Tag Archives: Art

Art

Auction Houses, LA’s best kept secret for buying Art!

July 16, 2014 romicortier@yahoo.com Leave a comment

Peter Max, Lot 161, Clark Cierlak Fine Arts Estate Auction Service

Alfred Defossez, Lot 59, Clark Cierlak Fine Arts Estate Auction

Fernand Leger, Lot 141, Clark Cierlak Fine Arts Estate Auction Service

Alexander Chistov, Lot 42 A, Clark Cierlak Fine Arts Estate Auction Service

Sam Francis, Lot 86, Clark Cierlak Fine Arts Estate Auction Service

Pablo Picasso, Lot 182, Clark Cierlak Fine Arts Estate Auction Service

Norman Lundin, Lot 146, Clark Cierlak Fine Arts Estate Auction Service

Los Angeles’s best kept secret for buying Art… Auction houses! I know this goes against everything I should be about, which is selling my own art, but hey – I can’t be all things to all people. With the amount of affordable art that’s available, there’s no excuse for having crappy Made in China ‘art’ hanging on your walls, even if you’re only renting an apartment (which is most of us here in LA). For as little as $100, you can end up buying a beautiful lithograph or oil painting already framed. Most art needs a frame, and if it’s included in your purchase price, you’re ahead of the game. I know it’s possible, because I’ve done it more than once.

I’m sharing one of my favorite auction houses with you, truly one of LA’s best kept secrets. A client of mine who’s a top notch art appraiser here in town told me about this place over a decade ago. His famous line, ‘you can often buy art there for .10 cents on the dollar‘ which is so true. A few years ago I bought a painting there with a retail value of $18,000 for about $2,000. I did my research ahead of time to see if what I saw hanging on the wall was as great as I thought it was, then set up a phone bidding appointment with the auction house because I was going to be out of town during the actual auction. They called me 2 lots ahead of time, I waited for my lot number to come up… and placed the opening bid. Fortunately for me, no one bid against me. I screamed with joy and jumped up and down because the painting was now mine!

If you’ve never been to an art auction, then let me share with you the process. This particular auction house works as follows: There will be an estimated value, lets say it’s $500-$1000. The bidding will start at half of the estimate, in this case it would be $250. It will go up in small increments, determined by the house. You might be bidding with others in the room, on the phone, or online. If no one bids against you, then the piece is yours, provided the reserve that the seller might have pre-set, has been met. Once the hammer is dropped, the winning bid will have a 20% buyers premium added, plus applicable sales tax. Therefore, when you’re bidding in the heat of the moment, keep that in mind. The best way to keep yourself from loosing control is to set a mental limit on the piece you’re intending to bid on, knowing that it will be roughly 25% higher if you have the winning bid. This will come in handy if you’re bidding on multiple pieces.

And what’s the name of this auction house…. you’ll have to email me to find out. Kidding! Clark Cierlak Fine Arts Estate Auction Service. All of the images I’ve loaded above, which are some of my favorites for this event, are from the up coming auction on Saturday July 26th at noon. A word to the wise, if you’re serious about buying art this way, then go to the preview or the actual auction. Never buy it sight unseen, digital photos can be deceptive and pick up more detail than your eye might see in person. By the way, if you do make it to this auction, tell Ellen Romi sent you!

Peter Max, Lot 161, With Out Borders, 1991, color lithograph, signed in white pencil, from the numbered edition 300, image 40 x 32″, full margins, artist’s blindstamp lower left, framed. $500/1000

Alfred Defossez, Lot 59, Various, five color lithographs (only one shown here) each signed in pencil, from the numbered edition 200, 150 and an artist’s proof, sheets from 22 x 17 1/2 to 15 x 18″, Together with two color exhibition posters, for a total of 7 items. $300/500

Fernand Leger, Lot 141, Untitled Figures on Yellow Background, color lithograph, signed in ink (faded), image 16 1/4 x 13″, full margins, framed. $1000/2000

Alexander Chistov, Lot 42 A, Still Lifes, two oil paintings on panel (only one shown here) one signed lower right, one initialed upper right, both 8 x 10″, both framed. $500/800

