INSIDE ART TIPS
AMA - Ask Me Anything - Submit your art questions to info@gallery421.ca
What invention revolutionized oil painting?
The Answer: In two words, the answer has to be “paint tubes.” At the beginning of the 19th century, artists were still grinding pigments (i.e. semi-precious stones like Lapis Lazuli would produce the best blues) mixing them with oils, and storing these paints in pig bladders. This paint was inconsistent in colour, and awkward to store or transport. Consequently, most oil painting was done in the artist’s studio.
In 1841, an American, John G. Rand, working in England for the company Windsor and Newton, invented the paint tube. Just like that, oil paint became very portable, transportable, and consistent in colour.
With these wonderous tubes of paint, an artist could carry the new portable easel, and situate himself or herself on location, to paint “en plein air” or outdoors, capturing the light and shadows immediately. This access to natural light certainly contributed to the masterful creations produced by the new painters of that time, the Impressionists.
After seeing the new Van Gogh show in Vancouver, my question is, “Who were the first French Impressionists?”
The Answer: Some of the best- known artists who made up the original group of painters exploring a new and different way to create art, were Pissarro, Cezanne, Monet, Gaugin, Renoir, Degas, and Seurat, to name a few. Although it is acknowledged that Vincent Van Gogh, a Dutchman, was influenced by the French group of impressionists when he lived in Paris, he is most often referred to as a post-impressionist artist.
The term “impressionists” was used by the critic Louis Leroy who was referring to one of the works in the first exhibition in Paris by this co-operative of painters. The painting Le Roy was referring to was “Impression Sunrise” by Claude Monet. The term, “Impressionists” obviously stuck, and what was meant as a disparaging comment, is a beautiful word, describing beautiful works of art. Now, art lovers the world over would say, “Thank you Le Roy, that’s a perfect description!”
What is art, and what does it really do for us?
The Answer: In a nutshell, for example, a painting, a sculpture, appreciated primarily for its beauty or emotional power … will stir our imagination, happiness, or perhaps a memory.
Original art has a magical energy that comes from being unique…..from the hand of the artist to the collector. It enlivens your home and reflects your individual tastes. The first rule of collecting is “Buy what you love.” That’s really all you need to know.
How do I best showcase beautiful fine art?
The Answer: The main considerations are lighting, and the hanging, or placement.
If possible, have additional lighting installed that will focus attention on the paintings and sculptures. Lights can also be mounted above paintings and are available in a variety of styles. When it comes to the hanging of art, you may want to enlist the help of your favorite gallery, many of which offer this kind of service. There is no doubt….hanging is an art.
If you are beginning to think of elevating your home with fine art, start the journey by visiting art galleries, looking at gallery websites, and trusting your own good taste. When your artwork is a true reflection of you, it will elevate your house to a home.
How often can I see new art at Gallery 421?
The answer: Every week!
With a large inventory of work from our family of thirty artists, we rehang the entire gallery approximately every four weeks. But in between, and every week, we regroup and rearrange different areas. We make these changes for a few reasons……First of all, as artwork sells, we have to hang or replace it with a new painting or sculpture. Secondly, new work arrives pretty well every week from at least one of our artists. And the last reason is probably the most important one……we love art, we’re each excited by different styles, subjects and techniques which means one of the team is always moving something to make room for a different favorite. As we’ve said before, “When you move your art, it feels brand new!”
What is a triptych?
The Answer: It is a painting in three parts.
Centuries ago, when most paintings were of religious subjects and figures, the word triptych referred to the three painted panels found on church altars. In today’s world of fine art, a triptych simply describes a painting done in three parts. Along those same lines, a diptych has two parts, and if a painting is done on more than three canvases or panels, it is called a polyptych.
Oftentimes, the added bonus, when purchasing a multi-piece painting, is that at some time, you may wish to divide them into stand-alone paintings. A very nice option!
What is the meaning of “medium” when discussing art?
The Answer: A very short explanation……..
Historically, the art term “medium” referred to the liquid that pigment was added to, to make paint. Such liquid could be olive oil, or perhaps egg yolk. For example, lapis lazuli, a semi-precious gemstone, used in jewellery, was ground up to create the pigment for the colour ultramarine blue.
Today, the term medium is also used to describe the material an artist or sculptor is working with. Examples of an artist’s medium could be oil paint, watercolours, acrylic paint, clay, soapstone, bronze, glass, etc. In mixed media works, more than one medium is used in the creation of a piece of fine art.
Can I afford original fine art?
The Answer: In a word…..YES !
At Galley 421, we believe that a piece of original fine art has a magical energy that comes from being unique….. from the hand of the artist, to the collector. There may be other similar pieces, when an artist creates a “series”, but each and every piece will have subtle differences that make it unique. You will be pleasantly surprised. It’s a value proposition … it may cost a bit more but exudes quality and lasts the test of time in your beautiful home.
