SPRING 2018 NEWS! Plus, WEST WIND FINE ART’S TRIBUTE to RICHARD SCHMID Show & Event: Bennington Vermont, September 22 & 23, 2018

Spring is life. Spring is Hope. So is love and happiness. Spring renews…

– from Spring by Poet Archie Greenidge

After a long, snowy winter, Mr. Greenidge’s poem perfectly describes several new and inspiring Springtime events!

The first took place in Santa Fe, NM April 16-19 during the 7th Annual Plein Air Convention when ERIC RHOADS, publisher extraordinaire of Plein Air Magazine, invited me to be a Faculty member. During Eric’s early morning “Marketing Bootcamp,” our discussion focused on important key points for serving as an artist’s agent. Eric asked me to describe these from my perspective as emissary for Richard Schmid and Nancy Guzik.

Eric Rhoads, Kristen Thies, and Buddy Odom. 7th Annual Plein Air Convention & Expo.-Santa Fe, NM 4/17/18

Eric also interviewed Buddy Odom who has assumed the job of marketing for his wife, Plein Air painter and teacher, Katie Odom.

 

There were 1000 Plein Air Painters in the audience and afterwards, quite a few women artists thanked me for my encouraging words and marketing advice. Since my passion and a part of my mission is to advocate for Nature’s beauty by promoting Representational Painting, I was touched and quite impressed by the number of artists in the growing Plein Air movement, who are inspired to perfect their own paintings and careers.

Only a few days later, DANIEL J. KEYS, one of Richard Schmid’s protege’s, won the Draper Award at the Art of The Portrait Conference, in Washington, DC, for his oil, “Innocence”  40″ x 45″. We are all extremely proud of Daniel and I’m delighted to represent his beautiful and magical paintings!

The Portrait Society of America held it’s 2018 International Portrait Competition April 19th to 22nd. In their 20th year, this annual competition brought in over 2,700 visual submissions, From this group, 24 original paintings were chosen to be displayed at The Art of the Portrait Conference, including Michelle Dunaway’s masterful life size portrait of Richard Schmid!  Daniel Keys oil painting “Innocence” was chosen for the Draper Grand Prize! Along with this award, Daniel received a $20,000 cash prize.

Then a week after the Plein Air Convention I hosted my WEST WIND FINE ART SPRING 2018 OPEN HOUSE in Colorado Springs, featuring oils by KATHY ANDERSON, NANCY GUZIK, DANIEL J. KEYS, JUDY STACH, one oil by CLYDE ASPEVIG, plus a few by my late husband, TIMOTHY R. THIES (pronounced like peace with a T)🎨

“Pastel Colors” Oil 12″ x 20″ ©Daniel J. Keys 2018 -Sold at my Spring 2018 Opening!

“Peony Harmony” Oil 20″ x 16″ ©Nancy Guzik 2010 – Featured in Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine’s June 2018 Floral Paintings issue titled, “Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May!”

 

“April Daffodils” Oil 14″ x 10″ ©Kathy Anderson 2018 – Black frame with gold leaf filet

“Yellow Roses with Irish Bread Plate” Oil 16″ x 20″ ©Kathy Anderson 2018. 22 karat gold leaf, hand carved frame by John Anderson.

 

In additIon to the beautiful spring florals, my Open House featured Sea-Scapes by east coast painter Judy Stach. Judy’s work has been featured on the cover of  JERSEY SHORE MAGAZINE and she is Founder of Plein Air Painters of the Jersey Coast.

“Windswept Waves” Oil 10 x 16 ©Judy Stach 2018 – Custom 12 karat gold leaf frame.

 

“Vineyard Sound” Oil 10″ x 12″ ©Clyde Aspevig

“Vineyard Sound,” also featured in my Open House, is one of Clyde Aspevig’s Plein Air oils, painted during his visit to a private historic’s family Island off the Coast of Cape Cod. In addition, Clyde’s new exhibition titled, “NATURE’S CADENCE” is now at The Yellowstone Art Museum in Billings, MT. In my opinion, Clyde Aspevig’s Landscapes are the finest in the world, so the show is not to be missed! For more information, please visit http://www.artmuseum.org 

COMING THIS AUTUMN! I’m delighted to announce WEST WIND FINE ART’S TRIBUTE TO RICHARD SCHMID Event and Show in Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Richard’s best selling book, ALLA PRIMA II.  I’m thrilled to curate this historic and unforgettable event!

VENUE: The Laumeister Art Center formally the Bennington Center for the Arts Address: 44 Gypsy Lane, Bennington, VT. DATES:  Sept. 22 & Sept. 23, 2018.

EVENT SCHEDULE: Sat.9/22–10:00 AM thru Sun. 9/23–3:00 PM. I’ve rented the Laumeister Art Center’s Main Galleries and 300 Seat Theatre. We’ll exhibit at least 10 of RICHARD SCHMID’S masterworks from private collections, and new oil paintings by Richard’s protege’s: NANCY GUZIK, KATHY ANDERSON, STEPHANIE BIRDSALL, SCOTT BURDICK, MICHELLE DUNAWAY, SUSAN LYON, and the late artist, TIMOTHY R. THIES.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON, 9/22 at 1:30 PM, I’m also hosting an educational Panel Discussion with six of the artists who graciously agreed to describe two of their favorite Schmid paintings in artistic terms. The selected Schmid artworks will be projected onto the Theater’s large screen so everyone can see closeups!

