Highlights from Our Figurative Sculpture Collection

Figurative artwork, or figurativism, implies representational artwork. It describes any form of art that includes references to real world objects, particularly to human and animal figures. The term “figurative art” is a relatively modern one, coined somewhat in response to the emergence of abstract art, which is synonymous with non-representational art. Michelangelo and Alberto Giacometti, for instance, are great examples of unique  figurative sculpture artists from the late 1400s and mid 1900s respectively.

In a general sense, the term “figurative” is retrospectively applied to all art before abstract art. It’s also distinct from modern realism in that figurative artists employ contemporary references. Modern realists also base their work on real world objects, but their styles predate the post-impressionism period, i.e. prior to around 1886.

In this blog, we’ll look at some figurative sculpture artists whose work is showcased here at Marcus Ashley Gallery.

Michael Parkes

Micheal Parkes is arguably the leading magical realism artist in the world at the moment. His sculptures (and his artwork in general) borrow heavily from figurativism, seamlessly blending these two styles. Interestingly enough, Parkes used to paint in the abstract expressionist style earlier in his artistic career. At a certain point, he gave up the practice of art all together and traveled to India in search of inspiration and philosophical illumination. Emerging from his hiatus, his style underwent a dramatic change, represented by the vast body of his work today.

Angel Affair by Michael Parkes

Parkes uses various mediums, including canvas, paper, vellum, stone lithographs, and bronze sculptures. His figurative sculptures are truly stunning, and versatile in that they work in a variety of spaces. They blend mythical and modern elements in ways that surprise and delight. There’s usually an interesting backstory to go with them as well. 

Angel Affair, depicted here, was conceived while Parkes was stranded at Zurich airport in the middle of a snowstorm. His companions happened to be businessmen. While waiting for the next flight, he fell into a fitful slumber and dreamt of angels flying down to the businessmen to kiss their loneliness away. When he woke up, he swore he saw an angel fly away and leave behind a single feather that he has to this day. 

As with most of his figurative bronze sculptures, Angel Affair is rendered in a traditional Florentine patina, however, you can choose to buy it with a customized, colorful patina that Parkes creates using special techniques.  The intricate detailing you see on parts of the sculpture, including the angel’s wings and the businessman’s hair is achieved using a special sculpting technique called ‘Lost-wax’. 

Boris Kramer

Synergy by figurative sculpture artist Boris Kramer

As the son of world-renowned artist Richard Kramer, Boris was perhaps born to be one himself. His figurative sculptures are found in galleries and private collections all over the world. He uses mediums like steel, bronze, brass, and copper

Kramer learnt blacksmithing techniques at an early age by his father’s side. His work showcases a fascination for human relationships and often evokes dynamism and intensity of the kind found in exuberant dance routines.  

Case in point — Synergy — is a polished steel creation. The figures are forged from mild steel, which is heated, twisted, and welded until the figures form a continuous loop. They’re meant to showcase the strength that is found when two people connect intimately. 

This steel sculpture is about 50 inches or just over four feet tall and works equally well as an outdoor or indoor showpiece. Each of Kramer’s sculptures are unique, hand forged and personally signed by him. You can explore more of Boris Kramer’s work at Marcus Ashley Gallery. Keep a close eye on our events calendar to see when Kramer is due to visit one of our gallery art events next.

Michelangelo

Pieta by Michelangelo

Michelangelo is one the greatest, if not the greatest, figurative sculpture artists of all time. Referred to as Il Divino or “the divine one,” his skill is and will be revered for generations to come. His works during the Renaissance period are some of the most recognizable and important images in art history and treasured possessions in museums and private collections worldwide.

Featured here is arguably his most famous bronze sculpture ever — the Pieta. As one of his defining creations, it cemented his name in history at the age of 23. The Pieta was commissioned in 1498 by French Cardinal Jean de Bilhères, initially as a tomb monument. However, it was so well received that it went on to be showcased inside St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, where it stands to this day.

Originally carved from beautiful Carrara marble, the figurative sculpture depicts the Virgin Mary supporting the body of the dead Christ in her lap after his crucifixion. The Pieta is special because this theme of the Virgin Mary and Jeses was virtually unknown in Italy at that point in time. Bronze limited editions of Michelangelo’s work today are sanctioned by Casa Buonarroti. Formed by Michelangelo’s family after his death, they are the sole possessors of the artist’s “droits morale” or moral rights. We are honored to offer our clients and community access to these treasured works.

Loet Vanderveen

Greater Kudu - Regular by Loet Vanderveen

The late Loet Vanderveen’s work as a figurative sculpture artist stands out in this list for his focus on animal forms. The highly stylized poses and interpretations of his sculptures give you some sense of his great love for animals. His creations are coveted possessions in museums worldwide. Marcus Ashley Gallery hosts one of the few comprehensive collections of Vanderveen’s work available anywhere in the world. 

Vanderveen worked largely with bronze. Kudu, Greater-Regular, shown here is a great example of his attention to detail when representing the animal form. The greater kudu is an antelope found in southern and eastern Africa. As someone who’s been on many African safaris for first-hand inspiration, much of Vanderveen’s work showcases wildlife from that region. This figurative sculpture shows the antelope nestled in its natural sedentary pose in the wild. It’s rendered with an elegant black crackle patina, lifting the appeal of the piece.

Explore More Figurative Art at Marcus Ashley Gallery

All the artists featured here and more can be found at Marcus Ashley Gallery. Browse through the work of Renaissance masters and modern to contemporary geniuses alike. If you’re really struck by this art style, talk to one of our art experts for more information on figurative sculpture artists. 
Learn more about all the services our gallery offers to give you an enriching art experience, as well as some of our excellent financing options.

Artist Highlight: Alexander Volkov’s Paintings

Alexander Volkov is a modern day master of realism. He’s most widely known for the clarity of vision which drives his creations and the interplay of light that brings each piece alive. He has a particular fondness for the American countryside and much of his portfolio over the past 30 years has featured this. His realistic landscape paintings are some of the most captivating representations of rural America you’re likely to come across.  