So how can you afford original fine art? Well, at Gallery 421, we offer a totally interest-free payment plan, that means our clients can easily afford to own fine art by buying over a period of time. We will welcome the opportunity to help you get started on your own art collection!
Can we support Canadian Artists under our corporate social program?
The Answer: You bet, original art work greatly enhances a corporate setting, and provides a nice corporate write off.
To summarize from the CRA Rules Corporate Art Bulletin, Canada’s Income Tax Act allows taxpayers to claim a deduction for Canadian Art. The rules in paragraph 1102(1)(e) of the ITR provide that artwork, including but not limited to prints, etchings, drawings, paintings, or sculptures, may qualify if all the following applies: The artwork is acquired for the purpose of gaining or producing income; The artwork is not described in the taxpayer’s inventory; The cost of the artwork to the taxpayer is $200 or more, and the individual who created the artwork is Canadian. Deduction rate for artwork is 10% in acquisition year 1 (the 50% rule) and 20% thereafter. So, if a taxpayer purchases original art by a Canadian artist for $10k he can claim: $1k CCA in yr 1 (leaving $9k UCC); $1800 in yr 2 (leaving $7.2k UCC); $1.44k in yr 3 and so on. Call us if you would like a copy of the CRA Rules Corporate Art Bulletin..... Your Kelowna art Gallery 421
Do I stop collecting art once my walls are full?
The Answer: Not necessarily…..you ROTATE your paintings.
It is so important to think about moving your fine art around. The minute you move a painting from one spot to another, it becomes exciting and new again. Think about it….hanging in your bedroom, a painting is not shared with your friends. When that painting moves to the dining room, the lighting is different, the mood is different, and suddenly you are enjoying it with others.
When you start to move your artwork, and make room for new pieces, every painting spends part of the year in “storage”….be it a guest room closet, hanging in a closet, or safely placed under a bed. It’s true……art lovers never stop collecting. It’s a TRUE PASSION! ….. Your team at Gallery 421
Who were Canada’s Group of Seven?
The Answer: That depends on the date being discussed.
The artists who exhibited in the first Group of Seven show, held in May 1920, were Lawren Harris, J.E.H. MacDonald, A.Y. Jackson, Arthur Lismer, Frank Johnston, Franklin Carmichael, and Fred Varley. When Johnston left the group within the first year, several other artists, Randolph Hewton, Robert Pilot, and Albert Robinson were included in shows as guest artists. A.J. Casson became the seventh member of the Group of Seven in 1926, replacing Frank Johnston.
Although the name of Tom Thomson is often associated with Canada’s Group of Seven, and he knew and painted with different members of the Group, Thomson died in 1917, three years before the Group of Seven first exhibited together under that name.
There is no doubt that the fine artists of the Group of Seven remain the most well-known and celebrated Canadian artists to this day. …. Gallery 421, your friendly, informative Kelowna Art Gallery BC
Does art go out of fashion?
The Answer: In a word….no.
As everyone knows, the most valuable….even priceless paintings in the world, would fall under the category of antique. Fine art paintings known the world over, like “The Mona Lisa” for instance, or “Girl with a Pearl Earring”, are four or five hundred years old, and valued now more than ever.
When we’re talking about fine art that may have been painted and acquired within the last forty or fifty years, the answer may still be, “No, it has not gone out of fashion”, but there might be a style consideration. And that consideration is for the framing.
So, even if your fine art does not seem quite at home in your newly renovated, updated home, bring it in to Gallery 421 for a discussion about modernizing the look, simply by bringing your framing into the twenty-first century. We would be delighted to share ideas with you. …. Your team at Gallery 421
How do I care for my art?
The Answer: Thoughtfully….
To ensure that your valuable fine art work retains it’s beauty and value, there are a few basic principles. Different mediums ie. watercolour, oils or acrylics, require different care.
Watercolour fine art cannot withstand intense, direct sunlight and should be showcased where it is protected. Fine art made with oil or acrylic paint can be hung in a sunny area, especially since most walls for hanging fine art are within a room, and paintings are not on display in a window for months or years at a time. Of course, having window film installed, provides an extra layer of protection for your fine art work as well as for your window coverings and furnishings. The only way to clean your fine art is by a gentle dusting, perhaps once a year if necessary. One should never attempt any additional kind of cleaning, which is best left to a professional. …. Gallery 421, your friendly, informative Kelowna Art Gallery BC
What is meant by the term “Conservation Framing”?
The Answer: This refers to framing original fine art that is done on paper.
Whether the fine art work on paper is a watercolour, an oil, a pastel, or an original print, it would be typically framed under glass, with a matboard surrounding the image. All materials used in this framing… the matting, backing and glass, will contribute to the preservation of the fine art itself.
