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