Volkov lives in Frenchtown, NJ with his wife and business partner Heidi Breyer. They’re parents to five adult children.

Early Life in Russia

Volkov was born in St. Petersburg — formerly Leningrad — in Russia in 1960. From the age of seven to 17, he attended a special English school. He started painting when he was in high school using oil — his primary medium to this day. This continued while he studied at the Department of Physics at Leningrad State University, where he graduated from in 1986. Following graduation, Volkov worked for a time as an animator at the Leningrad Studio of Science Films and later as a stage artist in a small theater in the city.

Around 1981, he began to exhibit some of his realistic landscape paintings with the Brotherhood of Experimental Arts, an “underground” art collective active in Leningrad at the time. Later on, he joined a breakaway group of some 30 artists called Ostrov or “Island.” These artists united together in the ideology that their work was neither socialist realism nor extreme avant garde.

In 1989 he immigrated to the U.S. In a stark break from the thrum and bustle of St. Petersburg he was used to, he chose to settle in rural America, which has been his home for over three decades. It’s these vistas that have fed his imagination and inspired his vast portfolio of realistic landscape paintings. 

His Process and Inspirations 

Volkov reluctantly refers to himself as “self-taught.” He believes that there is learning readily available all around you, should you want it; people, dead and alive, famous and unknown, and even things and events around you can be a source of learning if you’re willing to pay attention. 

As an evolving artist, Volkov drew inspiration from a host of “teachers,” including Rembrandt, William Turner, Franz Hals, Vermeer, and many other past greats. He looked to Beethoven and Satie, Einstein and Tarkovsky, and Nabokov and Steinbeck. There were also the people he grew up with and those in his life, including school and university friends, professors, and struggling artists.

In addition to realistic landscape paintings, Alexander Volkov is also fascinated by architectural depictions and still-lifes. He brings drama and poetic expression to all of this work through his favored device — light.

The use of light features heavily throughout Volkov’s work. He skillfully lends mood and creates an atmosphere in his paintings through an interplay between light and darkness. The resulting artwork always feels like it has a story to tell and draws the viewer in.

“There is no greater mystery to me than the conflict of light and dark. In the way they clash and penetrate each other, there is the source of everything.”

A Look at Volkov’s Work

To give you a deeper insight into his method, we’ve featured select artwork from Volkov, including some of his original realistic landscape paintings as well as the result of his foray into a brand new medium.

Hunter’s Moon

Hunter’s Moon realistic landscape painting by Alexander Volkov

Hunter’s Moon marks St. John’s Eve — the Summer Solstice, a magical time when spirits are said to come out of the ground and the water and join the festivities happening all around. The painting is also meant to convey stillness and serenity with the moon peeking through the trees and beautifully lighting up the glade and the lake. Volkov tries to create a mood where the viewer can absorb this sense of calm and quietude amidst the celebrations of the day.

This realistic landscape painting is an alla prima or a “first try.” The artist uses faster drying paints and larger brushes to lend deeper textures throughout the piece. Employing this method allows him to revisit the techniques of his youth and create works of art with more passion and intensity. This technique results in a more impressionistic aesthetic, a natural fit for Alexander Volkov’s realistic landscape paintings. Volkov’s alla prima works are usually not published as limited editions. 

Locktown Sunset

Locktown Sunset by Alexander Volkov

This is a special painting by Alexander Volkov. It shows the interior of a church in New Jersey, close to where he lives. While the church itself isn’t operational anymore, the local community wanted to find a way to save and preserve this place. Volkov created Locktown Sunset for a fundraiser that could be used to help this church. He spent hours inside this church by himself looking at how the light passed through the space and glanced off its walls. He was deeply struck by the harmony, beauty, and simplicity of the place. It seemed to him as if the church was a focal point in the world and while he was in there, nothing else existed but him and the church. The experience moved him and inspired him to create this piece.

Locktown Sunset bears all the hallmarks of a Volkov original, with the skilful rendition of light across the church’s surfaces and the atmosphere it creates. It’s one of his most recent works.

Eternal Love

Eternal Love by ALexander Volkov

In a departure from his realistic landscape paintings and still lifes, Volkov explores the world of sculpture with Eternal Love, his debut piece. Amid the turmoil of 2020, Volkov turned 60. Those two events inspired him to finally act on his long-held desire to foray into sculpture. He felt it was a natural segue for his artistic expression. 

Eternal Love is a sculpture of two hands reaching upwards together, capturing his evolution as a person on two fronts — as a husband and as an artist. It represents enduring hope, faith, and love for life, and symbolizes enduring human resilience in difficult times.

Volkov used a cast of his own hand as a muse. The sculpture’s hands are crafted from polymer clay infused with marble powder. The base is made from solid marble. The sculpture also features his signature interplay of light, its elements are positioned in a way so as to cast shadows at different angles of illumination. 

Explore More Volkov Art at Marcus Ashley Gallery

Volkov’s portfolio is available in its entirety at Marcus Ashley Gallery. Browse more sculptures and realistic landscape paintings by Alexander Volkov. Discuss his work with our art consultants to get an even deeper insight into his process. Volkov is very open to collaboration and taking on commissions that help bring someone else’s vision to life.

Look through our gallery services for a more enriching art experience and keep a tab on our art events for a chance to meet the artist in person.

Why We Love Mixed Media Artists

Mixed media painting of an eagle by 2Wild at Marcus Ashley Gallery
“Wild Flight” by 2Wild, acrylic and mixed media on panel

Mixed media artwork is totally free of restrictions. Any limitation a particular media might have is forfeit when you blend materials to create your own new style. The lack of barriers can be overwhelming for some, but the best mixed media artists utilize the full extent of their creativity to produce utterly ingenious artwork.

