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!

Introducing New Landscapes By Photographer/Activist, Anthony Cook

Gallery Giclees, our sister company, produces giclees which are printed IN HOUSE using the latest giclee printing technology along with inks and canvases of the highest quality. Giclees are expertly coated with a UV protectant to extend the image life and provide a water-resistant surface.

We duplicate and then rotate 1.5" of each edge of an artist's image so that the canvas can be stretched over a standard stretcher strip or a 1.5” thick stretcher strip... with stapling on the rear...leaving finished sides. Thus the canvas can be hung unframed, framed in a traditional manner or float framed with no loss of the artist’s image and with nary a staple in sight! Each giclee has been inspected again and again prior to being shipped to you. Our goal - perfection!  That's why we can guarantee your satisfaction!

Winter Awakening by Anthony E. Cook

This Saturday, December 10, Anthony Cook will present his first five original photographs on canvas, produced by the giclee method.

Here's a little background about him:

In 1928, lumber baron, Anthony Wayne Cook, deeded his cherished 7200 acres to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Today, that acreage is known as Cook Forest State Park, and Anthony E. Cook, grandson of this visionary, is a tireless conservationist and noted photographer.

With two hard-cover books under his belt, young Anthony is an acknowledged master of landscape photography. Now, a selection of his stunning photographs has been captured as signed originals on canvas by an Ohio company, Gallery Giclées.

These signed works, in sizes as large as six feet by five feet, will be released to collectors December 10 at 10:30 a.m. at Gallery One, 7003 Center Street, Mentor OH. Cook will lecture informally at 11 a.m. as gallery guests enjoy coffee and bagels.

A native of Pennsylvania, Cook grew up exploring the forests surrounding his home. He attended college in New England, majoring in geology. As a dedicated conservationist, he serves on the board of The Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History, The National Aviary, and Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.

His work has been featured in such publications as “Outdoor Photographers,”  “U.S. Air Magazine” and “Sierra Magazine.” An exhibition of his photography, “Fall Colors Across North America,” opened at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh and toured throughout North America.

“The Cook Forest — An Island in Time (Falcon Press, 1997), his first photo-essay book, was a best seller. His second book is “Fall Colors Across North America (Graphic Arts Publishing, 2001). Both books are available now at Gallery One.

Today, Cook with his wife Sandy and their children live in the Cook Forest family home built by his grandfather more than a century ago.

Please join us in welcoming this exciting artist to the GalleryGiclees collection.

Hi!  I'm Guhonda!  The Browns brought me back from their trip to Rwanda in 1974 and I've taken up residence at Gallery One ever since.  I like to think of myself as their mascot.  (Unofficially, of course!)

Look!  I already have FIVE wonderful gifts under the tree.  I can't open them yet.  I have to wait.  But YOU don't!  You have FIVE wonderful gifts too!  Just go to the Gallery One Specials page and take advantage of all of them.  Or choose your favorite from the new Dean Morrissey book, Small Business Saturday, the Wysocki ($1) print special, the Kinkade Highlighting event. or the gorgeous new Anthony E. Cook giclees.

Dean Morrissey is coming Dec. 2 & 3 to sign his books and Anthony Cook is coming Dec. 10 to introduce those incredible landscape photographs.  Also, on the 3rd, Felicia Zavarella Stadelman is coming to lecture on Norman Rockwell!  Check out our last blog post for more details.  I like to think of myself as a fly on the wall for these exciting holiday shows. . .even though I look more like the 800 lb. gorilla!  (hahaha)  Everybody that attends these events is in such a festive mood and it's not just the wine & cheese or bagels & coffee that cause that effect.  They come because there is so much beauty found here and there's always something new!  Why not make Gallery One a regular part of your holidays.  And come see me at the front counter.  (You can't miss me!  They made me wear this stupid holiday nightshirt!)

Guhonda

Updated Fall Calendar

Now with Carl Brenders' show, our first two art lectures and the Gallery Hop behind us, we've begun our fall series of events!  But, there's more to come!  Let's run down the calendar.

