Author: Jordan

The Return of Art Families: Meet the Rozenvains

Art families are often thought of as a feature of the Renaissance. But artistic families have been creating works of art together in modern and contemporary movements, as well. In some cases, every member of a notable family has been recognized for their artistic achievements, as is the case with the four members of the Rozenvain family. Based in Toronto, Canada, Aleksandra, Michael, Miri, and Barak Rozenvain are making waves in the art world with their vibrant nature-inspired motifs. At Marcus Ashley Gallery, we’re proud to represent this family and share their works with our community, as well as work with our clients to commission one-of-a-kind works of art.

Could artistic talent be genetic? Is it all about nurturing artistic talent from a young age? Or maybe artistic dynasties share the very best lessons and techniques only within the family.

What is an Art Family?

An art family is exactly what it sounds like: a notable family of artists renowned for creating works that are often reminiscent of each other using similar techniques. A well-known example is the Picasso family. Pablo Picasso overshadowed the Picasso family, but his father, Jose Ruiz Blasco, was a notable drawing professor who taught at multiple prestigious institutions. While their art is not reminiscent of each other, his father’s recognition of his talent led him to attend the prestigious Real Academia de Bellas Artes in San Fernando. His family didn’t end there either, as his children Paloma and Claude became designers and photographers.

What Have Art Families Accomplished in the Modern Times?

In the modern era, there have been plenty of families that have contributed to modern art. Families of modern times bled from painting into film, photography, and ceramics. A great example is the Saars art family, who were heavily involved in the Black arts movement in the late 1970s. Their use of mixed media, ceramics, painting, and sculpture impacted the way that millions of people saw race, and their last generation won multiple museum collections. This is a great example of how these artist families can change people’s lives for generations past their original pieces. Now, the spotlight shines on the Rozenvain art family and their beautifully textured artwork, leaving the rest of us wondering where their next artwork will pop up.

Who are the Rozenvains?

The Rozenvains are an art family based in Canada. Their artwork is known for nature motifs, similar painting styles, and vibrant colors that leave a lasting impact. While each family member’s artwork is distinct, Rozenvain art is easily recognizable by its similar color palette and thick oil techniques.

Michael Rozenvain

Commissioned Michael Rozenvain painting of a moose at Marcus Ashley Gallery

As the patriarch of the Rozenvain art family, Michael Rozenvain definitely made his mark on the family technique. With most of his work being animal portraits or nature scenes, Michael’s thick oil palette gives viewers an illusion of texture and depth, while pops of color pepper his paintings. These pops of vibrant color are seen throughout other Rozenvain pieces, making the feature distinctive of the Rozenvain art family.

Born in Ukraine in 1963, Michael Rozenvain would go on to study at the Art School of Kieve, continuing his studies at the Academy of Applied Arts in Lvov. He met his future wife, Aleksandra, while studying in graduate school. Eventually, the couple would begin to look for inspiration from the cityscapes and nature of Europe. Artist families all draw their inspiration from somewhere, and the Rozenvains parent’s motifs also exist heavily in their children’s artworks.

Aleksandra Rozenvain

Beautiful Autumn Days commissioned painting of aspen and pine trees by Aleksandra Rozenvain

While the work of Aleksandra Rozenvain has similar recurring motifs to the rest of her family, we see a lot more landscape nature scenes built from square and rectangular shapes. While the bright color palette is still there, as well as the intricate texture, Aleksandras’ work certainly has a streak of individuality. While this isn’t uncommon in art families, this form of pointillism and contemporary impressionism is certainly unique. Her technique is a structured painting with a palette knife.

While artist families do have some diversity, Aleksandra’s influence on her family’s artwork is just as prevalent as Michaels, especially in nature and floral scenes. Aleksandra was also born in Ukraine, earning degrees in the same places as Michael.

Barak Rozenvain

Beautiful Alpine painting Barak Rozenvain commissioned art

Barak Rozenvain follows the nature theme closely, but innovates by combining sculpting and painting into one art form. While the rest of his family utilizes palette knives or multiple applications of thick paint, Barak recreates the beauty of Canadian mountains using earth materials such as clay and sand.

Like many children from art families, Barak grew up in a creative environment. Through spending hours in the family studio, a love of 3D art, and learning from his parents, he felt influenced to paint the beauty of nature just as his family did. While using vastly different methods, the Rozenvain art texture stays strong in its lineage.

Miri Rozenvain

Miri Rozenvain’s Follow Your Heart commissioned painting of a turtle

With similar striking colors, earthy texture, and natural themes, Miri Rozenvain‘s work borrows from all the other techniques of Rozenvain art. Using the colors to highlight the animal’s movement in a very striking way, Miri also builds texture using natural earth and stones. This is very similar to Barak’s method of placing clay and sand in order to create realistic sculptures. Miris’s style is very spontaneous and abstract compared to her other family members, but just as creative and expressive in the end.

Miri recreates a magical experience using her experience at the York University Visual Arts program in 2016. She was also inspired by the time with her artistic family and visiting many museums and international art galleries growing up. Exposed to all of this creativity, Miri used her love for wildlife as fuel to push her art to where it is today.

Commissioning One of a Kind Rozenvain Art for Your Home

What really makes the Rozenvain family stand out at Marcus Ashley Gallery is that their work is entirely customizable to the customer’s needs: you can commission a 100% unique, original, one-of-a-kind painting from any of the above artists. One of our art consultants will work with you and collaborate with the artist to ensure every detail of your dream painting is executed with precision and care.

To see more Rozenvain family artwork, visit the Marcus Ashley Gallery collection near the shores of South Lake Tahoe in California, or get in touch with us today to learn more about commissioning your next painting from this amazing art family.

Live Painting: Making Art in Real Time

One of the biggest trends in the art community today is live painting, where artists will paint in front of a live audience. Whether planned or improvisational, this art trend at music concerts, weddings, and art galleries has paved the way for smaller artists to hit the stage and gain more valuable exposure. Live event painting is a concept that has been innovated and is now more encapsulating than ever, thanks to the mix of technology, movement, and audience interaction. However, this daring new trend isn’t only secluded to events. Art establishments and galleries may be the ticket to catch your local live painter at their best!

Live art has a vibrant history. Becoming an established genre since the 1970s, it includes live painting, performance art, and more. While the term itself is relatively new, the history of live art is one of empowerment. Live painting is often a haven for artists who feel confined by the structures of what we would consider traditional art and pop culture. Doing live art and painting in a place that is specifically safe to experiment in, such as an art gallery, is something that all art lovers and audiences can appreciate. Whether watching a glow-in-the-dark painting come to life or watching a fine artist recreate a special moment, live art painting is experimental while still holding love for the art itself. Here is everything you should know about live artistry.

