, gallery president. “Collectors of limited editions often find that they can collect such miniatures for less than prints by the very same artists.”

Watch for more information in our emails, this blog or at our website - www.galleryone.com.

Presidential Art

In honor of this week’s Presidents’ Day holiday, I thought it would be appropriate to showcase an artist who likes to feature recent American presidents in his art. Andy Thomas comes to mind.

Callin' the Blue by Andy Thomas

It appears that the game is on and Honest Abe is "Callin' the Blue." These Republican presidents are enjoying each other's company as our great nation's first president's portrait casts his spirit over them. And, from looking at the other painting on the wall, these historic figures have played this game together before. Can you name all the presidents in this image?

Callin' the Red by Andy Thomas

Not to be out-done, the Democrats in “Callin’ the Red” seem to be thoroughly enjoying Andrew Jackson’s tales. The painting within the painting depicts the same group at another occasion. Both these pieces would be ideal to test a young American history student and stir up memories of anyone who can remember the years these men held the highest office in the land.

Change by Andy Thomas

In “Change” it may seem that Andy has chosen to commemorate the historic election of American’s first black president. While that is certainly true, it is not the whole story. Look closely. Or, better yet, read what the artist himself says about his painting in the description on our site by clicking the link under the image.

Andy Thomas is not only an immensely talented painter, but also a storyteller through his art. His subject matter consists of a variety of images from historical events to intimate moments of everyday life. The artist’s desire to create is funneled into the area of painting realism that ranges from very loose to very tight. His medium is primarily oil, but he also works in watercolor, pen and ink, charcoal, pencil and ink wash. He is also an accomplished sculptor.

Primarily self-taught, Thomas began his professional art career in 1991 after sixteen years with a major advertising agency. His style has been compared to Russell and Remington, and the artist says he also has been influenced by Howard Pyle, Richard Schmid, Norman Rockwell, and others. In his studio, the artist creates his unique paintings that tell their "stories.” Thomas says, "I never consciously ponder elements of design or principals of design…I rely on my sketches to refine a value scheme as a starting point. They also help me visualize the completed painting and consider light, painting technique, subject or object importance, and other considerations. The viewer’s eye-path is a big influence on the composition at this point and all through the painting process.”

Find these and more historical art at GalleryOne.com!

GalleryGiclées™ Releases 4 Carl Brenders Giclées

The Monarch is Alive by Carl Brenders

Carl Brenders’ tribute to the majestic eagle, “The Monarch Is Alive,” was a collectors’ favorite on paper. Now, for the first time, giclées on canvas of this famous image are available through our sister company, GalleryGiclées.™ Sizes are 28” x 38” and a colossal 38” x 51.” Pre-publication prices as shown on our website are strictly limited. Expect late February shipping! 

Carl says, “The bald eagle, without any doubt one of the most beautiful birds of prey, is a favorite subject of many wildlife artists. In Europe, we have a similar species that lives on the shores of Scotland and Scandinavia, but it lacks the beautiful white head. The thrill I got in seeing a bald eagle in the wild for the first time is difficult to describe. There is no other bird that fits so well with the colors and the light of the wild landscapes in North America.”

For bird lovers and those looking for smaller images, the following giclées have also been released:

Apple Harvest; featuring a dark-eyed Junco,

Apple Harvest by Carl Brenders

Crowning Glory; featuring golden crowned kinglets and

Crowning Glory by Carl Brenders

In the Black; with his favorite – black capped chickadess.

In the Black by Carl Brenders

Purchase any of these new canvases by clicking the links or see Carl Brender's full collection at galleryone.com.  Watch for an explosion of new artists and images from GalleryGiclées™ in 2012!

How Much is My Art Worth?

This is probably our number one question!  We must receive this inquiry twice a day, on average.  Sometimes art is part of an estate that family members are charged with evaluating for the estate or for insurance purposes; other times people are interested in trading; still others find it's time to cash out some of their items with value.

In many cases, Gallery One is able to track current values of art purchased from Gallery One. For valuations to be valid, artwork should be removed from its framing and/or packaging and be personally inspected by a member of the Gallery One staff at the time of the valuation to determine that such work has remained in mint condition. There may be a fee imposed for such an inspection and/or for providing a written statement of current valuations.

In lieu of such an inspection, Gallery One may provide (when available) the reasonable value of such artwork in mint condition based on current nationally advertised prices. Such values will be issued orally or by e-mail.

We have NO “certified appraisers” on the Gallery One staff, and while many galleries infer that they do, such is not usually the case. Certified appraisers are specifically trained and tested prior to certification. We urge our collectors to check with their insurers to determine if they require the services of a “certified appraiser.”

To find a certified appraiser, or to determine if your appraiser is “certified,” contact your local art museum or www.appraisers.org.

That's all for now.  Next -

Art Lecture Series Update

Happy New Year and welcome to the second half of Gallery One's 2011-12 art lecture series!  Created by Felicia Zavarella Stadelman, the "Through the Eyes of the Artists" lecture series will let you experience art in an uncommon way, providing the drama, the dish and the dirt!  All lectures start promptly at 10:30 a.m. at Gallery One, 7003 Center Street, Mentor OH and feature complimentary coffee and donuts.

Frederick Remington

The first lecture of 2012 is set for January 28, with Frederic Remington as the subject.  Men of authority said he painted for history and recorded the vanishing America.  Find out more about this fascinating western artist and sculptor from the entertaining and enlightening Felicia.