First of all - Our Kinkade collectors look forward to getting their canvases enhanced at our annual Kinkade Highlighting event, scheduled as always, for Thanksgiving weekend, Friday and Saturday, November 25 and 26.  Highlighters are hand picked and specially trained by Thom to give your artwork the effect of an original.  If you've purchased a Thomas Kinkade canvas at Gallery One and would like to take advantage of this free service, simply make an appointment with Jen at 440.255.1200 or 800.621.1141...Or purchase from our displays during Thanksgiving weekend and we'll do our best to fit you in.

On Friday and Saturday, December 2 and 3, Dean Morrissey arrives for his annual Christmas visit to present his new book, The Wizard Mouse.  He's sure to have some Wizard Mouse originals and new giclées with him as well.  Friday's hours are 6-9 p.m. with a lecture at 7 p.m.  Saturday's hours are noon-5 p.m.  For a limited time only! Get a free autographed copy of The Wizard Mouse by Dean Morrissey when you purchase a Morrissey poster, print, giclée or original! Order in person, by email or by phone. For online Morrissey art orders, just add FREE BOOK in the comment box. (a $16.99 value!)

But come early for Dean's Saturday show because you'll definitely want to hear Felicia Zavarella's lecture about Norman Rockwell at 10:30 a.m.!  You'll hear not the image he presents in his pictures, but his much more complex life filled with twists and turns.  These entertaining and informative free lectures feature complimentary coffee and donuts!  You may want to mark your calendars for the rest of Felicia's season which will feature Frederic Remington on January 28, Alphonse Mucha on February 25, Mary Cassatt on March 31 and Georges Seurat on April 28.

Gallery Giclees, our sister publishing company, is excited to announce yet another artist to our offerings.  Photographer Anthony E. Cook, of Pennsylvania's Cook Forest, will be here on Saturday, December 10, at 10:30 a.m. to present and sign his breathtaking new giclée landscapes.  (Order yours now to take advantage of pre-publication prices.) Mark your calendar to join us for Anthony's informal lecture...AND bagels and coffee! 

See you soon...IT'S TIME FOR HOLIDAY SHOPPING!

That's all for now!

Carl Brenders delights fans at Gallery One

The incomparable Carl Brenders paid his 13th visit to Gallery One Friday & Saturday, Sept. 23 & 24. What a treat!

In his lecture he shared insights into seven of his finest works including the two giclées produced by our new Gallery Giclées process. His fans were delighted with the quality of these two pieces. Their resemblance to originals is uncanny and the expert framing by Gallery One's Certified Picture Framers set them off perfectly.

After the lecture he mingled with those in attendance and was warmed by the presence of friends and family from near and far. It's always a pleasure to host such a fine artist and offer his collectors new images for their collections. He even hinted that he may be back next year! To see snapshots of the show visit our Art Event Calendar.

Exciting Fall Events

While we still have a few more days of official summer left, our traditionally busy autumn calendar is really filling up with some of the most exciting artistic events in which Gallery One has ever had a part! Whether you're looking for new art, a live appearance of a major artist, art lectures or even community art, the fall art calendar is going to keep you busy!

Let's start with a brand new fund raising effort by Willoughby's Fine Art Association called Gallery Hop. From September 22 - October 21, visit five of seven participating art galleries in Lake County, pick up a special card and collect their unique punch. Go to The Fine Arts Association to attend the October performances of "ART" and receive $5 off an adult ticket AND ten FREE raffle tickets for the Gallery Hop auction. (Discount valid ONLY with proof of punched "ART" postcards. Seating based on availability.) Participating galleries include Gallery One, Fine Arts Association, Lakeland Community College, Finestra Gallery, Waterloo Studio & Gallery, Willoughby Hills Gallery, and Beaded Lady. Read more about it here.

Alan Brown, Gallery One and Gallery Giclées have donated Alan's The Lighthouse - Evolved to the Gallery Hop raffle. Using artistic license and photographic expertise, Alan has created an "evolved" rendition of the much beloved Fairport Lighthouse. "Evolved" images are "monoprints" with variations related to color, composition and/or form.

Coinciding perfectly with the Gallery Hop is the appearance of Carl Brenders, one of the world's most revered artists of the natural world, at Gallery One on September 23 & 24. During Carl's Friday evening appearance, he will lecture informally at 7 p.m. His visit also coincides with the official release of two new works by the Belgian painter. The two new images, Just Shy of Sly and Island Shores - Snowy Egret, are printed and distributed worldwide by Gallery

Giclées, a Mentor company owned by Norah Lynne and Alan Brown.

