It's hard to believe that the holiday gift giving season is upon us again. Didn’t summer just end? As I sit here and making my gift giving list, I’m struck by how often I give art as a present. I have spoken about how art is an emotional purchase and how paintings and sculptures tend to hold precious memories with them. They remind us of the person who gave them to us or of the previous owner, like a grandmother, or a reminder of a particular time or activity. While looking at the December 13th Art Auction, I realized that there were a lot of really beautiful things that would make wonderful gifts for anyone on your list. The auction provides a large selection of both contemporary modern and traditional type art. Some of my favorite ideas are below.
Left to right: Lot 1211, Bernard Buffet. "Notre Dame," lithograph, Lot 1212, Pablo Picasso. "Nestor's Tales of the Trojan War," etching
Collecting a print by a famous artist, often called a multiple, is an extremely affordable way to begin collecting “real art.” It provides the opportunity for a new collector to move away from art from big box stores and begin acquiring more important pieces. Do you have someone with a new house or a first apartment on your list? This is the answer. Some fun examples are lot 1211, “Notre Dame” by Bernard Buffet, lot 1212 “Nestor’s Tales of the Trojan War” by Pablo Picasso, lot 1214 “The Rock” by Salvador Dali, and lot 1217 “Abstract 5” by Joan Miro.
For the more seasoned collector, especially one that is a fan of more contemporary works, you won't want to miss the first three lots in the auction. Lot 1200 “Sequential VIII” by Richard Anuszkiewicz, lot 1201 “Shift” by Eric Freeman, and lot 1202 “SP-V” by Josef Albers are all vibrant and colorful works, samples of bold op art/ geometric abstract works that would be a delightful present for anyone.
Lot 1202, Josef Albers. "SP-V," silkscreen
If anyone on your list is a fan of legendary Baltimore artists, we have something for them as well. There two lovely landscapes by Eugene Leake, lots 1206 and 1278, a stunning beach scene by Herman Maril, lot 1279, colorful abstracts by Wilbur Reeling at lots 1243 and 1244, a still life by Ann Schuler (lot 1256) and a stunning photograph by A. Aubrey Bodine at lot 1298.
Left to right: Lot 1243, Wilbur M. Reeling. Red Composition, watercolor, Lot 1244, Wilbur M Reeling. "Glory III," watercolor
And lastly, for the hard to buy for grandparents, you won't want to miss the collection of original World War One propaganda posters. This collection is in impeccable state given its age. They are found at lots 1302-1333. They are striking and would be an interesting a historical addition to any collection.
Left to right: Lot 1309, Howard Chandler Christy. "Gee! I Wish I Were a Man, I'd Join the Navy, Naval Reserves or Coast Guard," lithograph, Lot 1332, Lloyd Myers. "Britishers - You're Needed - Come Across Now," lithograph
I hope that you will think of buying art for someone on your shopping list this year. And I also hope you won't forget to add yourself to the list. Happy collecting and Happy Holidays!
Kathleen Hamill
Director, Modern & Contemporary Art
kathleen@alexcooper.com