  • Local Art Events

Local art events are a great way to scope out some live art shows and support artists in your community. Live painting will be more prevalent at official art establishments and art galleries, but you can also find them at art festivals and art exhibitions in general. The cost of these events can vary widely according to what event you’re going to and whether you want access to extra content. Art fairs, live painting events, and festivals generally have a time where everyone can walk through free of charge but have the option to pay for VIP access and exclusive previews.

  • For Specific Artists

Once an artist establishes a reputation in their community, they can specialize in live scene painting in order to sell their artwork. Often, these artists have been practicing for years to perform in front of a live, limited audience. Whether it’s a local artist looking to show younger generations their craft or nationally recognized showstopping artists with their work on display, live art can be an excellent way for communities to come together. Often, specific artists will innovate on concepts and motifs in order to make their live painting show more appealing.

Some artists, such as Maya Evantov, will focus on traditional art with stylized nature paintings. In contrast, others, like Steve Barton, will concentrate on charming illustrations that conjure images of your favorite characters on the beach. With live painters such as Dave Archer, you get a heart-pumping experience and a beautiful galaxy scene with it! Live painting events are wildly different from each other, thanks to each artist’s creativity.

What are the Trends in Live Art?

While live painting is getting a lot of attention in the wedding and art industry, there are constant shifts in the industry. The most significant changes seem to be about the intersection of performance art and accessibility, with audience participation taking center stage. Similar to how Bob Ross would talk directly to the audience in a very gentle way, live artists include audience reception at higher rates. This varies from artist to artist, but trends will continue changing as live art becomes more popular in the United States.

Another trend we’ve been seeing is live event painting. On social media sites such as TikTok and Instagram, live wedding art has been making the rounds. Done often in outdoor settings, these artists work fast to capture special moments during weddings, anniversaries, or other special occasions. It also provides one-of-a-kind entertainment for art lovers at your special events. Before you pick a live painting or art for your special event, it is essential to see the artist’s portfolio and style before booking them. This keepsake of your event should be something you genuinely love and admire, so picking a style you know you’ll love should be a top priority.

How Can I Support Live Artists?

There are a lot of ways to support live artists! Whether you decide to go to a ticketed live show or an art festival, live artists are making their statement everywhere. Marcus Ashley Gallery has a schedule of upcoming events where you can support live artists in the South Lake Tahoe Area and sell their original artwork. Going to art galleries and watching live art painting is perfect for supporting your local live artists.

Contemporary Approaches to Still-Life Painting

Still-life painting has historically been one of the most prominent genres in Western painting. It originated in the Middle Ages, inspired by ancient Greco-Roman art. Dutch and Flemish painters, in particular, took to it in the 16th and 17th centuries, leading to it being recognized as a distinct art genre. As a matter of fact, the English word “still life” derives from the Dutch word “stilleven.”

Early still-life art often contained religious and mythological symbolism. Over time, artists steadily began to incorporate more relatable elements into their paintings. Contemporary still-life artists, inspired by 20th century pop culture, the “found art” mentality, and New Realism began to push the traditionally narrow boundaries of this genre to include elements like technology, media, and photography.

Modern still-life paintings are often defined by the representation of objects with a double characteristic. They’re inanimate and an indistinguishable part of daily life. However, on canvas, they’re given a new lease of life. Artists are inspired by the paradox of reimagining routine, everyday objects as something extraordinary, while dusting off an old genre through ultra-modern muses.

Contemporary Masters of Still-Life Painting

Read on to learn about the approach modern still-life painters use, including some whose work is showcased at Marcus Ashley Gallery.

Alexander Volkov

Summer Rain original still life painting in oil by Alexander Volkov
“Summer Rain” by Alexander Volkov, original oil on canvas

Alexander Volkov is the present-day master of realism. He paints stunning still lifes and landscapes that often center around themes of rural America, which he calls home. He often seeks to transport the viewer to an imaginary yet familiar environment where time moves slowly without the pressing distractions of modern life.

Born in St. Petersburg, he emigrated to the U.S. in 1989 has since built an impressive portfolio of contemporary still-life paintings. His favorite device is the interplay of light and shadow to lend mood and narrative to each piece. His works often serve as a focal point of light in any space, regardless of the intensity of illumination around. The artwork also tends to mimic the sun’s transition and the changes in natural lighting through the day.

Volkov considers himself “self-taught” only inasmuch as anyone who has constantly studied art and artists all his life can be self-taught. He draws inspiration from past masters like Vermeer, Rembrandt, and William Turner, but also from Einstein, Beethoven, and Tarkovsky, as well as the people he knew and grew up with, both artists and otherwise.

Eric Christensen

Eric Christensen is a watercolor hyperrealism artist. The phrase “watercolor hyperrealism” is a bit of an oxymoron, since they’re rarely seen together in the world of fine art. In fact, Christensen is today the only known artist capable of producing hyperrealistic art through standard transparent watercolors. He uses a patented technique to achieve this, which lends his paintings the look and feel of a high-definition photograph.

Over the years, he has built an impressive reputation for showcasing the California wine country. Based in Napa Valley, he creates modern landscapes and contemporary still-life paintings that feel grand and intimate at the same time. They often incorporate a variety of elements including wine, food, flowers, and fruit, all rendered in vibrant, saturated colors.

Christensen spends a lot of time photographing his subjects before he gets down to painting them. Each piece takes months to finish and he only releases four to five originals each year.

Shades of Summer by Eric Christensen

“Shades of Summer” by Eric Christensen, original watercolor on paper

Michael Flohr

Martini for Two by Michael Flohr
“Martini for Two” by Michael Flohr, limited edition giclee

Michael Flohr’s contemporary still-life paintings are like nothing you’ve ever seen in the genre. His style is perhaps best described as a kaleidoscope of impressionism and abstract expressionism. His art captures scenes of busy city life, including rainswept city streets, bars, and cafes, often with a very retro feel. He doesn’t necessarily paint to invite deep technical appraisal. Rather, he likes creating paintings that simply bring beauty and please the eye.

Inspired by Cezanne, Flohr too uses pigment straight from the tube to create vivid backdrops with bold brushstrokes and almost a mosaic effect.

Maya Eventov

Floral Hydrangea by Maya Eventov

Floral Hydrangea – 189427 by Maya Eventov, original acrylic on canvas

Maya Eventov’s work is often a smorgasbord of bold and gossamer pastel hues that seem to thrum with life. Her contemporary still-life paintings use rich textures, expressive paint strokes, and exquisite light work to create an imaginative world that never fails to draw you in.