Following the panel discussion and short intermission, we’re delighted to premier The First RICHARD SCHMID FILM FESTIVAL and will feature THE SENATOR & THE ARTIST, an amazing and entertaining portrait demonstration by RICHARD SCHMID as he paints the late SENATOR JAMES JEFFORDS. It was filmed before a live audience at the Arkill Pavillon in Manchester, VT, circa 2001.

We’ll also show a short film, ABBOTSFORD HOUSE–THE CREATION OF A MASTERWORK by RICHARD SCHMID, plus a few other film shorts showcasing Richard’s paintings, Co-produced by KRISTEN THIES and NANCY GUZIK.

SUNDAY MORNING, 9/23 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, DANIEL J. KEYS will present an Informative LECTURE and STILL LIFE PAINTING DEMONSTRATION in the Art Center’s Theatre. Dan’s Demo. will also be projected onto the Theatre’s large screen.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: The LAC, formally known as The Bennington Center for The Arts was generously donated by Bruce and Elizabeth Laumeister to Southern Vermont College in Jan. 2018. I want to acknowledge their long time advocacy of Fine Art and incredible gift to the Arts Community in America!

I also wish to thank DR. DAVID EVANS, PhD, President of Southern Vermont College as well as ERIC DESPARD, Executive Director, Laumeister Art Center and Assistant Professor & Director of Music at SVC, for their enthusiasm regarding our grand event.
Mr. Despard is also an accomplished classical guitarist.

Lastly, I am very grateful for our incredible sponsors:
THE KT WIEDEMANN FOUNDATION, INC; STOVE PRAIRIE PRESS, LLC;
ROSEMARY BRUSHES, INC; CURT ALLMAN FRAMES; AMERICAN ART COLLECTOR MAGAZINE; And others to be announced!

To reserve your seat and to purchase tickets for the two day event, please visit:
http://www.westwindfineart.com/shop

Ticket price: $79.98 includes both days, 9/22 & 9/23.

Theater capacity is 300 seats. We’ve already sold many tickets, so please order your ticket now so you’re not disappointed.
Seating is on a first come-first serve basis. Please note we are not able to sell just one day tickets…

We look forward to seeing you during our grand and historic event.

Cheers!

KRISTEN THIES
Curating Fine Art Collections With Integrity Since 1998
Owner, WEST WIND FINE ART, LLC

Kristen@WestWindFineArt.com ~ http://www.WestWindFineArt.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FRIENDSHIP & THE ARTS- Artists Painting Artists & Kristen Thies Podcast Interview with Tyler Murphy of Montana Gallery.

Throughout history, artists such as John Singer Sargent painted portraits or sketches of their artist friends. And, in so doing, Sargent’s works have inspired succeeding generations of painters.

Sargent painted “An Artist in His Studio,” in 1904 which was exhibited by the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. http://www.mfa.org/collections/object/an-artist-in-his-studio-31260

After seeing the spectacular Sargent show at the MFA in 2013, I interviewed Richard Schmid to get his view point. Here’s Richard’s quote.

 “When I first knew I wanted to be an artist, I wasn’t really aware of the world of fine art or ever seen or heard of Sargent.

 When I joined William Mosby’s class at the American Academy of Art in Chicago, my goal was to become an illustrator. One day in 1954 Mosby took his class including me, to The Chicago Art Institute to see an exhibition of paintings by Sargent, Whistler, and Mary Cassatt. After viewing Sargent’s oil, “The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit,” and his other works I was completely smitten. 

 I shifted my whole purpose as an artist, and wanted to be an easel painter, Sargent changed my whole idea of art. I wanted to paint my world as it was happening, and I wanted to paint it as magnificently as he did. His paintings showed me how high a level of excellence dominated his work.”- Richard Schmid

 A new generation of artists are also inspired by Sargent’s paintings and since several of them are my close friends, I decided to post Part II of Artists Painting Artists, featuring oils by Daniel J. Keys, Tyler Murphy, and a drawing by Josh Clare. Plus, a couple of my favorite artworks by Nancy Guzik and Richard Schmid.

During a recent trip to Montana, I stopped by Tyler Murphy’s Montana Gallery in Billings where he invited me to be his 3rd guest on his Podcast, which according to Tyler, “Exists to share a little more about my friends in the arts.”

To listen to the live recording- Episode 3, Kristen Thies, please go over to montanagallery.net/podcast

Here’s a few photos I took of Tyler as well as our visit to Loren Entz’s studio–his longtime artist friend and mentor.

Tyler Murphy in his Montana Gallery /Studio.

Myself visiting Loren Entz in his studio.

