Barbie in Hollywood, Oil on Canvas, Artist Judy RagagliBarbie in Bora Bora, Oil on Canvas, Artist Judy RagagliBarbie Silken Flame, Oil on Canvas, Artist Judy RagagliFlamenco Barbie, Oil on Canvas, Artist Judy RagagliBarbie White Ginger, Oil on Canvas, Artist Judy RagagliBarbie Magnificence, Oil on Canvas, Artist Judy RagagliBarbie On the Avenue, Oil on Canvas, Artist Judy Ragagli
I first met Barbie artist Judy Ragagli at an art opening in Malibu over a decade ago. I’d been told about her about her gorgeous paintings by a client who insisted that I attend the opening. Malibu is a long drive from Hollywood, but I was thrilled that I made the drive. I was stunned by the lifelike quality of Judy’s work, and because I’m also a painter, I immediately recognized her remarkable skill and talent. Judy told me that she was taught to paint by utilizing only 7 colors of paint, therefore, everything you see above is mixed from those colors. Many guests at the art opening thought they were viewing photographs, which happens frequently to Ms. Ragagli.
Judy has tremendous respect for Barbie’s legacy, and strives to honor the ever elegant nostalgic Barbie, with her demure sideways glance. This period in Barbies history takes us back nearly 55 years to her beginnings in the very late 50’s and early 60’s. Judy’s paintings conjure up the feeling of Camelot. Think Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy with her sleeveless A-line dresses, above the elbow gloves and graceful necklines that actually leave something to the imagination. Like our former first lady, Barbie is an icon that continues to endure. Can you believe over a BILLION have been sold worldwide since 1959. That’s a stunning achievement.
You can learn more about Judy’s work by visiting her website hereor you can also follow here on facebook here. There are Barbie pillows and other goodies available at Raymond Lawrence in Palm Springs or the Ritz Carlton in Rancho Mirage. I’m happy to report that I’ve owned an original Judy Ragagli Barbie painting for nearly a decade, and I never grow tired of it. Judy created a custom piece for me, letting me choose the background color and well as the dress color. I’m not sure if she still does commissions. But it never hurts to ask.
The Deco Building, 5209 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, Photo Romi CortierThe Deco Building, 5209 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, Photo Romi CortierThe Deco Building, 5209 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, Photo Romi CortierThe Deco Building, 5209 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, Photo Romi CortierThe Deco Building, 5209 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, Photo Romi CortierThe Deco Building, 5209 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, Photo Romi CortierThe Deco Building, 5209 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier
The Deco Building, 5209 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier
The Deco Building in Los Angeles’s Miracle Mile is one of only three black and gold terra cotta buildings built in the City of Angels. Of the three, this is in the most pristine shape. As I wrote in my previous post, the one in Korea Town on 3rd and Western is horribly run down, and the Richfield Oil Building was destroyed, or rather replaced, in 1969. Built by Morgan, Walls and Clements in 1929, this building was known as Security First National Bank until 1970. Afterwards it was used as a restaurant/nightclub, and then later as a Christian Center. It’s currently a short and long term creative office space that is also available for special events.
I’ve driven by this building for years, and would sometimes just stop and peer in the windows late at night… you know, as an architectural stalker. The spectacular Zig-Zag Modern Deco details are so hard not to notice when you’re whizzing by. So, once again on one of these nights a few years ago, when there was a for sale sign on the building, I made another stop. I was a little shocked to meet the new owner of the building who’d just closed escrow on it. I was happy for him, but very sad for me, (not that I could have afforded the building) but because it would have made the most brilliant hair salon. The new owner was so cool, and invited me to come inside. He happily threw on the lights and gave me a tour. I was speechless and like a kid in a candy store as I walked through this luscious and sacred art deco interior.
Last week I decided to do another drive by and take a few exterior shots for my previous blog post, and voila! There he was again, the owner. Even though he was busy loading up his truck, he told me to go inside and look around. I mentioned that we’d met before, and he seemed to remember. This time I took full advantage of his offer, climbing the stairs to the second floor, snapping away with my iphone. He came in and once again turned on the lights for me and let me take as many photos as I wanted. Notice that gorgeous glass ceiling? That’s not one solid piece of glass, but rather individual pieces. I guess that makes sense to minimize potential damage, but the owner said it’s a massive job when it’s time to clean it. He also mentioned that he’s had a lot of interest from foreign investors who’d like to buy the building, not because they love the architecture, but because they want the valuable land. I’m so glad the owner is a much of a purist as I am, and sees the value in maintaining such remarkable craftsmanship. Its been lovingly restored, and I’m so thankful to the owner for his passion and his kindness.