Here, we’ll explore why mixed media art is breaking boundaries and the contemporary mixed media artists that are shaping the genre. Learn more from the art connoisseurs at Marcus Ashley Gallery.

A Brief History of Mixed Media Art

The definition of mixed media can simply be “artwork that uses more than one medium,” the concept of which has been around since as long as artwork has been around. As a respected art form in the Western world, however, mixed media became popular around the time of Picasso around the 1910s. 

Picasso would blend previously unheard of materials like canvas, rope, and seemingly random materials such as wallpaper in his work. His peers, including Braque and Matisse, experimented with collage and cubism in new and eccentric ways, blending media in a way that was previously considered gauche or unacceptable.   

The mixed media artist Marcel Duchamp truly took collage to new heights, however, with his innovative and often bizarre collages. He took strange items like newspaper clippings and broken pipes to make artwork that really “stood out” — and even infuriated some fine art connoisseurs at the time.

Mixed media artwork often existed to challenge the very idea of what artwork was to the art world, especially those in high society salons who were still firmly rooted in classical techniques and approaches. Mixed media artwork was one of the big steps towards breaking down boundaries for artwork that existed between the rich and the poor. Its message: “You can make art out of anything.”

Contemporary Mixed Media Artists We Love

At Marcus Ashley Gallery, we’re proud to host work from some of the finest mixed media artists of our time. Mixed media allows artists to push creative boundaries and give two-dimensional works interesting texture and unique 3D elements. 

Below is some of our favorite mixed media artwork on display at our gallery. Make sure you explore more artists at our online exhibition!

2Wild (An Artistic Collaboration of Barak and Miri Rozenvain)

Mixed media artwork of a golfer swinging a club with the arc of his swing covered in colorful butterflies, entitled Spring Golfing by artist duo 2Wild.
Spring Golfing” by 2Wild, acrylic and mixed media on panel

Brother and sister duo Miri and Barak Rozenvain are some of the best known contemporary mixed media artists today, and they do not hold back in their ambitious experimentation and soaring creativity. Both siblings are impressive and accomplished artists in their own right, and together, their art soars to new heights. 

No media is off limits for 2Wild. They use everything from map clippings to glitter to sand in their artwork, all carefully collected from places in which they’ve gathered their inspiration. They also take commissions from clients, and are happy to represent the themes and inspirations that are important to you in their unique style. 

Dave Archer

A colorful cosmic scene with a central pinkish planet, entitled Mystic by Dave Archer.
Mystic” by Dave Archer, mixed media on glass

Dave Archer’s cosmic mixed media artwork is not just superficially fantastic; the scientific approach to his work makes it completely out of this world. 

Archer actually uses a handheld Tesla coil to electrocute a mixture of acrylic resin paint, which produces “cosmic clouds” he then paints over with planets and surreal galactic elements. He manipulates the paints on the back of clear glass with two million volts of electricity, and takes inspiration from real photographs from space telescopes for his imaginary galaxies. 

Archer is a fantastic example of a mixed media artist who uses technology and specialized materials in his craft. He was one of the pioneers of mixing electricity with art as well, with his earliest works first made in the 1970s. His works are truly like no other, and have even been featured in shows like Star Trek!

Rolinda Stotts

A triptych of pine trees and an orange landscape, painted by Rolinda Stotts.
On the Wild Side” by Rolinda Stotts, mixed media

Stotts uses a mixture of different types of woods and acrylic to create beautiful natural landscapes and evocative scenes that respect her powerful love of nature. 

What’s fascinating and unique about Stotts’ artwork is that she intentionally breaks and cracks her work. The results evoke images of ancient frescos and decayed wood, adding beautiful layers of texture and tactile depth. Imperfection is beauty to Stotts, and there truly is a deep beauty in her one-of-a-kind mixed media artwork. 

Discover Mixed Media Artists at Marcus Ashley Gallery

At Marcus Ashley Gallery, our passion is representing some of the best artists of history and today. We host fine works from some of the best mixed media artists in the United States and beyond, and we’re delighted to share them with you both online and in person in South Lake Tahoe. 

Our concierge gallery services allow you to collect fine artwork for your own personal collection. We can provide the highest gallery services including custom framing, fully insured international shipping, and certificates of replacement value. Come visit our expansive gallery or consider purchasing artwork for your collection online. 

Romantic Ideas for Your Lake Tahoe Winter Vacation

Are you looking for things to do in Lake Tahoe for Valentine’s Day or other special occasions with your partner? We’ve got your list right here of fun things to keep you busy and enjoying time spent with loved ones. No matter what time of year, Lake Tahoe has romantic eateries, events, and attractions to bring you closer together. Here are some of our favorite local activities.

Visit Marcus Ashley Gallery

While you’re perusing the bustling Heavenly Village shopping district, stop in for a stroll around Marcus Ashley Gallery. Our art gallery has 4400 square feet filled with unique oil and acrylic paintings, watercolors, limited-edition prints, bronze sculptures, glass and metal art, gift items, and books. You’ll find artworks from renowned artists like Dr. SeussFabio NapoleoniMichael ParkesSteve Barton, and so many more. Or, if you’d prefer to relax at home with your sweetie and a glass of wine, you can also view and shop for works of art online!

Meet Contemporary Artists at Our Gallery

Whether it’s Jack StormsAlexander Volkov, or Eric Christensen, we regularly host special events for our artists at the gallery. Artists discuss their visionary techniques, offer special giveaways, or paint in-person so our visitors can see masterpieces being created in real time. You’ll need to RSVP to attend most of our art events, as we offer light bites and beverages for our guests. Enjoy time together in the gallery before heading off for your romantic dinner!

Hit the Slopes

The middle of February is the perfect time of year for romantic winter things to do in Lake Tahoe for Valentine’s Day or your special occasion. Snuggling up to your partner on a ski lift as you ascend a mountain ski slope is a great way to spend the most active part of your day. Lake Tahoe rests under the Sierra Mountain range, and any ski resort you visit will offer spectacular views, slopes with varying difficulty levels, and plenty of fresh powder.