Lauren Entz and Tyler Murphy in Entz’s Studio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Oil of Ryan Mellody”©Tyler Murphy

 

“Tyler Murphy” Charcoal drawing ©Josh Clare

“Tyler Murphy” Oil Sketch 16″x 12″ ©Daniel J. Keys 2014

“Tyler is one of my dearest friends, and also a skilled artist himself. We often find ourselves on what we refer to as painting “adventures” with our fellow artists, and spend much of our time painting the beautiful Montana landscape. From time to time however, we take turns sitting for portrait sessions. This is one of several Portrait sketches I’ve painted of Tyler. I completed this sketch in two sessions of twenty minutes each. It was quick sketch in order to capture the fleeting gesture and fading natural light coming through the studio windows.” -Daniel J. Keys 2017

 To see more art by what I term, “The next generation of artists,” represented by Montana Gallery, please go over to: http://www.montanagallery.net

And, to see more paintings by the artists represented by my gallery, please go over to: http://www.WestWindFineArt.com

 In closing, here are a couple of oils of artist friends painted by Nancy Guzik and Richard Schmid…

“Ryan Mellody and Song” Oil 10″ x 12″ ©Nancy Guzik 2011

 

“Nancy & Zorro” Monochrome Oil 16″ x 12″ ©Richard Schmid 2005

In addition, I’m excited and very pleased to announce a new 3 Day painting workshop:

Title: ALLA PRIMA FLORAL PAINTING with DANIEL J. KEYS

Dates: August 25, 26, 27, 2017 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

I’ll be posting the details on my web site soon. In the meantime, please save the date!

My next Blog is titled: FLOWER PANTINGS from KATHY ANDERSON’S GARDEN”

Thanks for stopping by…

Until next time I send you all my best,

Kristen

Curating Fine Art Collections with Integrity Since 1998

Kristen@WestWindFineArt.com

http://www.WestWindFineArt.com

FRIENDSHIP & THE ARTS

PART I

ARTISTS PAINTING ARTISTS

             “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

                                                                                                                   -Eleanor Roosevelt

After my wintertime get-away to experience Nature’s awesome silence and untouched beauty, I returned home to Colorado Springs to find myself surrounded by a barrage of constant political controversy. Even though I’m known as an art dealer, I consider myself to be a “social storyteller.” And, if you, like me have grown tired of social and political disharmony and long to take a time-out, I invite you to read my latest post– a behind the scenes account of long-time artistic friends, Richard Schmid, Nancy Guzik, Scott Burdick, Susan Lyon, and Michelle Dunaway.

A year or so ago, Scott, Susan, and Michelle visited Richard and Nancy’s New England studios and decided to paint together. Scott proposed the grand idea of filming Richard painting Michelle from life during an afternoon session. Richard was all in, and they set up and painted in Nancy’s beautiful north light studio.

During a break, Michelle wandered into the living room to the sounds of Richard playing piano. Here’s Michelle’s comments on her painting.

“Conversations With Chopin” Oil © Michelle Dunaway 2017

“The day I witnessed this moment I was enchanted upon hearing Richard playing Chopin at the piano. I quietly sat and listened as he played with joy, skill, and his typical artistic enthusiasm. Listening to a favorite artist and friend play music by a favorite composer was a truly inspiring moment that I knew must be captured in paint. It was as though, through the lilting melody and rhythms of the piano concerto, a conversation was taking place between two friends, bridging the work of two great artists across time.”

After two days of filming and a year or so perfecting the sound track with professional film editing, their collaborative efforts resulted in a brand-new video download titled: RICHARD SCHMID PAINTS MICHELLE DUNAWAY. In addition, Richard’s portrait of Michelle graced one of the walls in The Retrospective Exhibition I hosted for Richard last September in Denver, Colorado.

“Michelle Dunaway” Oil ©Richard Schmid 2014

When I told Richard about my idea for this new post, he asked me if I’d like a couple more images of his Portraits of Nancy. Needless to say, I graciously accepted…

The first is titled:

           “Nancy Painting” Oil 18″ x 24″ –

Page 58 of Alla Prima II, and the book cover image.©Richard Schmid.

The next is one of my all time favorites:

       “Nancy’s Velvet Cape” Detail, Oil 24″ x 40″ -Page 261 of Alla Prima II. ©Richard Schmid.

Richard said of this piece:

“On a personal note, this is one of the many paintings I have done of Nancy on New Year’s Day as our way of celebrating. We alternate; one year I paint her, the next year she paints me.”

I then asked Nancy for a quote on what inspired her to create her painting of Richard during a trip to our friend’s Inn on Cape Cod.

“Richard Schmid Painting at the Beach Rose Inn on Cape Cod” Oil 14″ x 11″ 2014

“Capturing this awesome day, along with Richard creating his world on canvas, made my heart quicken and my confidence soar.” Nancy Guzik 2017

Although I didn’t get a specific quote from Richard regarding his own inspiration for painting people from life, I believe this beautifully written passage from his chapter titled, “The Magic” reveals his personal view on the subject.