At 73, Brenders is one of the two or three most recognized wildlife painters in the world. He has visited Gallery One close to a dozen times since 1989 because he has such a strong following of collectors in Ohio. Of course, parking and admission are free. Wine and cheese will be served. There couldn't be a better time to pick up your special Gallery Hop ticket and start collecting punches. More information can be found at galleryone.com.

We've also scheduled this season's popular Felicia Zavarella art lecture series on the first Saturdays of October, November and December at 10:30 a.m. We'll post the complete schedule in this blog and on our facebook page, so stay in touch for a list of the artists she'll feature. Felicia's free lectures are as interesting and informative as they are entertaining and include complimentary coffee and donuts. If you haven't had the opportunity to experience them, do yourself a favor and mark your calendar now.

Wow! If that's not enough to get your creative juices flowing, I don't know what is! We're looking forward to seeing you at any and all these events. But, that's all for now!

Art in the Park

As you know, Saturday, Aug. 20, Alan's giclée photographs were featured at Painesville's annual Art in the Park! The warm weather was outdone only by the warmer reception the crowds gave to his historic as well as his new "Evolved" photographs. People scooped up his 8 x 10s and asked when there would be more available.


Many people reminisced about the historic buildings. Everyone wanted to know more

Bottoms Up

about the images. "Where was that taken?," they asked about Bottoms Up. "I went to school there!," they said about Champion Jr. High. It was difficult for some collectors to decide between The Lighthouse and The Lighthouse - Evolved. Alan is encouraged by all the positive feedback and has been working on new images. Follow this link to see Alan Brown's available works.

The Lighthouse - Evolved

The Gallery One staff sincerely thanks the City of Painesville for the opportunity to be part of this outstanding annual event. Until next year, enjoy some snapshots of our day at Art in the Park on our Art Shows page.

Alan Brown's Giclee Photographs to be featured in Painesville

Hi Folks! Alan Brown here...taking a few moments to remind you that I'll be at Painesville's "Art in the Park" from 11-5....this Saturday, August 20.

I'm their guest artist and I've been working round the clock to prepare dozens of signed original giclée photographs...on canvas... especially for this event.

And best of all, there will be "show specials" from just $10!  Click to view my work.

I look forward to seeing you there. I'll be located across from Harry Buffalo.
Yum!

Alan

P. S. Read all about it

An Affair of the HeArt . . . a true story

About two weeks ago, Nick Meyer, an art teacher in the Mentor schools, came into Gallery One to ask a special favor. He believed he had devised a perfect way to propose to his girlfriend, Allison Maxfield. Knowing of her love of sunsets at the beach, he had painted such a scene adding, "Will you marry me?" in the sand near his signature. But he couldn't just hand her a painting. He needed to surprise her with it in a way she wouldn't expect. So he asked if we would display it among our other art. He would bring her in the next week to "see a friend's work" and she would discover the artful deception! Well, how can anyone refuse such a romantic offer?

Nick brought his painting in, we added a wire and hung it above our fireplace, and we all waited eagerly for the big day. Last Friday morning I picked up some roses and champagne. Nick and Allison were due to arrive around 1 p.m. I also invited The News-Herald to do a human interest story. Their photographer and reporter arrived a few minutes early and began to take pictures. Excitement was building when they came through our doors. As they strolled closer to the fireplace area, Allison was drawn to Nick's painting. "Do you like it?", he asked. "Yes", she said as she took a closer look at the signature. And as she was reading the writing in the sand, Nick dropped to one knee and said, "Will you marry me?" Allison let out a little squeal of delight, hugged Nick and said, "Yes!" "I saw the name first and I started sweating and getting really nervous," she explained later.

After a few moments, we all began to congratulate the happy couple and poured them some champagne. Nick told us how many people were in on the scheme and still able to keep it a secret; including Allison's parents and sister and Nick's parents and sister. The couple has been together for three years but hadn't made any specific plans for the future. Allison smiled and said she is looking forward to hanging the piece above their couch in place of The Joker's picture.

All art may not have such a profound effect on your life, but you're sure to find something to love at Gallery One! That's all for now.

Watch the News-Herald video here.