Eventov was born in St. Petersburg, where she spent countless hours at local museums studying the work of post-impressionist masters. She developed her trademark technique of etching in oil from Fabergé egg designs she encountered during this time. In 1990, she immigrated to Canada, where she lives with her family. Her present-day work often draws inspiration from Mediterranean themes with bright colored floral arrangements.

Browse More Contemporary Still-Life Paintings at Marcus Ashley Gallery

Still-life aficionado? Browse through our extensive collection of still-life paintings for sale at Marcus Ashley Gallery. We host works from national and international artists, many of them modern-day greats of still-life painting. 

Explore our gallery’s art services, including custom framing and financing options to enrich your buying experience. Reach out to our art consultants for expert advice on contemporary still-life paintings.

Best Types of Decorative Sculpture for Each Space in Your Home

Placing sculptures is an excellent way to take your home decor to the next level. It brings an extra dimension to your living space by bringing art off the walls and into the room. Sculptures are a very versatile device as well. They come in many different sizes, styles, and mediums and can accommodate a variety of interior color palettes. You can use a sculpture as everything from the centerpiece of a room to a coffee table display and it will create impact.

It’s a good idea to plan your artwork picks and interior decor together to preserve aesthetic harmony across your home. Sculptures with muted color palettes tend to draw attention to their form and design. However, when framed against a similarly-hued wall, much of their appeal is glossed over. Try to incorporate subtle contrast through accent walls and tablescapes as you place your artwork.

Read on for tips on using decorative sculptures for your home’s unique spaces.

Entryway

Sculptures can be a great way to welcome your guests and can often set the tone for the rest of the house. Feng shui and Buddhas are a popular choice as decor elements facing the front door. The belief is that when chi enters the home and encounters the positive aura of a deity, it casts an auspicious vibe throughout the place. Other decorative sculpture options include artsy key bowls and imaginative coat hangers.

Living Room

A living room is the perfect place to go big with your sculpture decor. If you’re into large scale art and want a piece that dominates a space, this is where it should go. Figurative sculptures, in particular, can add a lot of personality to a room. Some of Michael Parke’s creations, for instance, can be a very impactful presence. They’re beautifully crafted pieces that borrow from mythological themes and typically have an interesting story to go with them.

On the other hand, if you like really expressive artwork with a more modern touch, consider some of Boris Kramer’s work. He creates exquisite hand-forged figurative metal sculptures that evoke intensity and dynamism. They’re great attention-grabbers and conversation starters.

Three Graces decorative sculpture by Boris Kramer

You can also make small-to-mid-sized decorative sculptures more visible in your home by adding a pedestal or base. Sculptures should ideally be displayed at eye level for optimal viewing. Some of Jack Storms’ cold glass sculptures are perfect for pairing with a raised pedestal in your living room. They’re awe-inspiring, skilfully-crafted pieces that are bound to create interesting conversation.

For something more understated, consider stainless steel or monolithic sculptures. These are usually great for pairing with other restrained artwork to create an attractive display.

Bedroom

Desert Palm by Lyman Whitaker

Your bedroom decor is a chance to let you be you. Add some decorative sculptures that lend these spaces a welcoming and comforting vibe. Lyman Whitaker creates beautiful wind sculptures that are best placed near a window or balcony. Inspired by his love of the environment, they create mesmerizing movements that you can admire for hours on end. Aim for color coordination between your sculptures and surrounding elements. People tend to favor neutral palettes for their bedrooms. You could try mixing in a few vivid statuettes to add a pop of color.

Pay special attention to your tablescapes and shelves. Curate some nice smaller scale sculptures to make those surfaces stand out. Some of Mackenzie Thorpe’s pieces are great for adding cheer and positive vibes to your bedroom.

Study

This can be a tricky place in your home for decorative sculptures. You want something that stands out and blends in at the same time. Think about your own interest and what you want the vibe of the place to be. Creative? Contemplative? Rustic? Pick something that inspires you to get down to work. Maybe even add a desk muse to your workstation. Loet Vanderveen’s animal sculptures are an excellent choice for this. Their intricate designs and beautiful patinas make them a lovely addition to any space.

Corridors

Don’t neglect your passageways. Decorative sculptures and artwork can help break up the monotony of a long corridor or staircase. Mackenzie Thorpe‘s emotive sculptures are a great way to perk up these spaces. Consider having recessed alcoves or shelves built into your walls to create a mini sculpture gallery. Alternatively, hallways are also a good place to add some display cabinets to showcase your artwork.

Bathroom

A well apportioned bathroom is one of the most underrated decor decisions. Thoughtfully placed artwork can lift the vibe of the space and make those long baths a truly decadent experience. Decorative sculptures are a good choice for this; they’re much less susceptible to spoilage from condensation than say an art canvas. 

Vases and finely carved figurative sculptures tend to be popular picks. Opt for sculptures made from ceramic or natural materials that don’t rust over time. If something quirky or eccentric is more your taste, consider some of Frogman’s jewel-toned creations. Inspired by amphibious and seaborne creatures, they’re a fitting choice for the bathroom.

Aurora by Frogman

Dining Room

Dining room decor can subtly influence the mood, conversation, and even appetite of those in there. Some polished metal and ceramic decorative sculptures can give the space a stately, elegant feeling. For a more homely, rustic vibe consider wooden sculptures. Malcolm Tibbetts practices segmented woodturning, a rare technique that demands a lot of patience and skill from the artist. His pieces combine complexity, creativity, and the natural appeal of wood. They’re a good fit for places like the dining room and even kitchen.

Browse More Decorative Sculptures at Marcus Ashley Gallery

If you feel inspired by some of the suggestions here or you’re in the process of curating artwork for your space, be sure to browse through our gallery. Our collection includes artwork from internationally-renowned sculptors and features some rare and truly fascinating sculpting techniques. 

Reach out to our art consultants for advice on choosing the perfect decorative sculpture for your home. Browse through all the services we provide to enhance your art experience, including home previews and excellent financing options. We ship across the continental U.S. and all artwork is insured till it reaches your doorstep.

How To Collect & Display Art For Living Rooms

Your living room is your sanctuary and the centerpiece of your home. It’s where people come to gather and relax in a space that is uniquely yours. That’s why choosing art for living rooms is so important — and so tricky!