Snowboarders and ski enthusiasts across the country love the diverse terrain of Lake Tahoe ski resorts. If you and your partner get the chills, just take a break at the resort bar and cozy up with romantic Lake Tahoe cocktails. Whether you’re looking to ski gently through an old-growth forest, up your game black diamond trails, or simply enjoy some laid-back time with your kids in resort snow parks, Lake Tahoe ski resorts have something for everyone.

Three people ride a ski lift up a mountain in the Lake Tahoe area

Visit the Casinos

After a fun day of swishing down the slopes, you might want to heat up your romantic Lake Tahoe Valentine’s Day weekend with a trip to the casinos! Lake Tahoe has over a dozen casinos situated on the Nevada side of the lake. You’ll find more than your share of slot machines, card tables, and gambling under the dazzling lights. But if you’re a light gambler, there are plenty of other things to see and do at the casinos, too.

In the casinos, you can grab a quick bite to eat or experience fine dining. You can also order indulgent cocktails at the casino bars, browse the gift shops, get pampered at casino spas, and just soak up the hustle and bustle of the casino scene. You could also catch some nightly musical entertainment at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Romantic Date Nights at Local Eateries

After your days of sight-seeing, skiing, and art-viewing, if you’re looking for a romantic Lake Tahoe date night, then we’ve got some local eateries you need to try! There is a lovely ambiance and beautiful views all over the area.

Riva Grill

Make a reservation at one of the best destinations for a lakefront dining in South Lake Tahoe, ideal for a sunset dinner for you and your sweetheart. Enjoy your favorite beverage on the outdoor patio with sweeping views of the lake and Sierra Mountains. This is perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or just because.

Edgewood Restaurant

Edgewood Tahoe Resort offers an elevated fine dining experience with contemporary flare and stunning architecture to match its exquisite view of the lake. With three options (bistro, bar, or restaurant) to choose from depending on your personal tastes, you may also end up calling Edgewood your home for the duration of your stay, as it also has premium guest lodging options, spa and beauty services, and other resort amenities that, combined with the food, you may never want to leave.

Big Water Grille

At this restaurant, views of the lake can be seen through tall pines. Menu items are moderately expensive, but the creative and fresh seafood plates are worth spending the extra pennies on, especially when it’s a date night.

Christy Hill 

Christy Hill offers beautiful views of the lake and a range of menu items, including vegetarian options, made from the freshest of ingredients. The dining room meal prices are moderate to expensive, but they also have a cafe that offers the same great quality for much cheaper prices.

Soule Domain

As soon as you walk into this log cabin restaurant in the woods, you’ll be warmed up with the sight of a cozy fireplace, low-light oil lamps, and a vintage setting. Prices are reasonable, specials change weekly, and many patrons say this is the best place for a romantic dinner in Lake Tahoe on Valentine’s Day. Make reservations well ahead of time!

We hope this list of romantic things to do in Lake Tahoe will help you make your trip something special to remember! Come back to visit Lake Tahoe again in the summer for all sorts of fun lake activities and new artist events at Marcus Ashley Gallery.

The History and Process of Lithograph Art

Lithography is a medium that has dominated printmaking since the 18th century, but its defining principle is rather simple: oil repels water. By inscribing an oil-repellent image onto a flat, porous stone, one can use the stone to create thousands of near-identical prints and spread their words and images far and wide.

But what is lithography in art? Lithography has applications in advertising, wallpaper production, computer printing, and even nanotechnology, but it is also an intricate art medium if you have the patience for it. 

Discover how lithograph art works and heighten your appreciation for the craft at Marcus Ashley Gallery.

The Origins of Lithograph Art

The first mention of the word lithography comes from Germany in 1796, when author and actor Alois Senefelder wished for an inexpensive method of printing his theater materials. Lithography comes from the Ancient Greek lithos, ‘stone’, and graphein, ‘to write’. German limestone, known for its hardness, porous qualities, and fine grain, was the first stone used to create the smooth surface required for a perfect print.

Senefelder used pencils made of fat or resin, then treated it with a special chemical process that could be washed and reused a great number of times without reducing the quality of the drawing, unlike the cumbersome woodblock printing process that was customary back then. 

Essentially, lithography art is the process of creating an image that ink can adhere to in order to make a large number of near-identical prints. Lithography was an early printmaking method devised for a simple purpose that has had a monumental impact that persists to this day.

How Does Lithography Work?

The process of how lithography works can vary widely from artist to artist, but typically, the process of creating a lithograph goes as follows:

  • An artist draws the design onto flat stone (usually limestone) using oil-based ink.
  • The completed design is then processed, or etched, using layers of talc and rosin.
  • Acid and/or gum arabic mixed with acid is brushed onto the stone to create a chemical reaction, fixing the oil drawing into the stone.
  • A solvent removes the drawing, and a material is applied that etches the stone into place. 

Modern lithography can often skip some of this process, utilizing polymer coatings and metal or plastic plates to achieve a similar result. Additionally, a derivative method called offset lithography uses sheets of rubber and the same concept of oil and water in order to print large amounts of paper, and it has persisted as the most popular printing method since the 1960s. Photolithography also plays a part in the mass production of electronics and other technology.

What Is Lithography in Art?

Lithography is a highly technical form of creating prints, but it doesn’t just have technical uses. After overcoming technical difficulties in the medium’s initial stages, inventors were able to develop a way of adding artwork to paper and newspaper prints, allowing for one of the world’s first simple mass production of artists’ works. 

Soon, lithography art could also be produced in color. An artist creates a different stone for each additional color and a separate layer of ink would be applied to the paper for each stone. The artist must take great care to align the etchings perfectly so that the colors do not overlap.

Artists began to use lithography about a century after it became a popular printmaking method, and in the mid-1800s, it became a trend amongst popular artists like Delacroix, Géricault, and Goya. 