Alphonse Mucha

On February 25, Felicia will introduce us to Alphonse Mucha.  With unforgettable images of enchanting women, streaming hair, flowing fabrics, Mucha’s work epitomizes the Art Nouveau Movement. Yet his name is barely known. He felt that art should serve as language to the viewer.  He's definitely someone we need to get to know.

George Seurat

The subject for April 28 will be George Seurat.  Pointillism called “chromo-luminarism" by Seurat dramatically influenced the course of modern art.  You won't want to miss this one!

self portrait - Mary Cassatt

May 26 will close the season with Mary Cassatt.  She was single-handedly responsible for introducing the Impressionists to America.  Whether you think you know the name or not, come and learn more about her.







Felicia's lectures cover the full spectrum of art genres, giving us a mini-education in art history while entertaining us with all the juicy details of the artists' lives.  I can't think of a better way for anyone to spend part of a Saturday morning.  And don't forget the coffee and donuts!

2011 Top 10 Holiday Gifts

While you still have a small window to get your orders in, here's our list of this year's best holiday gifts; priced right!

 1.  Jim Ptacek ornaments - Brand new and featured at this Saturday's show, these 3" hand hammered, hand signed aluminum ornaments are perfect as a keepsake for any Clevelander, near or far.

2.  Three Wise Men in a Boat by James C. Christensen - A great new release by the master of fantasy art with a holiday subject.

3.  Winter Awakening by Anthony E. Cook - This winter scene will brighten any room and give you that winter wonderland feeling all year!

4.  Drifting Off  & Favorite Gift by Jim Daly are probably our most iconic holiday images.  They evoke "visions of sugarplums" and Christmases of long ago.

5.  Santa at the North Pole by Scot Gustafson - The most exhilarating night of the year has arrived and the North Pole buzzes with activity. The reindeer are harnessed, the sleigh is almost loaded and Mrs. Claus brings out a last minute snack for Santa.

6.  A Victorian Christmas Carol by Thomas Kinkade - Part of Thom's Old Time Christmas Collection, this piece will fill both your heart and your home with holiday cheer.

7.  Just Shy of Sly by Carl Brenders - This year's newest release, Brender's fans haven't been able to resist this little fox kit.

8.  Cape Cod Christmas by Charles Wysocki - Beautifully traditional Americana, and full of whimsy and charm.

9.  Holiday Figurines and Ornaments by Will Bullas and Jim Daly are humorous and nostalgic!

10.  The Wizard Mouse by Dean Morrissey is this year's children's book. A field mouse's place is in the field-or so say Rollie's father, his grandfather, and everyone he has ever known. But Rollie wants something more.  Read about his adventures - or better yet, read them to a child you know.

Top 5 Things You Can Do to Display Your Art Collection Most Effectively

1.  Always seek out Certified Professional Framers - The Professional Picture Framers of America offers a rigorous certification course designed to assure the public that their framer is an expert in the archival preservation of their treasured works of art.  Successful graduates of this program earn a Certified Professional Framer (CPF) certificate.  (Gallery One’s custom framing department has been supervised by a CPF since 1986...and two additional staff members hold this prized designation.)  Be sure to seek out CPF framers in your community for assurance that your fine art is properly conserved and displayed.
Click here to view Gallery One's framing process.


2.  Arranging your art collection 

Hanging artwork in groupings can create an exciting look for any room. The simplest grouping is a pair: two pieces of art, framed identically. They can be placed side by side or one over the other, in an even or uneven manner.

Another simple grouping might be three or more pieces of art of varying sizes. Each piece must be framed in the style and color that works best for that individual item. It will look best if one work of art is quite large, while the companion pieces are of smaller sizes. For more information, check out our guidelines.


3.  Fill small or narrow wall spaces - Remember narrow spaces, especially around entrances or over doorways.  Some artists specialize in long narrow pieces.

Autumn Trail by Rod Frederick

You might want to check out the works of Rod Frederick, Cassandra Barney, Michael and Inessa Garmash, Stephen Lyman, Steve Hanks, Terry Isaac, Tim Rogerson and John Seerey-Lester and Disney artists, James Coleman, Katie Kelly and John Rowe.


4.  Don't insist on matching frames to your furniture or your other frames.  Matching your frames to existing furniture could prove to be a problem in the future when you replace the furniture.  A well-designed frame should complement the artwork.  In that way, your decor can change a number of times and the art will always look as perfect as it did originally. 

Likewise, choosing frames based on the other frames in the room works well with groupings of family snapshots, but not necessarily with your fine art prints and giclées.  Their subject matter, color and texture will vary and the framing should reflect it. 

5.  Rotate your artwork occasionally to keep your decor looking fresh.  You can do this in a number of ways.  Switch art from room to room for a whole new look.  The seascape over your bed might look lovely over the couch or fireplace.  Or the floral in the living room might cheer up the guest room. 

Display some pieces in the summer and others in the winter.  This is particularly true for seasonal pieces around holidays; or when the subject of the art is clearly a summer scene or an autumn landscape.

Hang a few small pieces together that you hadn't grouped before.  A grouping of two or three small framed items can include a small personal item to round out the look.

Your art is meant to bring you a lifetime of pleasure.  Preserving it carefully with professional framing and displaying it to it's best advantage will ensure that.   Enjoy collecting and displaying your own art collection!