With decades in the gallery business, we have many pro tips on how to choose and hang living room art decor properly.We’ll explore our key 9 recommendations below:

  1. Choose Living Room Art Decor Wisely
  2. Make Sure People Won’t Lean On Over-Sofa Art
  3. Choose The Width of Over-Fireplace Art Correctly
  4. Use Paper or Cardboard to Plan Out Art Hanging
  5. Leave At Least 4 Inches Of Margin Space
  6. Use The Right Hanging Materials for Heavy Artwork
  7. Use A Level!
  8. Hang A Salon-Style Gallery Wall Correctly
  9. Consider Leaving Curating, Hanging, & Framing to a Professional

What You’ll Need

  • A level
  • A piece of paper or cardboard cut out to the size of your artwork
  • Rulers or measuring tape
  • Painter’s tape
  • Nails or screws, depending on the size and weight of your artwork
  • A hammer or drill
  • The right drill bit for your screws and wall material
  1. Choose Living Room Art Decor Wisely

Choosing the right art for living rooms is the hardest part of the process. You want art in your living room that:

  • Speaks to you on a personal level
  • Makes the space feel inviting and welcoming (it is a room for living, after all)
  • Fits in your space and coordinates with your color scheme

Sometimes you have artwork in mind right away, but other times, picking the right living room art decor can cause stressful indecision. It doesn’t have to be so difficult if you know a few tips. When it comes to choosing living room art prints, keep these factors in mind. 

  • Scale. Is your artwork too big or too small? Make sure you choose the correct margins and you’re hanging most pieces at eye level (more on that below).
  • Height. Do you have enough wall height to hang the artwork at eye level, or will it look cramped? 
  • Color. Does your artwork suit your interior’s color scheme?
  1. Make Sure People Won’t Lean On Over-Sofa Art

Hanging art for your living room over your sofa is a great idea, but watch out: don’t hang your artwork so low that people can accidentally lean on it! 

Don’t fall for this pitfall, even if you think the artwork looks better if it’s slightly lower. Your artwork needs to stay safe and your space needs to stay liveable at the same time. 

  1. Choose The Width of Over-Fireplace Art Correctly

Hanging living room art decor over a mantle? A general rule of thumb is to ensure the width of the painting is about as wide as the opening of the fireplace itself, not the full mantle. This gives an even and “correct” visual appeal.

  1. Use Paper or Cardboard to Plan Out Art Hanging

If you’re not sure if your artwork is the right size, cut out a piece of cardboard with the same dimensions and hang it up with painter’s tape in your desired space. Afterwards, mark the ideal spot with pencil.

  1. Leave At Least 4 Inches Of Margin Space

A crucial principle of visual design when choosing art for living rooms is creating balance by sticking to consistent margins. If your artwork or furniture is separate from each other, the brain will not blend them together. To the untrained eye, it simply looks less busy or messy.

A good rule of thumb is to leave at least 4 inches of margin space between artworks. 

  1. Use The Right Hanging Materials for Heavy Artwork

Solid wood or metal frames can be very heavy, and the last thing you want is for your valuable living room art prints to fall!

Learn what you’re drilling into. If you’re drilling into concrete or brick, you’ll need a concrete drill bit and a wall anchor. If you’re drilling into wood, a normal drill bit will suffice, and you should still use an anchor for added safety. Try not to hang on drywall, but if you absolutely must, use a toggle bolt and stick to its weight rating. 

  1. Use A Level!

Please use a level when you’re hanging your artwork! This easy and inexpensive tool makes all the difference. Your eyes can deceive you, especially when you’re hanging artwork up close, and constantly shifting your piece back and forth might drive you a little crazy. Use a level for every hanging, both when measuring for the drill holes and when actually hanging it. 

  1. Hang A Salon-Style Gallery Wall Correctly

A salon-style gallery wall with many pieces of artwork grouped together can be quite an involved process to create. You can spend a long time obsessing over correctly grouping and positioning art for living rooms.

We have a few tips on how to create the right gallery-style art wall in your living room. 

  • Make sure spacing is consistent! An even spacing between each artwork will make the overall feel much neater and more intentional-feeling. 
  • Symmetry isn’t always necessary. If you have many different works of different sizes, trying to force symmetry and balance is less natural than embracing the asymmetry and hanging the artwork in a varied cluster. 
  • Put the central artwork at eye level. 
  1. Consider Leaving Curating, Hanging, & Framing to a Professional

When in doubt, the best decision can be for a professional gallery curator or interior designer to frame your pieces and choose the location of your paintings for you. If you’re worried you’re going to mess it up and you don’t have an eye for design yourself, you may never be satisfied with what you create. In these cases, you may be happier spending the small extra amount hiring a professional to help curate art for your living room. 

Consider reaching out to the professionals at Marcus Ashley Gallery. If you’re in the Lake Tahoe area, we can even take pieces from our gallery to arrange a private showing in your home. This way, you can see for yourself in person how our pieces look in your space. 
For any more questions or to work with one of our art consultants directly on your art selection, don’t hesitate to contact us.

How to Decorate with Large Scale Art

The difference between decorating with regular-sized art and larger artwork is that while the former serves to enhance your space, you can often plan your room around the latter. Large scale original paintings, photographs, sculptures, and fine art prints can easily stand by themselves and serve as the centerpiece of the room.

By the same coin, they can also create unexpected outcomes. Because large scale art tends to have an outsized influence on its surroundings, it’s a good idea to put some thought into the kind of artwork you choose, where you install it, and how you showcase it. If you’re considering buying a large piece of artwork for your space or looking for tips to install it, this blog is an excellent starting point for you.

Installing Large Scale Art: How to DIY

If you’re researching how to install a large scale painting or sculpture by yourself, it’s easy to get inundated with confusing advice as well as overlook some crucial things. Here are some basic tips to get you started on the right foot:

Find the Correct Level

Ensure you find the right height to hang your art before you begin boring holes into your wall. There are some tried and tested metrics you can follow for this. Ideally, your large scale art should be hung so that its midpoint is about 60 inches above the floor. If it’s going to be hung in the bedroom or sitting room, leave 8-10 inches between the bottom of the artwork and the headboard or the back of the sofa. Hang it around six inches above the surface of the mantel — unless you intend to place it on the mantel have it lean against the wall.

Use a measuring tape to determine the right height to place your fixings. Mark off your drill spots with a hard charcoal pencil so that it’s easy to erase. Use a step ladder so that you’re stable throughout the process and to ensure you’ve made your markings correctly. 

Use a Stud Finder

It’s important to understand the structure of your walls when you’re installing large scale art. They may often have water pipes and electricity lines running through them. In modern homes, these are usually channeled around the edges of the walls, but this isn’t always the case for older houses. If you drill in the wrong spot, you might end up puncturing a pipe or nicking an electric cable.

A stud finder is a device that helps you locate the studs in your walls. Studs are heavy wooden beams that serve as a frame for your whole structure and are better equipped to support heavier objects like a large scale painting. 

Pay Attention to Fixings

When hanging any kind of flat artwork, it’s always recommended to use double fixings on either side of the painting, rather than a single, central fixing. This helps prevent your artwork from leaning forward or moving every time someone brushes past.