“My painting draws me into what has captivated me. Sometimes when the concentration is intense, my canvas seems to take on an irresistible momentum, unfolding almost as if it had a life of its own, and I become lost in the spectacle of what is occurring. It is like the moment when a runner reaches his or her stride, and running becomes effortless, like flying. Those are heady moments indeed, times to be savored. They are always a dramatic reminder to me that skill is only one of the prerequisites–part of the setup to unleash a poetic act–and my painting, with all of its involvement and complication, seems merely a record of the event.” Page 292 of Alla Prima II.

The portraits posted here by Richard Schmid, Nancy Guzik, and Michelle Dunaway represent their silent moments of joy. And, I am extremely grateful for this time to savor their inspired expressions of immense skill and beauty.

I’m also delighted to announce Richard Schmid will be the recipient of an award of distinction from the Portrait Society of America during the PSA Conference on April 21. The 2017 Excellence in Fine Art Education Award will be presented by Edward Jonas, Co-Founder and Chair:

“Representational Realism flourishes today and into the twenty-first century because of the dedication of accomplished and seasoned masters, such as Richard Schmid, to teaching and mentoring a new generation of rising artists. Such unselfish sharing of wisdom and vision should not only be heralded but also recognized. It is in this spirit that the Portrait Society of America is presenting Richard with its 2017 Excellence in Fine Art Education Award.”

“Portrait of Kristen Thies” Oil 16″ x 20″ ©Richard Schmid 2001

In conclusion, I’m also posting Richard’s portrait of myself inscribed: “For Kristen: The Dreamer.” I assure you I live my life by Eleanor Roosevelt’s noteworthy quote. I hope you too will never stop believing in the beauty of your dreams…

All my best,

Kristen

For more inspiration and to view Richard Schmid’s and Nancy Guzik’s original oils, as well as paintings by Kathy Anderson, Clyde Aspevig, Carol Guzman, Daniel J. Keys, and Judy Stach, and bronze sculpture by George Carlson, please visit my web site www.WestWindFineArt.com

For more information on the new release of Scott Burdick’s film, please log onto  https://RichardSchmid.FlickRocket.com

This production, videotaped by the artist and documentary filmmaker Scott Burdick, was initially done for Richard’s private archives. However, it was clear as the footage was reviewed, that this two-day session of Richard painting Michelle in the beautiful north light of Nancy Guzik’s studio, was far too valuable not to be shared with artists and art lovers worldwide.

The artists retain the copyright to their artwork worldwide…

Updates: Spring 2016: Notes from Kristen

More updates on our upcoming RICHARD SCHMID: A RETROSPECTIVE EXHIBITION!

So far, we’ve been fortunate to obtain about thirty of Richard’s oils and drawings from private collections. The Artist’s Reception and Opening is scheduled for September 24, 2016 and is being co-hosted by myself and my colleagues Christine Serr and Dave Ethridge of Gallery 1261 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. The address is 1261 Delaware Street, Denver, CO.

In addition to artworks from private collections that are NFS, Richard told me he’ll have at least five new paintings available for sale. “Begonias” oil 16″ x 20″ posted at the top of this page is just one exquisite example.

I’ve been selling many tickets to the Saturday afternoon Fundraising event to honor Richard Schmid’s fine art career and Nature’s beauty. In addition to a delicious luncheon, we’re happy to announce that Quang Ho, Scott Burdick, Kathy Anderson, Daniel J. Keys and Judy Stach will take part in a compelling panel discussion on the importance of painting directly from life and tell us why Richard’s art and knowledge of plein air painting influenced their own fine art careers.

We’ll also be showing a special digital presentation comprised of the best of Richard’s paintings of Colorado. Nancy Guzik and I are working on the short film now!

In addition, Charles Money, the executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Conservancy will give a short presentation and present Richard with an award for helping to assist the Rocky Mountain Conservancy in their ongoing efforts to preserve and acquire available lands inside the boundaries of Rocky Mountain National Park.

We are in the process of producing a small limited edition print of one of Richard’s most iconic paintings of Rocky Mountain National Park with sales proceeds donated to the RMC after expenses.

So if you are interested in attending, please check out the 2016 Gallery Events page on http://www.WestWindFineArt.com and purchase a ticket from the shopping cart before they’ re all sold out! Partial proceeds after expenses will be donated to the RMC’s noble cause. The event is being held at the History Colorado Center at 1200 Broadway, Denver, CO from noon to 4:30 pm.

We’re also happy to announce that Richard has agreed to a book signing, now scheduled on Sunday, Sept. 25 from 11:00 am to noon at Gallery 1261 located at 1261 Delaware Street, Denver, CO. This is free and open to the public.

This once in a lifetime, historic exhibition is being sponsored by West Wind Fine Art LLC, Gallery 1261, Stove Prairie Press LLC, American Fine Art Magazine, the KT Wiedemann Foundation, Inc., and Rosemary Brushes, Inc.

So, please mark your calendars for the weekend of September 24th and 25th and join us in celebrating the exquisite and amazing Art of Richard Schmid!

Wishing you all a beautiful Spring!