Lithography allowed artists to achieve renown and recognizability like never before. For the first time, the masses could see masterful, gorgeous works of art in books or newspapers, making art much more accessible to the average person and different social classes.

Lithography fell out of favor as an art medium for a while, but it was revived when a new generation of famous artists including Picasso, Matisse, and Miró were encouraged to pursue it. New and easier methods were refined in this time, which made lithography popular for wallpaper, printing, and of course, art.

Michael Parkes: A Famous Contemporary Lithograph Artist

Michael Parkes has reached a near-legendary status in the art world for his mastery of stone lithograph art. He has spent decades learning this difficult technique, and an understanding of what is involved in his artwork’s creation makes his result even more impressive.

His meticulous art style lends well to the incredibly precise and detailed technique required for lithography, and he can create fantastical, intricate scenes with the same refined quality as his paintings. His lithographs are hardly sought after, and Marcus Ashley Gallery is fortunate to offer many pieces from his collection on our online gallery, which you can peruse at your leisure.

Discover Masterful Lithography Art at Marcus Ashley Gallery

If you have any questions about purchasing limited edition print artwork for your collection, what lithography art is, or other fine mediums on display in our collection, one of our experienced art consultants would be happy to help you. Contact us anytime. Browse our gallery online or visit our vast gallery in person at South Lake Tahoe. 

Explore Our Menagerie:
Animals in Art at Marcus Ashley Gallery

Capturing the natural world in art is an ever-impressive feat, and those who manage to portray the mannerisms and beauty of animals in art have a rare talent. Read about some of our most popular artists who explore animals in their artwork.

Loet Vanderveen

The late Loet Vanderveen was one of the most famous modern animal sculptors of the 20th and 21st century. His iconic bronze animals have been collected by Queen Elizabeth II, The King of Tonga, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and many more notable individuals. Vanderveen sadly passed away in 2015, making his limited collection of sculptures all the more rare and exclusive.

Black bronze sculpture of a kudu with curled horns by Loet Vanderveen.

Kudu, Greater-Regular

Vanderveen’s childhood was influenced by his love for the zoo and his dreams of exotic safaris. After serving in the R.A.F during WWII, he was able to pursue his artistic career and learn rare patine bronze sculpture techniques. This elegant form is enhanced by delicate patina work that gives it an entrancing color and shine.

Sculpture of two giraffes by Loet Vanderveen.

Giraffe Pair

Look closely at this sculpture and you can see the small cracks in the patina, carefully chosen to imitate a giraffe’s. It is only with Vanderveen’s immense skill that he could manipulate patina and bronze with such care.

Tim “Frogman” Cotterill

Every one of Frogman’s unique frog sculptures has a personality all its own. The jewel tone and texture is achieved with bronze, gold, or steel, and his masterful technique lets him create animals in art that are, in his words, “just plain fun.”

Frogman’s modern animal sculptures are currently out of production, so everything you see on our site or in-person is a limited edition and soon to be unavailable. Shop while you can!

Sculpture of a green frog with a red heart called Casanova by Frogman.

Casanova

This lovely piece is just one of Frogman’s many gorgeous frog sculptures. This lively little amphibian looks so real it could almost jump off your display.

Sculpture of a red gecko entitled Diablo by Frogman.

Diablo

Frogman doesn’t just make frogs! His eye-catching geckos spark the same curiosity and whimsy as his classic frogs.

Miri Rozenvain

Miri Rozenvain’s lifelike, kaleidoscopic animals in art are beloved by collectors around the world. Her unique style is a surprising mix of abstract and realism, employing a technique that adds captivating texture to her modern animal paintings. She creates custom pieces for the gallery as well as on commissions for our clients. If you are interested in such a piece, please get in touch with us to learn more. 

 Colorful abstract owl painting entitled Determination by Miri Rozenvain.

Determination (Sold)

Rozenvain is incredible at capturing the depth of an animal’s facial expression in her art, and this free-flying owl is no exception. 

Painting of an abstract colorful horse entitled No Speed Limits by Miri Rozenvain.

No Speed Limits (Sold)

This custom painting has such expressive texture that the powerful horse seems to almost be bursting through the canvas in an explosion of color.

Sally Maxwell

Maxwell has mastered capturing animals in art. Her modern animal paintings feature scratchboard, a rare and unique medium that allows for highly precise lines. She uses a distinct technique in scratchboard that allows her to add color to what’s largely known as a black and white medium. Her process is part of what makes her art highly unique and sought-after. 

Realistic painting of chardonnay, cheese, and a monkey by Sally Maxwell.

Chardonnay Monkey

This painting was inspired by Maxwell’s love for chardonnay, cheese, and crackers on a happy evening: some of life’s delightful simple pleasures. The lifelike quality is utterly stunning.

 Painting of bears and crows entitled Shoo Fly by Sally Maxwell.

Shoo Fly

Maxwell’s experience with depressive thoughts inspired this painting of crows and a bear. These crows represent the negativity she wishes to ward off. Her new slogan: “I AM the bear and I can do it!”

Discover More Animals in Art at Marcus Ashley Gallery

To see more of our modern animal sculptures and paintings, browse our online gallery or visit our expansive gallery in beautiful South Lake Tahoe. We welcome you to explore our inspiring collection!

Loet Vanderveen: The Story of a Legendary Bronze Animal Sculpture Artist

“To capture the soul of the man, one must look into his eyes. To capture the eyes of the beast, one must look into nature’s soul.”

-Loet Vanderveen

Loet Vanderveen was a master of cast bronze sculpture, able to reproduce the elegance and beauty of nature in an art form so challenging and harsh as metal. The story behind this renowned animal sculpture artist is just as inspiring as his art, and one could not exist without the other.

From enduring tragedy in WWII, to designing fashion in bustling metropolises, to moving to the remote coastal mountains of Big Sur, Vanderveen took a passion for the natural world and poured it into art. Learn the story behind the man whose sculptures grace the residences of Queen Elizabeth II, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and avid collectors around the world.