With large scale art, it’s better to employ slightly bigger fixings than you might think necessary. A couple of screws on a simple plaster wall aren’t likely to support a large painting for very long.

If you’re looking for professional advice to correctly install your new artwork, the art consultants at Marcus Ashley Gallery will be delighted to help you out. 

Decorating with Large Artwork

Large scale art is more than just a painting or a sculpture that happens to be oversized. It’s meant to command a space and be an immersive experience. When you’re displaying it, you’ll want to ensure that there’s harmony between the art and its surroundings, so that it’s an intriguing presence rather than a jarring one. The last thing you want is to splurge on a piece of art and display it in a room with a number of other distractions that take away from the effect of your largest showpiece.

Consider some of these ideas when choosing and displaying your new artwork:

Enhance an Accent Wall

An accent wall is often the perfect backdrop for large scale art. It can elevate the effect of an imposing painting or sculpture and together serve as the star attraction in your home. Depending on how impactful your accent wall is to begin with, you could try adding in a minimalistic canvas with neutral hues and large brushstrokes for a timeless feel. You could also use it as a backdrop for a white marble sculpture, using the contrast to accentuate the artwork.

Over the Fireplace

This is a favored place for most people to hang a large scale painting or photograph. It works quite well since a fireplace is often the focal point of a room, especially a sitting room. It can create interesting conversation among your guests, allowing them to appreciate it together. In fact, it’s a great way to ensure that a stunning piece of art doesn’t go unnoticed. Everything from landscapes to abstract artwork and mixed media originals work well for this setting. You could also try placing it on the mantel and lean against the wall for a more eclectic, laid-back vibe.

Above the Sofa

This is another excellent spot in your living room to hang large scale art. If your sofa is set against a blank stretch of wall, try framing it with a large painting. Choose complementary colors paired with pillows and drapes to retain a uniform aesthetic throughout the space.

Against a Stairwell

Have a long stairwell? Give it some character with a large scale painting. Try adding something with narrative or movement, such as a period piece or a mythological depiction, so that your guests can appreciate it better as they’re moving across it. 

Over the Bed

This is perhaps the ultimate way to indulge your individuality with large scale art. Since not everyone has access to your bedroom, what you display there has special meaning. Don’t hesitate to be bold and expressive in the artwork you put up — perhaps an imposing portrait or photograph or something that’s personally meaningful to you.

Centerpiece for an Open Space

Sculptures and other large scale art creations are the perfect way to add some character and focus to a big empty space, such as a building’s lobby, your home’s foyer, or a massive hallway in your home. It’s an ideal setting to showcase a sizable sculpture, since people have 360° access to it, with plenty of space to move around and admire all the little details the sculptor would want them to notice.

Explore Large Scale Art at Marcus Ashley Gallery

Marcus Ashley Gallery hosts an extensive collection of large-sized artwork from a range of talented artists. Browse through some of their work below and on our website.

Aleksandra Rozenvain

Aleksandra Rozenvain is a contemporary impressionist. She creates stunning cityscapes and landscapes that showcase some of her favorite settings from around the world. Her art is an interesting mix of a very structured technique and experimentation with her medium of work. She lives in Toronto with her husband Michael Rozenvain, also an established artist featured at Marcus Ashley Gallery.

Dazzling City of Love by Aleksandra Rozenvain
Dazzling City of Love by Aleksandra Rozenvain

2Wild

2Wild is a collaborative collection from the brother-sister duo of Barak and Miri Rozenvain. Inspired by their rural upbringing, they’re both drawn to natural and wildlife-oriented themes. Much like their parents, Aleksandra and Michael, they too like to combine unconventional mediums in their artwork. However, their experimentation is much bolder and results in stunning mixed-media large scale art that is a joy to decipher and appreciate.

Tahoe Magic large scale art by 2Wild
Tahoe Magic by 2Wild

Jon Paul

Jon Paul’s nature photography is breathtaking in its scope and impressive for the technical skill it showcases. He uses a large format photo film camera to capture his panoramic images and blends it with images from a small digital camera to highlight smaller details and nuances. His large scale art photos are available as both aluminum and paper prints.

Wolf Moon by Jon Paul
Wolf Moon by Jon Paul
My Butterfly stainless sculpture by Mackenzie Thorpe
My Butterfly-Stainless by Mackenzie Thorpe

Mackenzie Thorpe

Mackenzie Thorpe is an internationally renowned artist from Middlesbrough, UK. His work expresses a range of human emotion, often centering on themes of love and friendship, which he considers the most important thing in the world.

He creates both paintings and sculptures. The latter, in particular, are excellent examples of large scale art, sculpted with metals like bronze and stainless steel.

Boris Kramer

Boris Kramer creates exquisite figurative sculptures that are often larger-than-life. He uses mediums like bronze, steel, copper, and brass. Kramer is fascinated by human relationships and his work often showcases human-like figures engaged in exuberant dance routines, always evoking intensity and dynamism. His large scale art sculptures are perfect additions for open private and public spaces.

Monuments sculpture by Boris Kramer
Monuments by Boris Kramer

Learn More with Marcus Ashley Gallery

If you’re keen on decorating with large artwork, reach out to our art consultants today for help in finding the perfect piece for your space. With our gallery, you have access to a number of services, including home previews and private art shows to give you a sense of what your new large scale art might look like in your space. We also offer excellent financing options as well as annual certificates of replacement value for all your artwork.

Our Favorite Summer Lake Tahoe Activities

The turquoise blue waters and mountain landscape of Lake Tahoe make for an idyllic and rejuvenating vacation all year round. Summer Lake Tahoe activities are endless — from boating to sunbathing to hiking to everything in between.

South Lake Tahoe, the gorgeous lakeside town where our very own Marcus Ashley Gallery is located, is also packed with fun in summer. South Lake Tahoe summer activities include live music, fine dining, boating experiences, tours, and much more.

There’s so much to do in summer you might just have to come back year after year! Read our favorite ideas and get inspired to make your vacation itinerary.

  • Kayaking or trekking to a secret beach

One of the top things to do for leisure around South Lake Tahoe is to find the hidden nooks and crannies around the lake, including the hidden beach. Kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding are essential summer Lake Tahoe activities anyways, but you should also try to reach new shores with your vessels!

The famous Hidden Beach is tucked away on the beautiful East Shore, and can be accessed by a mile-long trail or a boat. This popular beach is also the only place in Lake Tahoe that allows nude sunbathing and swimming, so if that doesn’t float your boat (or kayak), just be aware.

  • Hiking the mountain trails

We can’t imagine how you could pack a summer in Lake Tahoe with activities but not include a hiking trail! There are so many gorgeous state parks and lakeside paths to hike that outdoor enthusiasts are spoiled for choice.