All my best,

Kristen

 

 

NATURE & NUANCE: The Art of Clyde Aspevig

“Surely the true path is to dive deep into Nature.”   ~ Vincent Van Gogh   

Clyde Aspevig’s landmark exhibition, Nature & Nuance, at the Booth Museum in Cartersville, Georgia, beautifully reflects Van Gogh’s wisdom above. The opening reception, on March 12^th, included a gallery walk with Clyde describing 30 of his works, followed by his sold-out evening lecture.* Nature & Nuance is on view until May 10, 2015.

Artists and collectors from 20 different states in America and Canada traveled to the Booth to learn from Aspevig, who is regarded as one of the finest landscape painters of our time. Many more were not fortunate enough to get a ticket to his live 2 ½ hour painting demonstration. During the demo, Clyde shared his approach to plein air painting and encouraged artists to go out into nature to paint field studies and then create studio works inspired by nature’s colors. He also urged them to use their memories and imagination. “I aim to create believable scenes that convey emotion. Digital photography is remarkable,” he continued, “but artists are painters, not photographers. It’s all about interpretation.” I would like to add the importance and power of keen observation, and curiosity, too!

“Planetary Alignment & What the Beaver Knows,” a 30” x 36” oil, is the result of what Clyde refers to as “one of my creative adventures.” Of it, he says:

Around the 12th of September the crescent moon and the planet Mercury appear in the horizon at dusk. This particular evening I walked down to the beaver dam in front of our house to watch the activity of a family of beavers.  As soon as I arrived, the parents slapped their tails to warn the youngsters.  The kits dove away from the perceived danger.  I then made a gentle splash with my hand, making ripples on the water, which moved across the pond.  The male beaver, sensing this disruption, surfaced to challenge the intruder.  He circled the pond making sure his domain and family were safe.  Between the moon, the planet and the beavers, I considered the immensity of the moment.

“Planetary Alignment” Oil 30″ x 36″ © Clyde Aspevig

Clyde also spoke at length on the part that musicality plays in creating dynamic paintings. “I infuse my paintings with texture, design, colors, patterns and rhythms, and interesting layers of paint to create a visually exiting representational piece. One would not use the same musical note while composing a melody. It would be really boring.”

” Prairie Jazz” Oil  24″ X 30″ © Clyde Aspevig

 Clyde grew up on a farm on the prairies of northern Montana and learned at an early age that he had to use his imagination if he wanted to satisfy his curiosity.  Hours spent on a tractor taught him to study nature. “Without all that time on a tractor, I don’t think I’d relate to the canopy of the sky in quite the same way.”

“Beauty stands all around us if we would just build the habit of looking for it,” he added. “I want to use my skills as an artist to awaken our senses to observe the natural world that surrounds us every day.” True to his intention, his woodland scene, November Junipers, contains what Clyde terms, “layers of discoveries.”

 “November Junipers” Oil 24″ X 30″ © Clyde Aspevig

Clyde also contends that art is about problem solving. “In a world that becomes more and more complex, we need the humanities more than ever to find the patterns and rhythms to guide us forward.”

A solution near and dear to him and his wife, artist Carol Guzman, is “Land Snorkeling,” a name they coined to describe the art of simply being in nature. “The idea is to go outside to wander and wonder and to look at nature from different perspectives – to take a closer look and experience the simple elegance of a cloud.” Clyde also hopes that viewers of his art are motivated to help preserve the undeveloped areas of the West.

Although Aspevig has been painting since he was 12 years old, he possesses a keen desire to learn and continually grow as an artist. He reveres the great European and Russian masters such as Claude Monet, Isaac Levitan, and Danish-born artist Emil Carlsen. Like Carlsen, Aspevig’s use of layered under-painting gives his work a sense of pattern – like a naturalistic tapestry.

Clyde also holds the art of picture framing in high regard. William Adair of Gold Leaf Studios in Washington, DC, framed many paintings in Nature & Nuance. Gold Leaf Studios is an internationally recognized authority on frame fabrication, conservation, and gilding, including large-scale architectural gilding. The firm maintains museum standards of conservation, mounting, and matting to protect and enhance fine artworks.

The sheer atmospheric beauty of Beginning of Spring, Oil 30” x 40” is stunning. The texture and patina of Adair’s frame are a perfect complement to Clyde’s oil and create a masterful and harmonious unity between painting and frame.

“Beginning of Spring- From my studio window, Montana Oil  30″ x 40”

© Clyde Aspevig 2014, Private Collection

 

“We call this frame The Stanford White Soft Grill. It is based on an earlier design of Stanford White’s, where the grill pattern is much crisper. The design is based on a New York artist from the 1920s and I think it is perfect for Clyde Aspevig’s landscape.” – William Adair

In addition to hosting Clyde’s solo show, the Booth Museum of Western Art is home to one of the most extensive Western art collections in the US. An added delight is the presence of one of Carol Guzman’s oils, “Painted Buffalo Skull.”

Painted Buffalo Skull 36” x 36” Oil on linen ©Carol Guzman

Permanent collection, The Booth Western Art Museum

Of this painting, Carol says:

“My friend and great artist, the late Hollis Williford owned this buffalo skull. I would admire it each time I visited his studio.  I asked if I could borrow it to use in a still life painting and he was kind enough to lend it to me.  Painting it from life in my studio was an experience I will always remember.  Its magnificent power and painted abstractness stands alone.”  – Carol Guzman

For those of you who want to take a closer look at Clyde’s remarkable oil, Planetary Alignment, you’ll be pleased to know that it has been acquired by the KT Wiedemann Foundation and will be on view at The Wichita Center for the Arts in Wichita, KS, along with another of his masterworks.