Selecting Art...Hints for How to Choose

Buy what you like . . . what you really, really like! And you’ll enjoy your selections more with each passing year. Color selection is easy if you relax and listen to the palette “in your head.” It’s the same palette that was at work when you selected your room decor. If you are on a budget, it is better to buy one sizeable quality item than to purchase a bunch of smaller and cheaper ones.

First, select art for the areas that are the most noticeably bare. Remember that art work is portable. Unlike paneling and wallpaper, you can take it with you when you move. And speaking of art being portable, rarely should art be hung with anything other than standard picture hooks. And rarely is it necessary to nail into a stud. With standard picture hooks hung into drywall, for example, art work can be easily moved and old nail holes patched in a jiffy. Make certain that you use two picture hanging hooks for each item. This stabilizes your art and keeps the item level.

Framing should be chosen to match and enhance the individual work of art. Then if you move or redecorate, your art will continue to work well for you — even if in a different room.

Hang your artwork low over furniture items. Work out groupings on your floor before transferring arrangements to the wall. Opt for a graceful, warm and harmonious look. (Hanging at “eye level” is a rule for museums - not homes.) Click here for tips on hanging artwork in groupings.

Fairport Harbor Lighthouse on the Auction Block Again

There's a story on The News-Herald widget about our local lighthouse auction currently in progress. This historic Lighthouse and Marine Museum was originally built in 1825 from a Jonathan Goldsmith design. It is one of Ohio's favorite landmarks, having served as a beacon for early northern Ohio settlers. It is even credited with lighting the way for Joseph Smith, who established the Mormon Church in Kirtland.

Gallery One's connection is in the Greg Olsen original. This beautiful 16 x 20 original oil on canvas is hand signed and framed by the artist. It is available as an original or as a giclee on canvas.

An Overview...Originals and Limited Editions

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 limited editions reproduced photomechanically from originals.

Canvases were usually original (and costly) works of art. But now, the growing popularity and availability of limited editions on canvas give collectors “the original look” at affordable prices.

So what are limited edition canvases and how are they produced?

There are several ways of producing canvas limited editions such as the once popular “canvas transfers,” made by fusing the top layer of a paper print onto a prepared canvas surface. The result was an image that appeared as you might expect it to — like a paper print fused to a piece of canvas. Often, to make the print look “original,” the artist (or a technician) added textured varnish or paint to the print surface.

Today's state of the art reproductive technique is the giclée (jhee-clay) method in which high-tech printing equipment sprays millions of digitally-matched ink droplets per second onto a surface. Canvas, paper and archival board are the most common giclée surfaces.

Developed some ten years ago, the giclée has now become the “gold standard” — an important and permanent part of the limited edition world.

This spectacular blend of technology and fine art looks so much like the original work of art that even astute collectors do “double-takes.” Therefore, buyers should be aware that not all “original appearing” works of art are original.

The giclée (unless printed on paper) is meant to be enjoyed without glass, so nothing comes between you and your art.

From our Art FAQ page.

Next week - Selecting Art...Hints for How to Choose

Welcome News Herald Community Readers

Gallery One welcomes our neighbors from our local newspaper's blog! I've been reading through some of the stories in the widget and one in particular caught my eye. . .the story about the effect of recent storms on homes and marinas in and around Mentor.

It brought to mind an event that occurred here at Gallery One. We had just sent a package to a client in Oklahoma who had purchased something at our May 20 auction. FedEx was unable to deliver to the address because a tornado had completely destroyed their home. We were unable to reach the client by phone so we sent an email but have not yet heard from them. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by severe weather locally and nationally. This situation certainly brought the tragedy home to us. I hope the craziness subsides soon and June will bring sunnier skies!

But, back to the News Herald Community, I encourage you to comment on our blogs, ask questions about art and framing and generally interact to make this the kind of place where you can come to find answers. We can offer advice on the best ways to frame your keepsakes, arranging pictures around thermostats and fireplaces, creating groupings or the difference between a giclee and a paper print. Please feel free to click the comment link or email me directly at art@galleryone.com I look forward to our dialogs.

BTW, This is an excellent time to become a reader of AskGalleryOne. We are in the midst of a Groupon special as outlined in our previous blog! That's all for now!

Gallery One is a Featured Deal at Groupon!