We love the famous Rubicon Trail that has an end in our own South Lake Tahoe. A popular summer activity, hiking this trail will connect you with both D.L. Bliss State Park and Emerald Bay State Park. It’s almost seven miles one way, so you’ll need to pack a lunch, and consider parking two cars on each end of the park if you can.

Make sure you follow dog guidelines (on some trails, a dog must be kept on a leash), and make sure a hike isn’t too strenuous for everyone involved in advance. Hiking is one of the best ways you can enjoy the beauty of Lake Tahoe and truly immerse yourself in the gorgeous, serene wild.

  • Zip lining and ropes courses

Monkeying around on zip lines and ropes courses is a fun thing to do in a South Lake Tahoe summer! There are plenty of courses and guided zip line tours that let you see the beautiful scenery from above.

The Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park, for example, is full of courses that have you interacting and exploring up in the air for about two hours each. People of all ages can do these courses, so they’re great for a family. This is not a passive zip lining tour where you glide over the canopy; this is an interactive obstacle course you have to make your way through.

Heavenly Mountain Resort also has a range of rock climbing walls, zip lines, and ropes courses to enjoy, making visiting it a very popular South Lake Tahoe summer activity. We also love the dining and views at this resort!

  • Cycling and mountain biking

Lake Tahoe is a biker’s paradise. Whether you like adventurous mountain biking or simply a roll around a flat path, you’re in the right place. Cycling is a very popular summer Lake Tahoe activity, and for good reason.

One of our favorite cycling destinations is the Pope-Baldwin bike path. This path is conveniently paved, so you won’t need a mountain bike or rough terrain biking skills. It takes you through old growth forests and to several gorgeous beaches, including Kiva Beach. This is also a great activity for kids, as it has plenty of stops and a breezy terrain.

  • Indulging in fine dining and live music lakeside

There’s no better place for dining and events than in South Lake Tahoe! You will never run out of dining options, whether you like Asian fusion, Irish pubs, or anything in between. You can find casual fare as well as gourmet, 5-star dining, so vacationers on every budget can find something delicious.

Check out our article on our local dining recommendations to grab some more ideas for fun things to do in South Lake Tahoe summer.

  • Visit our art gallery in South Lake Tahoe

When you’re planning your summer Lake Tahoe activities, don’t forget to include a visit to Marcus Ashley Gallery. Our world-renowned gallery is a feast for the imagination, and visitors of all ages will appreciate the variety, skill, and creativity we have on display.

Come explore 4400 square feet of paintings, sculptures, books, gifts, and even a rare and exclusive Dr. Seuss collection. You might even want to pick up a souvenir of your vacation in the form of local Lake Tahoe artwork inspired by the beautiful landscape. We have fully-insured international shipping, custom framing, and every service a collector could need. Come check us out year-round. We’d be happy to welcome you into our gallery.

Spring Gift Guide: Our Top Gift Ideas For Spring

What do you get for the art lover who has everything this spring? At Marcus Ashley Gallery, our collection is blooming with unique art and innovative artists who are at the forefront of contemporary art. If you’re looking for a unique art gift idea for spring, look no further. Whether you’re seeking a small-size piece like a Loet Vanderveen bronze animal sculpture or something on a grander scale like a commissioned piece by Miri Rozenvain, we have something for every visual aesthetic.

Explore a selection of our favorites below and browse our full collection online to find the perfect gift this season or any time of year.

Blue cubic crystal sculpture entitled Blue Spectrum by Jack Storms at Marcus Ashley Gallery
Blue Spectrum by Jack Storms

A Jack Storms original sculpture has no perfect imitation in the world. Very few people can blend optic crystal, dichroic glass, and spectrum glass in such a fascinating way. A Storms sculpture is an exquisite, unique art gift that will be cherished by any lucky recipient for generations.

These sculptures are such a kaleidoscopic marvel that they seem almost computer generated, even though they’re meticulously crafted by hand with special machinery. These sculptures have a science fiction-like, otherworldly appeal, and indeed, some were even featured in a Guardians of the Galaxy film!

Animated gif of a copper wind sculpture entitled Double Spinner by Lyman Whitaker at Marcus Ashley Gallery
Double Spinner by Lyman Whitaker

These stunning sculptures by Lyman Whitaker are mesmerizing in a garden, front yard, or public space. We adore the optical effects Whitaker manages to achieve, and the floral motifs and its function as outdoor decor make it a perfect gift idea for spring. His pieces are what first greet our gallery visitors outside of our South Lake Tahoe gallery and make a lasting impression.

With a Whitaker sculpture, you will not only have a visual marvel, but also sublime craftsmanship and mechanical integrity. Whitaker has been making these sculptures for over 50 years, and he’s well-respected for his innovative designs and reliable construction. If you’re looking for an outdoor sculpture, a Whitaker original is ideal.

Glass sculpture of a purple frog and orange flowers entitled California Gold by artist Frogman at Marcus Ashley Gallery
California Gold by Tim Cotterill “Frogman”

A Frogman sculpture would make a fantastic Mother’s Day gift in May! Rather than giving your mother a set of flowers that wilt after a few days or so, give your mother a one-of-a-kind glass flower sculpture by an artist of renown. These keepsakes are created to simply put a smile on your face, and to us, that’s certainly a gift worth giving.

Colorful still life of wine, fruit, and flowers entitled Gold Rush by Eric Christensen
Gold Rush by Eric Christensen

A vibrant Eric Christensen painting is a remarkable gift idea for spring. These paintings are utterly awestriking in their realism, and the curators and collectors at Marcus Ashley Gallery simply can’t get enough.

Christensen is an undisputed master of his craft. You might not believe it, but these hyper-realistic paintings are actually watercolor! Christensen’s signature watercolor technique allows him to go beyond the look of a photograph and create a magical brightness and charm that transports viewers to the countryside. A Christensen limited edition or original would certainly be a unique art gift to remember this spring.

  • A Unique Art Book

An art book is a wonderful gift for any art lover, all times of year. We have plenty of recommendations from our gallery.

Out of the Shadows by Mackenzie Thorpe is a heartwarming story of the artist’s life and journey towards becoming an artist. Scratching the Surface covers the life and career of Sally Maxwell, a nature artist with phenomenal realism and an entrancing style. New Horizons is full of beautiful nature illustrations by Charles H. Pabst, whose mission in art is simply to “give joy and happiness.”

An art book would be an ideal gift idea for a spring graduate, especially if your grad majored in art or design!

Painting of a tropical scene and The Little Mermaid characters entitled Dreaming by Steve Barton
Dreaming by Steve Barton

Kick off the light-heartedness of spring with a delightful Steve Barton painting. These bold and colorful creations have an aura of fun and whimsy, and they’re also technically brilliant and make fine collectors’ pieces art lovers can appreciate. Take your gift to the next level and choose one of his trademark Wavy pieces, where the frame is just as much a piece of art as the painting within it.