If you’re ever interested in renting this space, please go to www.TheDecoBuilding.com or call 310.804.8651.
Black & Gold Art Deco at 5209 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, Photo Romi CortierThe Deco Building, 5209 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, Photo Romi CortierBlack & Gold Art Deco at 5209 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, Photo Romi CortierBlack & Gold Art Deco at 3rd & Western, Los Angeles, Photo Romi CortierBlack & Gold Art Deco at 3rd & Western, Los Angeles, Photo Romi CortierBlack & Gold Art Deco at 3rd & Western, Los Angeles, Photo Romi CortierRichfield Oil Building 1943, Los Angeles, Destroyed.Richfield Oil Building, Los Angeles, Destroyed 1968
If you’ve been around Los Angeles for awhile, then you may recognize these Black & Gold Art Deco buildings. The first one located at 5209 Wilshire is in pristine shape. The second one, located in Korea Town on the corner of 3rd and Western, is horribly run down and in desperate need of some TLC. The latter one, The Richfield Oil Building, has been gone for nearly 50 years.
What I find so thrilling about these buildings is the sexy combination of black terra cotta tile with real gold leaf trim. Besides being highly ornamental, these materials have proven to be very durable, which is why they’ve held up so well for over 80 years. Because of the rarity of their design, they truly stand out in our ever changing urban jungle. The Deco Building in the Miracle Mile is happily in an area of town where art deco is valued and is also the design standard for new buildings being constructed. There’s a beauty to the simplicity of the clean lines and the continuity of the elegant materials.
When developing new buildings in an area such as LA’s Miracle Mile, every effort is made to ensure that new construction is complimentary to the existing art deco vibe of the neighborhood. Sometimes it works beautifully, as in the case of 5550 Wilshire. This newer project is an exercise in restrained elegance (this photo doesn’t do it justice). Tone on tone color values combined with strong horizontal lines similar to the Streamline Moderne era, helped this mixed use building feel as if it has been around for years.
5550 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles
However, sometimes the newer buildings don’t quite hit the mark, which was the case in the mixed use building at the corner of La Brea and Wilshire. Curbed LA referred to it as possibly LA’s most hated building (click hereto read the article). The initial drawings for the complex weren’t that bad, however, every time they went for a revision to appease the city planning department or the neighborhood council, it got worse and worse. I couldn’t find the original drawing online that I actually liked, but I did find the one below. It isn’t entirely bad, even though it has no resemblance to anything art deco. I think they were trying to invoke the feeling of the May Co. Building down the street at Fairfax and Wilshire with the orange flanked spire.
Illustration for Bre Properties at Wilshire and La Brea
Sadly, this is what the final building ended up looking like.
Wilshire & La Brea Mixed use building.
If we could start by simply white washing the entire building and then making the wanna be spire black, it would be so much better. It appears the developers tried to make it uber urban with layers and layers of colors and materials, hoping we’d believe it evolved over time… major fail. This trend thats been happening for the last decade is so over, not to mention that the fact that it already looks terribly dated. If you thought the post modern architecture of the 80’s was bad, just wait and see how this wears on you. Architecture by committee, at least this committee, reminds me of failed movie making where everyone wants to take credit and have their two cents worth. In the end, no clear vision prevails, and we’re stuck with a $100 million dollar flop and wasted natural resources.
Therefore, I wear blinders when I drive by some of these newer buildings, and take great delight in feasting on these little gems that have survived for nearly a century. My next blog post will take you inside the Black & Gold building being branded as The Deco Building at 5209 Wilshire Blvd.