To attribute the term “Conservation Framing” to a framed piece of fine art, all materials used must be made with paper and backing produced using 100% rag fabric with no wood pulp ingredients. This is also referred to as “Museum Quality Framing” because this method, and these rag materials, will help to preserve the art by safeguarding it from chemicals found in regular paper products.
In addition to choosing “rag materials” for the matting and backing of the art, one is advised to pay the extra to use one of the “conservation” types of glass that are available. This type of glass reduces the harmful UV rays that will seriously fade delicate fine art works on paper. We say, “conservation all the way!” …. Gallery 421, your friendly, informative, Kelowna Art Gallery BC
How can I learn more about fine art?
The Answer: The easy way to begin, is to visit galleries.
Most cities, even small ones, do have public art galleries where there is a permanent collection, owned by the gallery, as well as a schedule of exhibitions. Those exhibitions can include art on loan from private collectors, as well as collections from some of Canada’s major galleries, that are toured around the country.
As well as visiting public art galleries, you can learn a lot by visiting commercial galleries and becoming familiar with different styles, techniques, and mediums. Most galleries have staff who are eager to spend time with art lovers, and they are happy to share their knowledge.
To learn more about important historical artists, for example, Canada’s “Group of Seven”, the public library will have an art section, and of course there is the magical “world-wide web” that makes research easy from the comfort of your favorite armchair. ….. Your team at Gallery 421
Do prints have value?
The Answer: It depends what type of print.
Although there are hundreds of thousands of photographic prints that have decorative value only, there are also reproductions made by different methods, that can have considerable value. Whenever prints are made by the artist’s hand, they are usually categorized as “original prints”. These would include linocuts, stone lithographs, woodblock prints, and various others in this category. In some cases, these original prints can surpass in value, original paintings by the same artist. So, on the subject of prints having possible value, we would always advise that you have it looked at by someone knowledgeable. …. Gallery 421, your friendly, informative, Kelowna Art Gallery BC
What should I know when I inherit an antique painting?
The Answer: You need to know some important things……
When you inherit, or purchase an antique painting, there are a few things to consider. First of all, try to find paperwork, or write out the family history of the painting. Where it was purchased, when, for how much, and by whom. This is the “provenance” or history, of the artwork. If there are photographs of the painting hanging on the wall, that’s important too.
If the painting is losing paint, or damaged in any way, you should consult an art conservator. When you like the art, but the frame is damaged, or not to your taste, it is perfectly alright to have it reframed. However…..it is very important to keep the original frame, safely put away, for the day when the painting may be sold, or passed down to the next generation. This is because the original frame makes up part of the “provenance” of the painting. You are preserving history. … Your team Gallery 421
How important is paperwork relating to my art?
The Answer: Good records are very important, and here is why…..
The paperwork that accompanies a painting, a record of it’s history, is referred to as the “provenance” of the piece. In a perfect case, this paper trail will lead from the present owner of the art, right back to the artist’s studio. The more ironclad the provenance, the more confidence the market will have in the piece.
The best way to build a file on each piece of art that you own, is to keep good records. If the piece is something that has been in the family, write down as much information as you can gather by asking family members what they know, looking for receipts, and go through old photos in the hope of seeing a picture of your painting hanging on Grandma’s wall.
With each painting or piece of art that you buy, start a file containing the receipt, information on the gallery where it was purchased, and a biography of the artist. If you have the opportunity to have a photo taken of yourself, the art, and the artist, that is a lovely addition to your records. ….Gallery 421, your friendly, informative, Kelowna Art Gallery BC
What would you consider a fun way to learn about art?
The Answer: The movies!
Yes, it’s true, you really do learn about techniques, styles, and values when you watch a movie that looks into the life of an artist. Here are some examples…..
In the movie, “Maudie” about the Canadian artist, Maude Lewis, you will learn about the materials Lewis used to create her paintings, the life she led, and the joy she infused into her rather naïve artwork.
Watching “Pollock” gives us tremendous insight into the way Jackson Pollock painted, but provides a wonderful overview of abstract art in general.
Other titles we enjoyed include, “Mr. Turner”, “Frida” about Frida Kahlo, and “Vincent and Theo” about the life of the tormented Vincent Van Gogh. This truly is a delightful way to appreciate art and artists! … Gallery 421, your friendly, informative, Kelowna Art Gallery BC
Are there fakes in the world of Canadian fine art?
The Answer: In a word…..yes.
Whether discussing art, antiques, or anything that has become “collectible”, once an item becomes highly sought-after and valuable……someone, somewhere, will start to produce forgeries.
For this reason, it is very important where you purchase. A well-known, well- respected gallery or auction house will have established a solid provenance for the art they have on the market, as well as having knowledgeable staff with experience in handling important works of art.
Remember, be cautious of where you buy, and also remember the saying, “If something seems too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true.” It is also true, that even Canadian experts have been fooled a time or two…… Gallery 421, your friendly, informative, Kelowna Art Gallery BC