Photo ©Kristen Thies 2015

It seems fitting to conclude this post with an inspiring quote by the great naturalist and writer, John Muir:

Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may head and give strength to body and soul. – John Muir

To view Clyde’s impressive digital lecture, is available on this YouTube video:

Check out www.landsnorkle.com for more discussions on land conservation and the importance of our inter-connectedness with nature.

For more information on the Booth Western Art Museum, please visit http://www.boothmuseum.org.

To contact William Adair please click on his name.

Please contact me, Kristen@WestWindFineArt.com for more information on the art of Clyde Aspevig and Carol Guzman.

                                                                  

Greetings from COLORADO: Late Winter 2015

I’m happy to announce I’ve moved back west to Colorado – especially since Boston and Wellesley, Massachusetts have experienced such record amounts of snowfall!

Speaking of records, in case you’re not aware, Richard Schmid’s painting, “Yellow Roses” oil 20” x 30” sold for $187,200, setting a world record at the 2014 Jackson Hole Art Auction in Jackson Hole, Wyoming last autumn.

If you’re like me, I can’t wait for spring to reappear in earnest and with it comes the desire to re-hang my paintings in the new home I’m building in Colorado Springs. I miss seeing my collection of oils by Richard Schmid, Nancy Guzik, Clyde Aspevig, Carol Guzman, Judy Stach and paintings by my late husband, Timothy R Thies as well as works by George Carlson!

Many of you have asked to be included on the waiting list whenever one of Richard Schmid’s paintings becomes available. So, I’m writing to let you know about a few artworks I’ve consigned to my gallery. I also have a couple wonderful oils by Nancy Guzik and one small gem by Daniel J. Keys. And, I know I’ll be receiving other new oils this spring! To view the paintings, please log onto 

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http://www.WestWindFineart.com and click on the artists pages.

I’m also writing to let you know Richard celebrated his 80th Birthday in October 2014. His wife Nancy sent out a global birthday card request and consequently, he received over 5000 letters and cards from collectors, artists, and fans from thirty-seven countries around the world!  Richard is doing quite well, he is working on two new projects and will be returning to his easel in the coming months.

“Yellow Roses” oil 20″ x 30″ ©Richard Schmid

I myself am in the process of writing a new volume celebrating Richard’s Art and many accomplishments. No doubt he is one of the world’s foremost living artists, educators, and philanthropists, and according to Steve Doherty, one of the most influential artists of our time. But, I‘m also compelled to share the untold story and photos of my remarkable friendship with he and his wife Nancy Guzik over the past 17 years.

“Yellow Roses” oil 20″ x 30″ ©Richard Schmid

I’ve also included a few photos from our highly successful show in Boston.

West Wind Fine Art’s Show at the historic St. Botolph Club, Boston, MA 2014

Nancy Guzik, Richard Schmid with Kathy Anderson and her oil painting, at our autumn show at the St. Botolph Club.

Late winter is a perfect time to celebrate the joys of life and the beauty of Fine Art. Please give me a call if you wish to add a new special piece to your collection.

Next month, I’ll feature Clyde Aspevig’s solo show, Nature & Nuance at the Booth Museum in Cartersville, GA. For more info. visit http://www.boothmuseum.org.

And, we’ll also show some highlights from the 2nd annual Au Coeur Academy Workshops being held by my friends, Sheryll and Douglas Reichwein near Charleston, SC. For more info. visit http://www.aucoeuracademy.com

All my best, Kristen Thies

Owner/ CEO West Wind Fine Art, LLC Boulder, CO 80304

508-566-9463 | Kristen@WestWindFineArt.com

Autumn 2014

Celebrating Paintings by RICHARD SCHMID, NANCY GUZIK & KATHY ANDERSON

The long, warm, and sometimes sultry days of summer are winding down, and herald the excitement of a new season. In New England, autumn unfolds as a glorious array of stunning colors and conjures thoughts of apple pie and clear, crisp days and piles of autumn leaves.

©NANCY GUZIK 2014 “Flowers, Teacups & Apples” ©NANCY GUZIK 2014

Featured in Southwest Art’s September 2014 issue, “Making Magic: Painter Nancy Guzik sprinkles fairy dust and beauty into her art by Gussie Fauntleroy.

It’s harvest time and perfect for celebrating. So please mark your calendars for Nov. 15^th and 16^th – and join us at our highly anticipated three person show, RICHARD SCHMID, NANCY GUZIK & KATHY ANDERSON: A Celebration of New Paintings at the Historic St. Botolph Club in Boston. For details go over to http://www.westwindfineart.com/events

“Nancy & Friends” oil  © RICHARD SCHMID 2014

It is with great pleasure that we dreamers and artists offer up new paintings – moments captured in oils to express color harmony, the delights of enduring friendship and love, and exuberant garden flowers.