Well, April was a very busy month! The live auction we had was our first in three years and required weeks of preparation in the gallery and on the web. But if you missed it. . .

Today is the first of our five day feature at Groupon.com! We are excited to offer these great deals on art and framing to make your home or office a more beautiful and comfortable place to spend your time. Becoming a feature gives us wider exposure and allows us to reach new clients in our area. Take advantage of this 50% offer while you still can. . .we don't know when it will happen again!

You may choose one of the following options.

For $25, you get $50 worth of art, framing services, and décor.
For $50, you get $100 worth of art, framing services, and décor.

Nothing is excluded! In fact, we have a selection of specials so that you'll have savings on top of savings! Check out: Alan Brown's framed minis usually $195...now just $100 or Figurines by Jim Daly and Will Bullas or work with our award-winning framing department to frame your art or memorabilia!

And remember, we want to be your favorite place to shop for art . . . forever!

Remembering Leo Stans

We sadly report the recent passing of one of our favorite Masterworks artists, Leo William Stans.

Leo Stans was born in 1953 in Minnesota, where as a youth, he and his friends spent long hours fishing, hunting and building tree houses. He assisted his parents with their paint and wallpaper business in Excelsior and helped build the beautiful Dahlgreen Golf Course, which his relatives constructed on his grandfather's farm land. An avid outdoorsman, he pursued a degree in forestry at the University of Minnesota, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree. After college he held various jobs, including selling insurance. As he had always had a talent for art, he was drawn to painting wildlife and landscapes, and in 1980, he decided to become a professional artist.

He met and married a beautiful young woman named Janet Morgan. In 1991, Leo was commissioned to paint The National Park Series which was sold as framed prints. These prints were wildly successful and 100,000s were sold throughout the U.S. and Canada. With two young children, Leo and Janet moved their family to a newly-built house in the countryside of Belle Plaine. Together, they enjoyed road trips to Arizona, Las Vegas and Disney World. In 2002, seeking fresh artistic direction, he began to paint historical street scenes situated in Minneapolis and St. Paul, as well as landscapes of the magnificent Southwest that he loved so well. In 2009, he was named official artist of the Minnesota State Fair.

Leo was a man of great talent, integrity and charisma, and had the rare gift of making friends wherever he went. He was sentimental and introspective, had a keen sense of humor and his kids loved to make him laugh. He was a passionate and skilled hunter and fisherman, and had a deep appreciation for wildlife and natural areas. His great love of beauty was expressed through his many paintings, which were and will continue to be recognized for their rich colors and attention to fine detail. He had great faith in his own talents, and a drive to share those talents for the benefit of others. His family is comforted by the fact that his legacy will continue on through his artwork.

Masterworks in Miniature opens March 11

Gallery One’s famed Masterworks in Miniature opens Friday, March 11, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., with a wine and cheese celebration and the exhibition of 150 small and truly outstanding works of art — created by today’s most collected painters.

Now in its 20th year, Masterworks features original paintings by Robert Bateman, Edna Hibel, Carl Brenders, Terry Isaac, Dean Morrissey, Bonnie Marris, June Carey, Robert Laessig, James Christensen and more than 100 other top artists. Works are framed and are priced from $300.

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, portraits, 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.”

The demand for the miniatures is so intense that, for most of the entries, prospective buyers must submit “intent-to-purchase” forms from which lucky purchasers are drawn at the close of the event. A portion of the exhibit is available for purchase on a first come, first served basis.

All works will be on exhibit until Saturday, March 26 when the event closes. In addition, the entire exhibit can be viewed at www.galleryone.com beginning on March 11 along with detailed information regarding each work and artist. Information about purchasing will be on the web, as well.

And how do collectors display the miniatures? Many find their way into wall groupings while others rest comfortably on small easels, bathed in lamplight. Some hang alone, featured above an interesting furniture item. Regardless of how they are used, they are perfect jewels.

For additional information, call 800.621.1141 or 440.255.1200 or visit www.galleryone.com.

That's all for now!
Norah Lynne and Alan

Art Museum Project

Wow! Have you seen Google's new Art Project? Announced Feb. 1, the best art museums from around world have been "googled". Imagine Google Map's "street-view" feature inside the museums. Now imagine closeups on minute details of the images with tons of background information. It's absolutely amazing. Visit Prague, Versailles, Amsterdam, London, NYC, Moscow, Florence and more. Build your own collection and share it with your friends. This is too good to miss!