Sam Francis, Lot 86, Untitled, (SFS.132: S.3) color screenprint, signed in pencil, from the numbered edition 100, sheet 30 x 22 1/4, published and printed by Gemini G.E.L, with their blindstamp lower right. $2000/3000

Pablo Picasso, Lot 182, Jeune Homme Au Masque Taureau, faune Et Profile De Femme (B.279), 1936, etching, stamp signed, from the numbered edition 50, published in 1961, plate 8 1/2 x 12″. $3000/4000

Norman Lundin, Lot 146, Study of Jar, 1989, gouache and water-soluable crayon on paper, signed lower right, 9 x 15 1/2″, framed. $300/600

Art

“Transitions: Works by Francoise Gilot”

July 9, 2014 romicortier@yahoo.com Leave a comment

Francoise Gilot 'Applause' Oil on Canvas — Francoise Gilot ‘Applause’ Oil on Canvas, Photo Romi Cortier

Francoise Gilot, Oil on Canvas, Photo Romi Cortier

Francoise Gilot, 'Sea Goddess', Oil on Canvas, Photo Romi Cortier — Francoise Gilot, ‘Sea Goddess’, Oil on Canvas, Photo Romi Cortier

“Transitions: Works by Francoise Gilot” was a remarkable exhibit that I had the pleasure of seeing at the Oceanside Museum in the summer of 2011. It was curated by Mel Yoakum Ph. D, author of ‘Monograph 1940 – 2000′ Francoise Gilot: Painting – Malerei and Stone Echoes: Original Prints by Francoise Gilot – A Catalogue Raisonne.

Mel’s knowledge of Gilot’s work is extensive, especially with their 20 plus years of collaboration which began in 1987. His lecture was rich in detail, and was one of those moments in story telling that you never wanted to end. The exhibit began with her Labyrinth Series and included important works into the 21st Century. Had I of known I’d be writing this blog post, I would have taken greater care to to get clearer images with the proper dates and titles. The images above were my favorites, and I snapped the photos for my own personal reference. However, they do not begin to capture the remarkable depth of this exhibit.

Due to its resounding success, the ‘Transitions‘ exhibit was taken to the Berman Museum of Art at Ursinus College in the summer of 2012. To learn more about Gilot’s work, go to francoisegilot.com.

Art

Tulip Paintings

July 3, 2014 romicortier@yahoo.com Leave a comment

Lavender Tulips, Gouache on Paper, by Romi Cortier, Sold

Here’s my most recent series of paintings: Tulips, works on paper. They’re freer and more spontaneous than my oil paintings on canvas.

I started by photographing a large glass vase full of tulips in my art studio, then, a few months later, worked to reinterpret the images with Gouache on paper. Gouache is a water based paint that is thicker than traditional water color paint. Apparently, before graphic design went digital with the rest of the world, gouache was the medium of choice. This medium allows the user to create rich saturated colors that dry very quickly, especially when compared to oil on canvas. Even though I’d used gouache paint in my design classes at UCLA, I’d never really considered using it as a professional medium until I saw the work of Richard Diebenkorn at the Palm Springs Art Museum last fall. (Richard Diebenkorn: The Berkeley Years, 1953 – 1966) His moody saturated images really spoke to me, so I dug out my old tubes of gouache paint, bought a few new colors and went to work. The above painting, Lavender Tulips, is the third work in my progression of Tulip Paintings and is currently being framed. Below you’ll see Orange Tulips, the first in the series, and Purple Tulips (which has already sold). Additional inspiration came from the vintage print works of Francoise Gilot.

Orange Tulips, Gouache on Paper, by Romi Cortier

Purple Tulips, Gouache on Paper, by Romi Cortier, Sold

Below is a Flipagram (cool iphone/ipad App) that will let you tell any story in 15 seconds. In my Flipagram, I show you the evolution of Lavender Tulips from start to finish.