Loet Vanderveen’s Early Life and Influences

Loet Vanderveen grew up in Rotterdam in the Netherlands. As a child, Vanderveen visited the Rotterdam zoo across the street almost every day, fostering in him a deep love for animals and the natural world. He was obsessed with someday traveling the world and creating art, but his life as an animal sculpture artist would not begin until he had overcome great hardship.

Tragedy struck Vanderveen’s life at a young age when he lost his mother to a car accident and his father to a staph infection. In 1940, his home of Rotterdam was bombed by Axis forces, and right before, the Dutch army was forced to slaughter all the dangerous animals in the zoo. 

Vanderveen had half-Jewish heritage, and during the occupation, he was forced to flee the city by bicycle over the Belgian border. During the rest of the war, he served in the R.A.F., where he became a decorated soldier.

From the City to the Mountains

After the war, Vanderveen finally had the freedom to pursue his artistic passions. His artistic career began as a fashion designer, designing sportswear in Paris and London. This cutthroat industry was not enough to satisfy his creative longings, and so, he moved to New York City, where he undertook the challenging art of reduced glazes. He met with the curator of the Far Eastern Department of the Metropolitan Museum in New York, Fong Chow, a master ceramicist to whom he owed the rest of his career. Thenceforth, his life as an animal sculpture artist began.

Vanderveen’s career truly took off when he escaped to the wild to pursue his dream of being an artist. He purchased 20 acres of land in Big Sur, California, and built a house with a ceramic studio atop a mountain. After a fire destroyed the original home in 1985, he rebuilt it, and a new wave of inspiration prompted him to pursue casting bronze sculpture full-time.

How Artists Create Bronze Sculpture Art

To create sculptures in bronze, artists first create the sculpture in malleable clay. The clay is then used to create a mold, usually in silicon rubber. The rubber mold is used as the basis for the cast bronze, which is poured into the mold from a hot forge. 

Many materials can be used in the bronze casting process to make the sculptures, including gated wax, silica sand, and ceramic shells. Many artists choose to burn out the wax in the interior of the sculpture, rendering the sculpture hollow. The bronze must be molten, poured, and welded by skilled professionals with great care to ensure seam lines, bubbles, and imperfections do not appear in the finished product. Vanderveen then added an additional layer of complexity by applying colored patinas to his bronze sculptures, which must be applied to the bronze while still hot.

The complexity of his process is masked in how graceful and silky his animal sculpture art appears to be, and this is part of what makes Vanderveen so famous. Bronze sculpture art is challenging and imprecise, and the elegance of Vanderveen sculptures is a testament to his patience and mastery of the craft.

Explore Vanderveen’s Legacy at Marcus Ashley Gallery

Well into his 90s, Vanderveen continued to pioneer and innovate in his chosen medium, producing works that would leave an indelible mark in wildlife sculpture forever. He equated his works, and all animal sculpture art, to a 21st century homage to totem poles. Loet Vanderveen passed away in 2015, therefore his remaining collection of cast bronze sculptures are all that there ever will be. Now, his work has passed into legend, and his techniques may never be perfectly replicated. 

If you wish to purchase a Vanderveen sculpture, we are happy to assist you. His sculptures add hope and optimism to any space. With world-class gallery service, your sculpture will be fully insured until it reaches your doorstep. It will come with all the necessary certificates of replacement value that such a rare and valuable piece of art requires. 

If you have questions about Loet Vanderveen’s artwork, please get in touch with one of our art consultants. We also encourage you to explore Loet Vanderveen’s collection online at Marcus Ashley Gallery or come see our collection in person in our renowned South Lake Tahoe location.

How to Choose Art for Your Home

Boots Like These by Todd White, painting of a woman in a dress with colorful patterns, holding a glass of wine

When it comes to selecting pieces of art that reflect your home’s personality, energy, and sensibility, there are a myriad of options to consider. If you are just embarking on the journey of choosing art for your home or are looking for more inspiration on decorating with art, we at Marcus Ashley Gallery are here to help! 

Some of the most popular artworks for decorating interiors include original oil paintings, pastel drawings, watercolor paintings, giclee prints, lithographs, serigraphs, photography, and sculpture. Let’s look at some types of art and types of collections to consider while exploring some of the different artists and their techniques in our collection below.

Original Paintings 

 

Abstract acrylic painting with multi-colored textural shapes and painterly background blues, white, and oranges by Maya Evantov at Marcus Ashley Gallery
“Abstract – 188741” by Maya Evantov, original acrylic on canvas

Original paintings are a special addition to any art collection and are one-of-a-kind. Limited edition prints of those originals are often available and at a more moderate price point, making them a great place to start for aspiring collectors.

There are a wide variety of painting techniques used in original paintings — some of the most popular options are oil paintings, acrylic paintings, pastel paintings, watercolor paintings, and mixed media works utilizing multiple painting or drawing media. Knowing the basic processes used in creating original paintings can help you when planning how to choose art for your home. 

Oil paint is a slow drying medium and can be used to create wonderful textural effects, and the history of art can be told through this medium since it is one of the most iconic, and withstanding, art mediums in the world. It produces rich colors and is a timeless medium that contemporary artists like Michael Flohr and Mario Jung, Todd White, and Alexander Volkov continue to explore the possibilities of, with some artists pioneering new, experimental techniques such as Rolinda Stotts’ Bella Rotta works. 

The Playground by Rolinda Stotts, a mixed media triptych painting of an aspen grove
“The Playground” by Rolinda Stotts, mixed media

Painting with acrylics also yields vibrant works of art. These paints are fast drying and long-lasting. Pablo Picasso and Jean-Michel Basquiat are famous painters who used acrylics during their lives. We love to see when contemporary artists take acrylics to the next level, experimenting with this medium and painting surfaces to great effect as seen in the playful works of 2Wild, Steve Barton, and Maya Evantov.

