Important American Paintings at Christie's Auction

George Inness, "Near Peekskill"

Christie's New York will hold an important auction of American Paintings on September 29, 2009. Spanning the country’s most significant historical periods, for this event they will bring together Modernist, American Impressionist, Surrealist and Western works by many of the most celebrated names in American art. Emil Carlsen, Reginald Marsh, George Inniss, Edward Kemeys, Sally Michel Avery, Richard Schmid and William Aiken Walker are but a sampling of artists represented. Previews begin September 25 through 28th. Admission is free!

ART & ABOUT: Joaquin Sorolla Exhibition Breaks Ten Year Attendance Record

MADRID.- The Museo del Prado has broken a ten year old attendance record with its Sorolla Exhibition. More than 450,000 persons visited the exhibition which closed on September 13, 2009 and was visited by more persons than other exhibitions for Velázquez, Ribera, Murillo, El Greco, Zurbarán and Goya.

          JOAQUIN SOROLLA y BASTIDA studied painting from the age of fifteen in his native Valencia, Spain. By the time he was eighteen, he had traveled to Madrid, where he copied Master paintings in the Museo del Prado. Four years later, after winning a grant, the young artist began studying painting in Rome and worked on perfecting his signature style and ability to render luminous light effects.
          Upon Sorolla's return to Madrid, his portraits, landscapes and monumental historical and social pieces already gaining recognition internationally, he exhibited at the 1901 Exposition Univeselle in Paris and was commissioned by the Hispanic Society of America to paint decorative scenes for its NYC library. 
          Sorolla's widow left a large collection of his paintings to the people of Spain. They are now housed at the Museo Sorolla, in the artist's home in Madrid. Other prominent colletions include The J Paul Getty Museum's ten Impressionist beach scenes (Los Angeles) and the Hispanic Society of America's entire room devoted to the Spanish Master's work. The latter, located in Harlem, NYC, is currently under renovation and expected to reopen in October, 2009.

CALL TO ARTISTS: Please share your favorite painting tip

I HAVE BEEN WORKING ON AN ARTICLE that will feature Painting Pointers and Tips for artists. Would love to have you participate by passing along one of your faves. All media and artist levels welcome.

Please help me make this list an inspirational working tool for all artists:

1. Share your favorite painting tip. Be sure to include your name, media and website along with some background or anecdote about your discovery .

2. Tell a friend (or friends). Share a link to this site with fellow artists for their input.

3. Feel free to add your suggestions here and/or e-mail them to me at: theartworks@earthlink.net.

4. Follow my blog. I will publish periodic updates about this collaboration along with the publication date for the article.

HERE'S MY TIP: This was passed along by noted still life master painter and consummate teacher, Frank Arcuri.

When attempting to match a color in your set up, hold a a small mirror at arms length in front of you. Position it in such a way as to view your set up and canvas in the same frame. Still holding the mirror in one hand, with the other, lay down a stroke of mixed color on your canvas. You'll see right away if it is a good match. Really works!