Greatness with A Brush: Artist Dean Morrissey

Have you ever been spellbound by a work of art and wondered what the artist was like? At Gallery Giclées™, artists are like family, and we’d like you and your clients to get to know ours better. So, from time to time, we thought we’d share some artist information — what they like, what they think, what they do when not chained to their easels — that you can pass it on to your clients. Casual conversation often leads to art sales, so read on! Dean Morrissey Art GG:  When did you first know that you were destined to be an artist? Dean:  My first illustration was a black-and-white interior illustration for a small pulp science fiction book titled Galileo. I worked for weeks on this drawing. When I finally turned it in, the editor gave me $10. That’s when I knew I was hooked on art. GG:  What is your preferred medium with which to paint and why is it your favorite? Dean:  I paint in the traditional method of oil on canvas. The oil paint delivers fat, warm colors and the luxury of time. GG:  What do you hope that people will discover in your work? Dean:  I hope that people will see in my pictures a bit of the joy I found in making them. GG:  Describe your favorite childhood memory. Dean:  Playing football one day when I was 8 years old, I lined up against a giant kid who looked like a full-grown man. He was telling me he was about to run me over. The ball was snapped; I dove for his ankles and squeezed as hard as I could. His shadow seemed to block the sun as he came down like a redwood tree, landing on top of me. I was walking on air for a week. After that, the kid nodded to me whenever we crossed in the hall at school. GG:  What’s your favorite pastime (other than painting)? Dean:  I played in a blues band for 20 years; had a ball. But bringing my son up tops them all. Watch for future installments on the amazing artists from Gallery Giclées™.

Have a Jolly Holiday!

Well, we've seen Robert Bateman, the Kinkade Highlighter, Dean Morrissey and even Jim Ptacek come and go leaving us with their exhibits that have been holiday traditions for us for several years now.  But this year is extra special because we can add the first ever Cold Nose <3 Warm Art contestants' entries to our exhibits.  You really should take the time to see this display of students' art, even if you don't know any entrants.  And if you actually know one of the 150 some students, then by all means come and see their first ever real gallery exhibit!

Clancy was in his glory as he greeted his admirers and hopes to see more of them as they come to pick up their art and awards after Christmas.  They each received a ribbon and a Dean Morrissey signed print.  Pictures and a winners list can be seen at Clancy's Facebook page!  And check out the pictures and videos of the show at our Art Events page.

Now Guhonda and Clancy are scrambling to fill all the holiday orders!  Here's 290+ seasonal gift ideas if you haven't finished shopping.  Don't forget that gift certificates can be purchased in any amount and emailed right up to the last minute! Happy Holidays from everyone here at Gallery One!

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!