Steve Barton is also a Lake Tahoe lover who takes plenty of his passion and inspiration from the beautiful nature seen in Tahoe and the Sierra Nevadas. If you’ve visited our gallery in South Lake Tahoe and you’re looking for a piece to commemorate your stay, look no further than our collection of Steve Barton paintings.

Realistic artwork of a wildcat entitled Stepping Out by Sally Maxwell
Stepping Out by Sally Maxwell

Sally Maxwell is a master of making the personalities and spirits of wild animals come alive through art. Her signature black backgrounds make for an eye-catching showstopper on any wall.

Amazingly, her artwork is not paint on canvas. She uses a unique scratchboard technique to achieve her crisp lines and bold contrast, a medium which few contemporary artists have mastered. A Maxwell limited edition or original is a fine gift for any art appreciator and animal lover.

Find More Unique Art Gifts at Marcus Ashley Gallery

We’ve barely scratched the surface of what our expansive gallery and online collection have to offer. Marcus Ashley Gallery is a destination for art lovers in the heart of South Lake Tahoe, and our extensive range of gallery services online and in-person make us the perfect place to find an art gift idea for spring. Contact us for more information about any of the artists in this guide or for help finding the perfect gift for your family. We’re here to help!

The History of Realistic and Hyperrealistic Art

Hyperrealism is a relatively new form of art. It describes artwork that looks incredibly lifelike and is often mistaken for the real thing. At a distance, it’s easy to confuse a hyperrealistic painting or sculpture for an actual photograph or object. This is quite deliberate. Artists create an illusion of reality by using special techniques to create their artwork. As a genre, Hyperrealism is distinct from Photorealism and Realism, although it evolved from them. To understand the history of the hyperrealistic art movement, it’s worth taking a look at the history of its precursors.

Realism and Photorealism

Realism was born in the mid-19th century in post-revolutionary France. Until then, the art world was dominated by styles like Romanticism and Late Baroque, which were all about idealistic portrayals of the world. Their subjects were often borrowed from myth and theology and were showcased in imaginary, dramatic settings. It was akin to artistic escapism.

Realism artists rejected these notions and sought to create art that was grounded in reality. Painters like Gustave Courbet and Jean-Francois Millet exemplified this style. They painted scenes that depicted working-class themes and common folk. It was authentic art that showed the world for what it was, without dressing it up or avoiding unpleasantness.

Photorealism emerged in the late 1960s in the U.S. It built on the Realism movement and the popularity of photography. Photorealists would take a photo and attempt to reproduce it exactly with paint on canvas. Their subjects were often pop-culture objects and urban American settings. Richard Estes and Chuck Close were some of the first Photorealist artists and indeed went on to pioneer Hyperrealism artwork later on.

Evolution of Hyperrealistic Art

Unlike Photorealist artists, Hyperrealists don’t seek to copy their subjects exactly. Rather, they use their photographs only as a reference point and go on to add elements and themes that appeal to them. Broadly speaking, Photorealists dispassionately and accurately reproduce what they see. Hyperrealists deliberately infuse their creations with emotion and narrative to evoke greater meaning. By adding context and complexity, they hope to make their artwork come across as natural and indistinguishable from the reference material.

Hyperrealistic art first began to gain a following in the 1970s. The movement was recognized internationally when it participated in the 1972 edition of documenta, the Modern and Contemporary Art exhibition in Kassel, Germany. The term ‘Hyperrealism’ was coined a year later by Isy Brachot, a Belgian art dealer. In 1973, he hosted an exhibition which featured the work of several prominent American Photorealists. He called it L’hyperréalisme.

However, despite its roots, it wasn’t until the early 2000s that Hyperrealism evolved into the independent art form it is today. Modern Hyperrealism combines traditional artistry with newfound techniques by leveraging advances in technology.

Hyperrealism Artwork: Tools and Techniques

By definition, hyperrealistic art imitates reality — not necessarily in the details of what the actual object looks like, but rather in its ability to make the viewer believe it’s a real object or photograph. For instance, if the reference photograph shows a person with an impassive expression, the artist may choose to add a grin or a wink to the painting. However, the objective is to make you believe they’re both real photographs.

This requires a great deal of technical prowess and dedication to achieve. It also creates new opportunities for experimentation and artistic application. Hyperrealistic art can incorporate photographic limitations like perspective, depth of focus, and range of focus. Artists even go so far as to accentuate photographic anomalies, such as fractalization, in their artwork in order to emphasize its digital origins.

In this sense, the subject of Hyperrealism artwork isn’t just the image in the photograph, but the photograph itself. It’s tendencies like these that define Hyperrealism as a distinct and mature genre.

Hyperrealist artists employ the same art tools that have been in use for centuries, including paint, ink, charcoal, graphite, clay, marble, and so on. However, they make some allowances for mechanically transferring the images to the canvas or mold to simulate reality. Aids like grayscale underpainting, grid tools, and photographic slide projections onto canvas are common. Hyperrealistic art sculptors will often apply polyesters directly onto the human body or mold for greater fidelity.

Modern technology has its part to play too. Digital art, created with the help of special software and gear, is a popular way to create hyperrealist sketches and paintings. Working digitally, the artist can incorporate effects and elements into the art that would be impossible to capture with photography.

Modern Exponents of Hyperrealistic Art

Hyperrealism artwork can have a variety of subject matters, ranging from portraits to still lifes, landscapes, figurative art, and more. Each artist will often develop a niche that intrigues them. Marcus Ashley Gallery hosts a wide selection of artwork from modern masters of Realism and Hyperrealism.

Eric Christensen

Eric Christensen is a watercolor Hyperrealist. In fact, he’s the only known artist able to produce hyperrealistic art through standard transparent watercolors. His muse is the California wine country. He creates incredibly vibrant and lifelike landscapes and still lifes around this theme. He does this using a patented watercolor technique that allows him to transcend the look and feel of a high-definition photograph.

Many of his works are based on real locations. He spends a lot of time extensively photographing his subjects before he gets down to recreating them in paint. Each painting takes months to complete. Christensen releases only four or five originals every year.

Shades of Summer hyperrealistic art by Eric Christensen
Shades of Summer by Eric Christensen

John-Mark Gleadow

John-Mark Gleadow’s paintings look like something straight out of a bibliophile’s Instagram. His paintings typically show a series of books stacked together on a shelf. You’re drawn in by the book titles in what you think is a photo, until you spot something off about it. You realize that while the image appears to be a photograph in every sense, it couldn’t possibly be one.