Drawing with pastels and painting with watercolors are other techniques known for softer tones and colors, such as the works we know and love from Mary Cassat and Claude Monet. However, both mediums welcome a world of experimentation and “breaking the rules” with bolder colors and unexpected applications. Many artists of the 20th and 21st centuries took these mediums even further with experimental techniques, seen in the painterly pastels of Mackenzie Thorpe and the photoreal watercolors of Eric Christensen.

Modern-day artists use a range of these techniques (or a mix of all of them in mixed media) to create memorable works that will be welcome additions to any wall in your home or office. 

Original watercolor painting on paper by Eric Christensen called Winding Down with wine glasses, a bottle of wine, cheese, and assorted fruit and flowers
Winding Down by Eric Christensen, Original Watercolor Painting

Reproduction Prints

Limited edition print of I Want the World to Know by Fabio Napoleoni
“I Want the World to Know”, Fabio Napoleoni, Limited Edition Giclee Print

In order to produce more than one painting from a single artwork, artists have been using printing techniques for centuries to make copies of an original piece of artwork. Often, artists will do a limited number of these pieces, hand-numbering and signing them for their collectors to easily obtain limited edition, but premium quality, reproductions of the original artwork. 

At Marcus Ashley Gallery, the artists we represent largely all offer limited editions in this way, providing a valuable destination for those seeking masterpieces by renowned artists Michael Parkes, Fabio Napoleoni, and Charles Pabst, for example.

Buying reproduction prints in limited edition or even open edition adds beauty to any collection when considering how to choose art for your home. 

Additional Styles and Media for Art Collections 

Fine art photography continues to be a sophisticated choice for decorating with art, particularly when you consider adding landscape photography by artists such as Jon Paul. These act like veritable windows to the outside world without you leaving home and such photography is known for instilling a calming, serene mood to interior spaces. 

Sculpture adds a different kind of presence to a space, quite literally! Artists have been working with sculptural techniques since prehistoric times, and the ways in which humans have learned to shape something from natural or synthetic materials continue to evolve. Our collection tells an intriguing story about the evolution of sculpture: featuring a range of artists from Michelangelo, to 20th and 21st-century figurative pieces by Michael Parkes and Boris Kramer, wind sculptures by Lyman Whitaker, or bronze animal sculptures by Loet Vanderveen, to the innovative cold-glass optical sculptures by Jack Storms.

Curating An At-Home Art Collection 

Abstract figurative sculpture of two figures close together in blue and green patinated bronze by Boris Kramer
“Quiet Encounter” by Boris Kramer 
– Patinated Bronze Sculpture

Fine art collections are exciting and alluring additions to any home. When curating your own art collection, consulting expertly trained art consultants can be a fun and educational way to enrich your experience as you build your own collection. Expert recommendations can help to focus the collection and give your collection a greater sense of scope and depth.

Planning the size of a collection is an essential element in determining how to choose art for your home. If you are beginning a collection from scratch or adding fine art pieces to an existing collection, making art purchases should be thought out. 

Setting the aesthetic goals for a collection is also important. Will there be limitations to what media or subjects are included in the collection? Will the overall feel of the collection be contemporary, eclectic, traditional, or vintage? Is creating a beautiful, cohesive, or eclectic display of pieces the ultimate goal of decorating with art? It is also essential to determine where the art collection will be displayed — home, office, or another space.

Adding To Your Art Collection 

Miri Rozenvain’s Lovely Summer Day acrylic and mixed media on panel
 “Lovely Summer Day” by 2Wild, 
Original Acrylic and Mixed Media on Panel

Collecting art can be rewarding, uplifting, and inspiring. Expanding your art collection will not only increase the volume of your collection, but also your overall knowledge of art, artists, and the art world. Visiting galleries is the best way to gain inspiration for your next piece, and we are happy to host unique events at our South Lake Tahoe gallery, where you can meet the artists, see their techniques in action, and enjoy the ambiance.

As your walls or space fills up with pieces to make up your collection, there will be additional considerations in how to choose art for your home. Perhaps you will want to focus on a certain artist that will be instrumental in rounding out your collection or a special artwork that will enhance the collection.

Enhance your art collection piece by piece over time to create a remarkable addition to your home or office that will last for decades. Questions on how to get started? Get in touch with us today at +1 530 544-4278 or contact us online.

 

 

How to Start Collecting Art

Beautiful Florence painting by Michael Flohr with the Ponte Vecchio and cityscape
“Beautiful Florence” by Michael Flohr, limited edition giclee on canvas

Great news! Curating your own art collection does not require a professional education as an art expert. Collecting fine art is possible for anyone interested in enhancing the beauty of their interior (or exterior) spaces. Whether you are interested in working on a collection to display in your home or office, or you are looking for outdoor sculptural works to elevate your property’s curb appeal, art has something to offer everyone.okm

Some may find the art world intimidating, but following a few simple steps can make how to start an art collection a much smoother process. Any day is a great day to discover new art; let’s get started!

A Great Day to Discover giclee print of Fabio Napoleoni’s cute animal characters on a boat on the ocean with stylized waves
 “A Great Day to Discover” by Fabio Napoleoni, giclee on paper

1. Set Your Goals

There are a few key questions to consider when starting your art collection. What do you want to accomplish? Is creating a beautiful, cohesive, or eclectic display of pieces the ultimate goal?

It is also essential to determine where the art collection will be displayed — home, office, or another space.

Once the basic questions of collecting fine art are determined, a scope of artwork needs to be set. Will the pieces be a certain single medium or a combination of media? Should there be paintings, fine art prints, sculptures, or photography included in the collection? Any specific artists that should be included in the collection should also be noted.

The sizes of the pieces desired will also need to be determined. Will the collection encompass a wall, a room, or an entire home or office?

Once these preliminary planning questions (size, scope, media, featured artists) have been answered, the collecting can move to the next step in curating — researching the artists and their art.