“Geranium Harmony”  ©KATHY ANDERSON 2014.  Featured on her new best selling instructional DVD “ How to Paint Flowers in the Studio” from Liliedahl Art Video.

Then on Sunday, Nov. 16^th, you won’t want to miss The BOSTON PREMIER of the short documentary Film: “THE SENATOR & THE ARTIST,”
Richard Schmid’s painting demonstration of then Senator James Jeffords, of Vermont in 2001. Seating is limited so please reserve early. To purchase tickets please click here

All three artists will be present to personally autograph books and our new Exhibition Catalog after the film. 
(Please note autographed copies may only be purchased at the show).

Autumn 2014 also marks Richard Schmid’s 80^th birthday and West Wind Fine Art’s 16^th anniversary. We happily invite you to join Richard, Nancy Guzik, Kathy Anderson, and myself in our celebration of creativity, friendship, and life. I know you’ll be caught up by the beauty and magic of their exquisite paintings!

For details please visit www.WestWindFineArt.com. The artists retain copyrights to their paintings worldwide.

–KRISTEN THIES CEO/ OWNER, WEST WIND FINE ART, LLC

 

 

Friends in Art and Life

Spring is finally here in Massachusetts, and although winter seemed incredibly long, its been a really productive time! I am really excited to announce the redesign of my website, http://www.westwindfineart.com. I’m also extremely happy to announce several new events I’ve planned for 2014 with a few of my close friends in Art and in Life.

The first event is scheduled from April 9-12 and is being produced by Sheryll and Douglas Reichwein, the founders of www.aucoeuracademy.com

They are dedicating this event to BEAUTY AT THE HEART OF THE CULTURE. And, they’ve selected NANCY GUZIK as the recipient of the first annual “BEAUTY IN CULTURE AWARD” for exemplifying beauty’s essential qualities and making exceptional cultural contributions. The award ceremony will take place on April 11 at Middleton Place in Charleston, SC. For more information go over to their web site listed above.

Nancy & Zorro  | Photo © Tia Surle

I’m also pleased to announce that I’ve been invited by The Oil Painters of America to be a part of their 23^rd National Exhibition and Convention held at the Bennington Center for the Arts, June 4^th to 8^th, 2014. I’m scheduled to give a talk on Friday, June 6 from 1:00 to 2:30 pm in Bennington, Vermont.

My digital talk is titled:  How To Present Your Most Professional Self–Inspiring Ideas to Help Take Your Art to the Next Level– A topic near and dear to my own heart, because one of my greatest desires is to assist Artists in achieving fulfillment and greater success in their Fine Art careers. For more information and to register please contact, Kathryn Beligratis, Executive Director at 847-277-1721 or visit www.OilPaintersofAmerica.com

Then this autumn, I’m extremely happy to announce a very special event:  DANIEL J. KEYS -ONE PERSON SHOW -September 13- 21, 2014. I’ve leased a beautiful gallery space in Boston located at 162 Newbury Street on the 2^nd Floor. The Artists reception is Saturday, September 13^th from 4-7 pm.

Roses and Iris, Oil       © Daniel J. Keys 2014

In addition, I’m delighted to announce that Kathy Anderson has accepted my invitation to represent her paintings. Please go over to my new web site to view her paintings and to read all of the artists up-to-date bios.

Kathy Anderson, Myself,  & Daniel J. Keys | Photo courtesy West Wind Fine Art

In addition, I’m excited to announce that the historic St. Botolph Club in Boston, MA will be the site for my Autumn 2014 Show! The Artist’s reception will be Saturday, November 15 from 2-5pm and will include new paintings by some of my closest friends Richard Schmid, Nancy Guzik and Kathy Anderson with Bronzes by George Carlson. Then on Sunday, Nov. 16^th we’re going to present The Boston Premier of “THE SENATOR AND THE ARTIST: A Portrait Demonstration by Richard Schmid.” It’s a great documentaryof Richard painting Senator James Jeffords of Vermont. The film was shot during a fundraiser in 2001 at the Southern Vermont Arts Center in Manchester, Vermont. So please save the date! More details to come.

 

 

Nancy Guzik, Daniel J. Keys,  Richard Schmid, and myself.

Selfie Photo ©Nancy Guzik Nov. 2013

www.WestWindFineArt.com

West Wind Fine Art’s 15th Anniversary

April 5, 2013

Painting (Above): Cape Cod Flowers © Richard Schmid 2012 Oil 18″ X 24″

Dear Friends,
Today I’m excited to announce our 15th Anniversary Show June 21-23, 2013.
It also marks a turning point–a time to reflect on my life with my late husband Timothy who passed away three years ago. But 2013 also marks the beginning of springtime with the promise of a new, wonder-filled year which is filling up with many exciting adventures.

But just in case you’re not aware, my Irish Terrier Lilly and I moved to a beautiful new home on Morse’s Pond in Wellesley, MA in 2012. And, this new Blog site has had more than 10,000 views. Plus the short documentary film I produced titled, “Richard Schmid’s Journey to Abbotsford- the home of Sir Walter Scott.” for West Wind Fine Art’s YouTube Channel, has been seen by more than 5000 people world wide!