Blank Canvas aka Ode to Rothko, Oil on Canvas, McKenzie, Photo Romi CortierWonder, Oil on Canvas, McKenzie Fisk, Photo Romi CortierMcKenzie Fisk, Oil on Canvas, Photo Romi CortierBrian Blackham, Oil on Canvas, Photo Romi CortierBrian Blackham, Oil on Canvas, Photo Romi CortierTaman Vanscoy, Watercolor, Photo Romi CortierTaman Vanscoy, Watercolor, Photo Romi Cortier
I’ve been a fan of the Beverly Hills Art Show since the 1990’s when I bought my first monotype on paper, from artist Barbara Bouman Jay. Lets face it, nothing beats a stroll in the park while looking at original artwork created by artists who’ve gathered from all across the country. Sure, some of the art is better than others, but all in all it’s a grand experience seeing people mingling with their kids and pooches by the artists stalls, or sitting by the pond in front of the Beverly Hills sign while balancing food on their laps from the food trucks. It reminds me of Georges Seurat’s post impressionist painting Sunday Afternoon on the Island of LeGrand Jatte.
Georges Seurat, Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte to favor paintings
I tend to favor paintings over sculpture or blown glass, and the artists whose work I’ve chosen to feature above are my 3 top picks.
Artist McKenzie Fisk nabbed my attention with her geometric animals that feel like something Francoise Gilot might have created. I also love her use of wide open negative space that gives the viewer room to contemplate her subjects.
Artist Brian Blackham from Utah uses a palette knife, a paint brush, or both, to layer on sublime muted tones for his romantic still life paintings that capture the ephemeral nature of light.
Artist Taman Vanscoy uses watercolor covered in acrylic varnish, to create luscious works that feel like something out of the impressionist period. Judging by the second place ribbon at his stall, it appears that the critics also favored his work.
The Beverly Hills Art Show is a juried show that happens twice a year: one weekend in the spring, and one weekend in the fall. If you’d like to learn about future events, or how to submit your work, please follow this link: Beverly Hills Art Show
Follow the links below to learn more about each of the artists.
Lari Pittman, This Landscape, Beloved and Despised, Continues Regardless, Color LIthograph on Paper, Los Angeles Modern Auctions, Lot 283, $2,000 – 3,000Ed Moses, Cock Bak, Asphaltum and Acrylic on Washi paper, Los Angeles Modern Auctions, Lot 23, $2,000 – 3,000Karl Benjamin, #117, Oil o Canvas, Los Angeles Modern Auctions, Lot 198, $15,000 – 20,000Michael & Frances Higgins, Rondelay Screen, Los Angeles Modern Auctions, Lot 30, $2,500 – 3,500June Harwood, Untitled, Acrylic on Canvas, Los Angeles Modern Auctions, Lot 200, $5,000 – 7,000Tony Duquette, Six Panel Screen, Los Angeles Modern Auctions, Lot 47, $12,000 – 15,000Alexander Calder, Quatre Blancs, Sheet Metal Wire and Paint, Los Angeles Modern Auctions, Lot 167, $500,000 – 700,000
Los Angeles Modern Auctions (LAMA) is one of my favorite auction houses here in Los Angeles. Their upcoming auction on Sunday May 17th, 2015, is going to be a spectacular event. It includes everything from mid-century furniture, to sculpture, to painting. The gorgeous Alexander Calder Mobile shown above is listed for $500,000 – 700,000… wouldn’t you just love to be a fly on the wall and watch the heated bidding for this item! I was fortunate enough to be in the room once when a Frank Lloyd Wright chair was being auctioned off, and watched the bidding go to over $90,000. That was nearly 15 years ago before much of the bidding was done online. You were either in the room, or on the phone for privacy sake. It was beyond exhilarating and you could cut the tension in the room with a knife. With buyers premiums and taxes that $90,000 chair would have totaled up to at least $108,000 or more… for a chair! Would you let your guests sit on that chair when they come to your home, or would you put it on a pedestal and rope it off like a museum? I will admit that I have a fancy auction house chair that I won’t let anyone sit on at my house, but it’s not worth anything close to that. I have a few friends who can’t understand why I’d spend that much on a chair that no one can sit on… because it’s ART!
If you’re a collector ‘wanna be’ and don’t have the money for these kinds of purchases, I’d at least recommend going to one of the previews at LAMA and seeing their items in person. It doesn’t cost a thing to look, and the same goes for sitting in the room while the auction happens. If nothing else, it might be a very enlightening experience and you might also make a few really cool friends…. friends who might invite you over to sit on their fancy auction house chair once they’ve won that sought after lot.