Gleadow’s hyperrealistic art is created using oil on canvas. He prefers oils because of their richness and permanence. Gleadow enjoyed success as an artist quite early in life and his work is well recognized worldwide. His influences include Salvador Dali, Vermeer, and Rene Magritte.

Bibliotheque III Hyperrealism artwork by John-Mark-Gleadow
Bibliotheque III by John-Mark Gleadow

Alexander Volkov

Alexander Volkov’s still-life and landscape paintings are some of the most captivating images of rural America you’re likely to come across. His realistic and hyperrealistic art is loved internationally for the beautiful interplay of light that characterizes each piece. He skilfully uses lighting to create mood and infuse narrative into his artwork. A Volkov original tends to draw you in and make you lose track of time as you’re appreciating it.

Volkov is self-taught, but only in the conventional sense. He believes that there is learning and inspiration all around you if you’re willing to pay attention to it. Some of his early influences include Vermeer, Rembrandt, and William Turner. He has recently forayed into the world of sculpture as well.

Aspen Sunset by Alexander Volkov
Aspen Sunset by Alexander Volkov

Explore Hyperrealistic Art at Marcus Ashley Gallery

If you’re fascinated by this art style, learn more about it at Marcus Ashley Gallery. Our expert art consultants will be delighted to introduce you to some modern Hyperrealism artwork maestros and give you an insight into their process.

Explore all the art services our gallery offers, including custom framing, home previews, and affordable financing. Get fully insured international shipments of your hyperrealistic art and free shipping in the continental U.S.

The Hyper-Realistic Paintings of John-Mark Gleadow

True hyper-realistic paintings are both a trick and treat for the eye. When this technique is masterfully achieved, one can feel like they’re looking through glass at a real object for a moment. Learning this art form takes many years of focus, practice, and determination.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the technique behind one of the most fascinating and beautiful artists on display at Marcus Ashley Gallery, John-Mark Gleadow. Gleadow specializes in book spine art that is so rich and vivid that it seems photographic. Indulge in his unbelievable creations and explore the pieces you can envision in your personal collection.

Dissecting Hyper-Realism

Like any art form, one can appreciate hyper-realism even more if they have an understanding of the techniques and skill required behind it. Hyper-realism already looks impressive to the untrained eye, but it’s even more mind-blowing when you’ve attempted to paint anything yourself.

Hyper-realism is not as simple as copying exactly what you see — far from it. To achieve hyper-realism with paint, you must have a remarkably perfect command of color mixing and an understanding of how color interplays with light, both of which are immensely hard to grasp even in computer-generated imagery. Doing it by hand requires patience and many, many years of practice.

Often, paintings that are not hyper-realistic seem a bit too perfect. This makes them beautiful in a way, naturally, but it also gives a sense of fantasy and surreality. To create a hyper-realistic painting, one must embrace imperfections and learn how to imitate the unpredictability and variety of nature.

There is a small difference between photorealism and hyper-realism. Photorealism strives to perfectly emulate a particular photograph, while hyper-realism attempts to go even further beyond by emulating real life as closely as possible. In short, hyper-realism is usually more detailed and gives a sense of “false reality”.

How Gleadow Achieves Hyper-Realism

It is possible, albeit sometimes difficult, to achieve hyper-realism using mediums such as water color, pastels, pencils, acrylic paint, and so on. Gleadow, however, opts for the richest and most classic of all paints: oils. He prefers oils for their malleability and durability, like so many great artists before him. His inspirations include Rene Magritte, Salvador Dali and Vermeer, all of whom had an impressive command over oil painting techniques to manipulate how they portrayed (or did not portray) reality in their respective styles.

You may not notice it at first if you only see his literary artwork online and not in person, but his book spine art is actually larger than life. This is one of the ways Gleadow is able to achieve such precision detail — he enlarges reality in order to have closer control over shading and miniscule lighting effects.

Popular Works By John-Mark Gleadow at Marcus Ashley Gallery

John-Mark Gleadow has produced a large amount of realistic artwork, all of which is as eye-catching as the last. Here’s just a sampling of the Gleadow collection we have on display at our gallery.

Hyper-realistic oil painting of nine travel book spines with a small globe by John-Mark Gleadow entitled Across the Globe
“Across the Globe” by John-Mark Gleadow, limited edition giclee on canvas

This remarkable book spine art by Gleadow features both part of the shelf and a miniature globe beside the books, both seamlessly incorporated into the overall realism. The books share a similar color palette and size, adding a satisfying homogeneity that’s pleasantly offset by the beautiful miniature.

Hyper-realistic painting of seven book spines by John-Mark Gleadow entitled - Could You? Would You?
“Could You? Would You?” by John-Mark Gleadow, limited edition giclee on canvas

The mint condition of the six exterior books stands in sharp contrast to the damage and wear shown on the central study bible. Directly to its left stands a hefty title, a story of Warren Buffet’s road to capitalism, and the story of Gandhi stands nearby. The painter’s stance on these topics and the wear of these books is unclear — is the bible worn from use, or mistreatment? It’s up to the viewer to interpret.

Three hyper-realistic book spines with a paintbrush sticking out, entitled Love by John-Mark Gleadow
“Love” by John-Mark Gleadow, limited edition giclee on canvas

This painting is a break from Gleadow’s usual row-style literary artwork. Rather than a row of spines, this book spine art piece is a close-up of three intricate, bold book covers. This Gleadow piece is phenomenal for its ability to perfectly replicate classical artwork and simultaneously manage to make it look like it’s being stretched on glossy paper around a book. The mastery over lighting, color, and shading an artist has to have to produce this level of hyper-realistic painting is hard to believe!

Hyper-realistic painting of seven book spines entitled Bibliotheque VI by John-Mark Gleadow
“Bibliotheque VI” by John-Mark Gleadow, limited edition giclee on canvas

Each of these book spines contains a topic of great weight and cultural significance. Each topic can also spark instant reactions and emotions from our own personal experiences. These provocative titles are masterfully painted, like all of his works, and the subject matter adds weight and interest to Gleadow’s impeccable hyper-realistic painting formula.

Browse More of John-Mark Gleadow’s Art

Explore Gleadow’s Book Spine Art at Marcus Ashley Gallery

If you’ve been fascinated by the hyper-realistic book spine art of John-Mark Gleadow, we welcome you to explore the rest of his collection with us. Come visit our expansive gallery in person in beautiful South Lake Tahoe, or explore fine artwork from wherever you are with our online gallery.

Marcus Ashley Gallery has a number of premier gallery services including insured international shipping, custom framing, certificates of replacement value, financing options, and more. We handle every service with professionalism and expertise, and we can answer any of your questions. Enjoy the world of classic and contemporary art and further your art collection with ease.