To watch my first video, please go over to the Photos and Films link on my blog and click on the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26vcesu4K50&feature=youtube

I also assisted Nancy Guzik in producing her adorable video, “Where Fairy Tales Come Alive.”  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iq4Jw6Xiy_E   It is the first of many films that will give artists and non artists an exclusive behind the scenes look of Nancy painting children directly from life.

I was recently asked for a quote about our 15th Anniversary Show… All I can think of is this: It’s a privilege and my joy to promote excellence in Fine Art. As much as I miss Timothy, I know he is in a wondrous place. And, I also know he would be proud that I’m carrying on the adventure we began together in 1998.

Here are the details on the other events scheduled for the weekend of June 21-23,
Please join us in Celebrating our 15th Anniversary

Summer Show | June 21-23, 2013
Honoring RICHARD SCHMID
Curated by KRISTEN THIES
at The Carney Gallery

Painting (Above): Grace and Speckles © Nancy Guzik 2012 Oil 16″ X 20″

Painting (Above):Lilly and Nasturiums © Richard Schmid 2012  Oil 12″ X 20″

REGIS COLLEGE FINE ARTS CENTER
235 Wellesley Street | Weston, MA 02493

Featuring paintings by:
Richard Schmid, Clyde Aspevig, Nancy Guzik, Carol Guzman-Aspevig, Daniel J. Keys,
Judy Stach, and Timothy R. Thies, with bronze sculpture by George Carlson and Douglas Reichwein

Preview: Friday, June 21 | 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Opening & Artists Reception: Friday, June 21st | 6:00 to 9:00 pm
(Open to the public)
Gallery Hours: Saturday June 22 | 10 am- to 5 pm
and Sunday, June 23rd | 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Two more exciting events:
Artists Paint Out in the Tower Garden Sat. June 22nd | 8 am to Noon
with Buffet Lunch, Saturday, June 22nd in the gallery | Noon – 1:30
$12 per ticket –
and
Painting the Still Life Demo. by Daniel J. Keys Regis College Center Foyer
Sunday June 23rd | 9 am to 1:00 pm
$25 per ticket –

Painting (above): Pale Roses © Daniel J Keys 2013 Oil 14″ X 20″

To register for the Artist’s Paint Out and buffet lunch with Richard Schmid, Nancy Guzik, Daniel Keys, Judy Stach and our other artist friends, and Painting The Still Life with Daniel J. Keys Demo please click on: http://www.westwindfineart.com/news/news.htm

All the best,
Kristen

Painting (Below) : Hollyhocks © Timothy R Thies 2005, Oil 30″ X 40″

All images are strictly copyrighted by the artists and may not be reproduced without their express written permission. 

Kristen Thies | West Wind Fine Art | PO Box 812038 | Wellesley, MA 02482 | contactus@westwindfineart.com

Posing for the Putney Painters

My Irish Terrier, Lilly and I were invited to pose for the Putney Painters at the Village Arts of Putney, Vermont on October 27.

Photo © Tatiana Yanovskaya-Sink 2012

It was a lot of fun and everyone loved painting Lilly – she was a wonderful model – better than me because she didn’t move as much.

Ryan Mellody, a member of the Putney Painters timed each pose which lasted 25 minutes with a 5 minute break in between.

Photo © Nancy Guzik 2012  Pictured in the background – artists Dick MacNeil, Mary Linda Strotkamp and Rosemary Ladd. Foreground – Lilly, myself, Richard Schmid and Ryan Mellody

During one of the breaks Richard Schmid told me that even experienced models shift positions involuntarily. I can attest that sitting still isn’t easy for an active person like myself. We began at 10:00 am and ended at 4:00 pm with a one hour lunch period.

Here I am checking on Lilly during the break. Photo ©Nancy Guzik 2012

THE PUTNEY PAINTERS founded by Richard Schmid and Nancy Guzik in 1999 is becoming famous as one of the finest painting groups in America. The group is made up of serious artists invited into the group by the founders. Many of the Putney artists are scheduled to teach workshops at The Scottsdale Artists School in January 2013. Putney Painters Week begins January 28 – February 2, 2013.

You won’t want to miss award-winning artist Nancy Guzik’s digital lecture on Friday evening at the Legacy Gallery. Nancy is donating all ticket proceeds to the school. http://www.scottsdaleartschool.org

I’m also happy to announce that I’ve been invited to host a Marketing presentation during Putney week with my long time colleague, author and publicist Sheryll Reichwein. Together we bring 25 years of art marketing experience to our digital presentation titled:

Keys to Effective Art Marketing:

How to Tell Your Best Story & How to Present Your Most Professional Self

©Sheryll Reichwein & Kristen Thies, August 2012

Sheryll and I are also donating all ticket sales for our digital lecture to the school. For exact details and to register, please contact Audrey Lemler at ALemler@ScottsdaleArtSchool.org.

This blog brought to you by www.WestWindFineArt.com, curating Fine Art Collections since 1998.