Architecture

Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum

July 2, 2014 romicortier@yahoo.com Leave a comment

Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Photo Romi Cortier

Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Ballroom, Photo Romi Cortier

PORTRAITS of the FALLEN MEMORIAL, Photo Romi Cortier

Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Presidential Limousine, Photo Romi Cortier

Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Presidential Helicopter, Photo Romi Cortier

The Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum was host to The Portraits of the Fallen Memorial exhibition from May 10, 2014 – July 6, 2014.

I will admit that I was apprehensive about going to the Nixon Library to attend the Portraits of the Fallen Memorial exhibition. However, after spending the better part of the day touring the massive exhibits and beautiful grounds, I found it quite educational. I’ve decided that while this may be my first experience at a Presidential Library, it certainly won’t be my last. It was after all, a museum. A museum complete with gifts to President Nixon, clothing worn by First Lady Pat Nixon, campaign memorabilia, video footage… oh yeah, and of course those pesky watergate tapes. I may be a left leaning guy politically, but If I can’t keep an open mind, then I’m just another extremist.

The most poignant part of my experience at the Nixon Library was to see President Nixon‘s birthplace, and then understand the trajectory of his life that brought him full circle to his final resting place next to First Lady Pat Nixon, about 100 feet from where he was born. I was a bit startled to see their headstones, but I know it’s a sentiment my late mother would have loved, to be buried near her roses.

I also have to say that I love the pomp and circumstance associated with all things Presidential, regardless of party. To me, that’s simply being American. I loved seeing the Presidential Seal on the 1967 Presidential Limousine that carried Presidents Johnson, Nixon, Ford and Carter. Apparently it weighs as much as that Presidential Helicopter… all 11,000 pounds. In fact, the 1977 Guinness Book of World Records states that this is “the most expensive car ever built… cost for research, development and manufacturing was estimated at $500,000.” President Obama’s 2009 Cadillac Limousine is assumed to have cost $300,000. I would have guessed higher considering the expense of technology… maybe it’s made in China. (Oops, did I just say that?) Seriously though, if you live near a Presidential Library, or are considering visiting one, I highly recommend it. You’ll without a doubt be enriched by your experience. And if all else fails, attend a wedding at one. My research shows that this particular Presidential Library is a hot spot for weddings.

FYI – American Flag Protocol recommends our flag should lead, not follow, and should always be attached to the front right corner of an automobile, preferably the chassis.

Art

Portraits of the Fallen Memorial at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum

July 1, 2014 romicortier@yahoo.com 1 Comment

Romi Cortier at Portraits of the Fallen Memorial, Photo Curator Sherry Moore

PORTRAITS of the FALLEN MEMORIAL at the Richard Nixon Library and Museum closes this Sunday July 6th.

Three years ago curator Sherry Moore contacted me to participate in this amazing project to commemorate and remember our fallen soldiers from the Iraq or Afghanistan War. This project is near and dear to Sherry’s heart, as she too is a veteran. There are 158 portraits of the California fallen completed to date, with an ultimate goal to depict each of the over 6,500 fallen U.S. heroes. This exhibit demonstrates the importance of serving our country, but is also a reminder of the sacrifices of our fallen heroes and the impact their service has had upon their families and communities.

My contribution to this memorial project was the portrait of Christopher G. Nason, bottom photo, second from the left. My research indicated that Mr. Nason had a tremendous affect on those he came in contact with, leaving them with a big smile. Therefore, I chose brightly colored stars for his background, to imbue his patriotism with his lively spirit. I also used gold leaf on the sides of the 5×5 painting to create a little extra glow around him.

I myself am from a long line of military personnel, however, I knew the military experience wasn’t for me. Both my birth father and step father served in the military, and I have a nephew currently serving as an officer, as well as a nephew-in-law serving. Therefore, giving back in this very small yet personal way by painting Christopher G. Nason, was the very least that I could do. Having suffered a tremendous loss myself this year, brings home to me the very painful reality of losing anyone we love, whether it be a parent, a child or a significant other… loss is loss. I wish I’d started my blog sooner to get the word out during the beginning of this very important and touching exhibit. However, If you aren’t able to see it before it closes, I’m confident there will be other opportunities to view it here in southern California.

www.PortraitsoftheFallenMemorial.org or on Facebook

Where Art Inspires Beauty