I hope they continue to add more; most notably, Le Louvre, and why not the Cleveland Museum of Art? This is such a wonderful way for parents to introduce their children to art. Or for teachers to guide their students at any level, not just in the study of the art and artists, but in the study of the museum and it's architecture as well.

Is it too far fetched to dream that perhaps someday they'll arrive at Gallery One's door with their cameras??

Read More: http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/explore-museums-and-great-works-of-art.html

About Our Framing and Conservation Advisor. . .

I never met Ross Merrill. Ours was a phone relationship. He was the teacher. I was the student.

Alan and I founded Gallery One in 1974. We had a significant background in retailing...and a love for the art of the day. We knew nothing about framing...and, in fact, thought we could run a proper art gallery while "farming out" framing projects to other custom framers in the area.

One such framer - one of northeastern Ohio's most renowned - framed an expensive item for our personal collection...and, by accident, I discovered that they had greatly devalued it with improper framing methods...so much so that they reimbursed us for the item and the framing. A bit shell-shocked, we realized that we needed to set up a custom framing department at Gallery One so that we could provide quality framing to our growing list of art (and framing) clients.

We bought the best equipment of the day, did what we could to train ourselves, handled every work with care, and became framers...doing the best we could. We were able to frame routine items...but if you are a custom framer, unusual projects become the norm. Having had the bad experience with the framing of our own item, I knew better than to rely on assistance from my peers in the industry. So I called the Cleveland Museum of Art and asked if anyone in their organization could advise an area framer. They put me through to Ross Merrill. (I just discovered that he had earned his master's degree in fine-art conservation from Ohio's Oberlin College in Ohio in 1974...the year we founded Gallery One...and was obviously new at the CMA. He later led their conservation department before going on to an even more prestigious career.)

Thus Ross and I began our phone relationship. I'm sure it was not a big deal to Ross. I called weekly or more with one question after another. And he always had time to advise me without making me feel incompetent. And I always followed his recommendations, thanking him for his kindness and picturing him as a much older person - mainly because of his knowledge.

Around that time, a gentleman drove from Cleveland with an armload of expensive art to be framed. It may have been the biggest framing sale we had ever had. I asked what brought him to Gallery One, and he said that he had contacted Ross Merrill at the CMA and that Ross recommended that he take his framing to us. I called Ross later that day to thank him for the substantial order. I asked what made him recommend us. After all, he had never visited Gallery One and we had never met. His response has stayed with me to this day: "Mrs. Brown, no one else cares as much as you do." I realize now that that became my charge. I still care as much as I did back then...the difference is that today I have staff that also cares as much.

I wonder if Ross ever realized what an impact his assistance made on a newbie framer/gallery owner...and just how much I appreciated his kindness in instructing me. And by the way, I was shocked to find that I was older than he. He was just so much wiser!

Please take a moment to look at the links. Ross died in December 2010. I have thought of him often, knowing that he went on to a distinguished career at Washington DC's National Gallery of Art where he built their conservation department into one of the most respected organizations of its kind in the world.

Ross Merrill's life
Ross Merrill's video interview
Ross Merrill's paintings

That's all for now!
Norah Lynne and Alan

Remembering Paul Calle, Robert Laessig and Florian Lawton

We are sad to report the recent passing of the three art giants; Paul Calle, Robert Laessig and Florian Lawton.


PAUL CALLE


Paul Calle was an artist whose works reflect the dramatic era of America's Western heritage as well as the one in which he lived. For Calle, the dimensions of art can be as vast as the wild, wind-swept plains of the West, as infinite as outer space and as small as the historic scenes he captures on postage stamps for the United States Postal Service. Calle designed more than 30 stamps in as many years. Among this noted artist’s many distinctions is the First Man on the Moon series of stamps that he designed which sold more than 150 billion. Other Calle stamps include those honoring Franklin D. Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jesse Owens, Helen Keller, Robert Frost, Douglas MacArthur, Pearl Buck and Frederic Remington, in addition to stamps depicting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the International Year of the Child in 1979 and promoting causes such as volunteerism and encouraging early cancer detection. Calle also designed the U.S. Postal Service’s first twin stamp to commemorate the successful Gemini Space Walk. Calle’s portrayal of the West is not as a romantic adventure but as a realistic challenge. He made a personal commitment to portray America's past with the same sense of history that guided his hand in depicting our nation's space explorations as an artist for NASA's Fine Art Program. Calle is a master of both the oil painting and the pencil drawing. His drawings — often very large — show incredible control and sensitivity; they have the quality of fine etchings. Few contemporary artists have attained greater mastery of the pencil than Calle, who shares his skills in his book, The Pencil, a record of his odyssey as "an artist with a pencil." It has been translated into French, Chinese and Russian. Another book of his art, Paul Calle: An Artist's Journey, was awarded the prestigious Benjamin Franklin Award for Fine Arts in 1993.