2. Conduct Research

Now it’s time to find out a bit more about collecting fine art and fine art prints. Perhaps you want to focus some of the collection on landscape paintings or abstract topics, you can delve into a subject by reading and searching for pieces online or in books. Visiting local galleries, meeting local artists, or attending gallery openings is another great way to learn more about your favorite subjects and media.

Are there local art fairs or other art events in your area? If so, this is a wonderful way to learn more about artists and pieces. Ask questions, read biographies and attend exhibitions. Gain valuable knowledge by increasing your network of art-minded friends by attending events and seeking resources locally and online.

3. Set A Budget

Setting a budget for your collection will help you to see the long-term goals you have for your collection. Decorating with art can be done without overspending! At Marcus Ashley Gallery, we offer convenient financing options for your art purchases thanks to our partnership with Wells Fargo, making it easier than ever to start acquiring your favorite artists’ pieces.

Remember that quality over quantity should be foremost in your fine art collecting approach and budget considerations. Take time to add pieces to your collection and ensure you are able to add value to your collection step-by-step.

4. Buy Your First Piece

Once the budget has been set and an idea of what artwork will be the right addition to the collection has been finalized, it’s time to choose your first piece!

Online galleries make fine art collecting from the comfort of home convenient. You can expect to find clearly-listed prices or info on how to request quotes, easy access to a wide variety of artworks, and, in the case of our online gallery at Marcus Ashley Gallery, the opportunity to meet with an art consultant virtually to help you with your orders. Online purchases let you browse through all of your favorite artwork, take your time choosing the right pieces, buy your favorite original art, and have it delivered to your doorstep.

Colorful bronze Frogman sculpture with a gold frog perched on blue wildflowers with a blue pattina and ladybug accents
“Forget Me Not” by Frogman (Tim Cotterill), bronze 11.75 ”x 7.75”x3” sculpture

5. Expand Over Time

Once you have started collecting fine art, the itch may be hard to stop! Research the next piece you are interested in adding to your collection or meet with one of our virtual art consultants to help you select your next treasure.

Ready to get started? Get in touch with our art professionals today, or connect with us in person at one of our upcoming events in South Lake Tahoe.

Artist Process Spotlight: Famous Pastel Artist Mackenzie Thorpe’s Career and Works

Mackenzie Thorpe is one of the highest-selling British artists in the last few decades. From a humble background in the industrial northern English town of Middlesbrough, Thorpe has created a legacy of art that has sent ripples throughout the international art world.

It takes only one look at Thorpe’s famous pastel art to see why collectors fawn over his work. The smooth, careful strokes, the vivid colors, and the surreal shapes and forms tell stories and show emotions that words don’t have the power to express.

The art consultants at Marcus Ashley Gallery invite you to learn about this renowned oil pastel artist and his technique.

Thorpe’s Oil Pastel Art Technique

Mackenzie Thorpe works with a variety of media, including gouache, watercolor, acrylic, and of course, pastel. He is most famous for his use of pastels, particularly because he uses no additives or stabilizers in his pastel products — only pure, crushed pigment. This provides the strongest, most intense color possible without smearing or excess moisture.

Unlike other famous pastel artists’ techniques, all of Thorpe’s pastel works are quite literally painted with his bare hands. Thorpe works with a brush for classic paint mediums (gouache, watercolor, and acrylic) but he uses only his hands for pastels. Getting his hands and fingers into the work gives him precise control over the vivid colors and unique texture of pastels.

You can see the passion and control Thorpe exercises on paper with every pastel stroke: for example, when he creates ripples in the sky, he often uses just his pinky finger!

Spotlight on Thorpe’s Most Famous Pastel Art

According to Thorpe, this oil pastel art entitled We Need A Bigger Boat is about the job we all have to do in life: “getting love from one generation to the next.” The fishermen in the boat cannot possibly carry all their love into the boat — but they can try, because it’s the only thing worth saving.

Red boat in a black lake and forest entitled Loving by mackenzie Thorpe.

In Loving, Thorpe uses a streak of red in a sea of black and green to show the ability of love to overcome any adversity. Thorpe smears his pinky finger in the background to suggest a somber, haunting landscape, but the focus never shifts from the hopeful, solitary boat.

Red boat in a sea of pink entitled Over the Sea by Mackenzie Thorpe.

In Over the Sea, Thorpe illustrates what he saw as an endless sea of beauty when he moved from busy London to quiet North Yorkshire. In his overwhelm, he tried to capture the feeling of being utterly lost in beauty and wonder.

Thorpe’s Role in the Art Industry and his Inspiring Philanthropic Efforts

Mackenzie Thorpe achieves something in his art which is very rare: he captures the human experience, with all its tribulations and flaws, and shows the hope that can shine through and triumph over adversity. He does not hide that life can often feel like an endless challenge, but he determinedly finds the rays of optimism in self-expression and creativity.

Thorpe has passed on his tremendous success to a number of ongoing philanthropic efforts. As a child with severe dyslexia from an industrial town, he grappled with expressing himself, and he knows that without help from key individuals he would not have achieved the success he has today. As such, he supports several national and international charities, including the Royal British Legion, the Meningitis Trust, the NSPCC, the U.S. Boys and Girls Club, and the Japanese dyslexic society, The Edge. He dedicates the proceeds from much of his artwork to organizations like the NHS and the NE Autism Society.

Purchase Thorpe’s Famous Pastel Art at Marcus Ashley Gallery

Thorpe’s legacy is profound, with his artwork having been collected by the likes of Queen Elizabeth II, JK Rowling, and Tom Hardy. He is not just a famous pastel artist, but a sculptor and painter as well, and his mixed media talent all plays into the common themes of love and hope while honoring the struggles of his working-class background.

You, too, can become a collector of this famous oil pastel art with the services available at Marcus Ashley Gallery. Explore Thorpe’s originals and limited edition giclee prints or contact one of our knowledgeable art consultants.