In addition to major corporate and private collections, Calle's artwork is in the permanent collections of numerous prestigious institutions including The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, The National Portrait Gallery, The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Gilcrease Museum. Calle received the distinguished Nona Jean Hulsey Buyer’s Choice Award at the Prix de West Invitational, presented by the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center. His drawings and paintings have been widely exhibited in the United States as well as in the former Soviet Union, Sweden and Poland. Calle says, "If I had to state a goal, a hope pertaining to my work, my aim would be to help keep alive that huge reservoir of our past, to draw strength and sustenance from it and build upon it in ways that are new and different, but not to reject it. I find my inspiration in all the life that surrounds and envelops me, from the evolution of man and his works, of the timelessness of the rocks, the trees, of man, his land, the sky and the sea. That's what it's all about: art is always a visual experience. This is my world, and I relish it with great affection."

Paul Calle exhibited his work at Gallery One in 1985 and again in 1989. You can view his entire collection in the Paul Calle pages of our site. His publisher remembers Paul Calle.


ROBERT LAESSIG

Robert Laessig was born in New Jersey in 1913. He attended the Textile Design School of Plauen in Germany for five years and specialized in the study and painting of flowers. He was a textile designer until World War II when he served with the 13th Air Force Historical Section as a combat artist. Later, he studied at Art Students' League in New York City. An opportunity to become an art consultant brought Laessig to Cleveland where he lived for decades. Laessig has won prizes at the Butler International Art Show in Youngstown OH and also the annual May Show held at the Akron Art Institute. He was presented a distinctive award for the best watercolor in a show and an abstract painting was purchased for the Cleveland Museum of Art at the time of the 1959 Cleveland May Show. He has exhibited at the American Embassy in Norway, designed the official White House Christmas Cards for five years during the Johnson Administration, won the Ohio Watercolor Society Gold Medal and won the Winsor & Newton Award. He also earned the top award in the National Academy of Design Exhibition, National Academy Galleries, New York City. His images are published by Gallery One.

Robert Laessig exhibited his work at Gallery One nearly every year between 1988 and 1998. His originals and prints can be seen on our Robert Laessig pages.


FLORIAN K. LAWTON

Artist Florian K. Lawton shared the beauty he found in the unembellished simplicity of nature and rural life through his accomplished watercolor paintings. Lawton, who has long received wide acclaim for his artwork, is particularly well known for his country landscapes and urban cityscapes of his native northeastern Ohio. Educated at the Cleveland Institute of Art, John Huntington Polytechnical Institute and Cleveland College, Lawton, as in all of his endeavors, distinguished himself academically. Today, Lawton's original paintings are included in many prestigious private and corporate collections. A list of his extensive corporate collections reads like the Fortune 500. His artwork is also widely exhibited in prestigious museums and galleries. In 1989, the Butler Institute of American Art held a 25-year retrospective of his work. He also exhibited at the Cleveland Art Museum and in the shows of the numerous professional art associations with which he is affiliated: American Watercolor Society; National Watercolor Society; Whiskey Painters of America; National Arts Club; Audubon Artists and the Salamagundi Club. He is perhaps best known for his paintings of rural Amish scenes. A purist, Lawton paints on imported handmade rag paper, soaking it in water before stretching it out onto a board to prohibit wrinkles in the paper. He rarely uses white paint in his watercolor paintings; any white is most likely the paper.

Florian Lawton was a frequent exhibitor at Gallery One, most recently last May! His complete collection can be found in the Florian Lawton section of our web site.