At The Seashore, 11x14, K.A.McMahon

You’ve heard it before, “Artists take us on a journey with their art…” and good art makes a connection for the viewer.  I like to think of artists as more than skilled technicians. They don’t just create art, they create stories that need to be told.  The image to the left is a great example of a painting that jolts a memory or maybe even makes you dream about the future. When you connect to a painting, the story is  yours to tell. It could be on a beach along the Jersey shore or the Mexican Riviera or Pacific coast. You pick the location and players. By just glancing at this beautiful painting,  a story unfolds that makes us smile, takes us back to a time when our children or grandchildren were small. Maybe it will take you to a time you remember as a small child. Don’t those memories come rushing back?

My own story takes place in 1988 at  a lovely vacation home on Virginia Beach with life-long friends and their two daughters.  We shared so many firsts together along that stretch of beach in the bright sun and warm surf.  Every morning started with our children playing happily together in the sand, making sand castles and collecting bits of shells like little treasure hunters. We swam, sang, laughed, chased kites and ate big thick meaty sandwiches at lunch time from the local deli. The days seemed short, filled with so much activity, so many giggles and the memories will never be forgotten.  There were many vacations at the shore where a painting like this will keep those memories fresh. Now adults, I’m sure our kids have their own special version to tell about their happy memories growing up together. This painting is the first page of a good story.  Your own memories, your own imagination and  your own experiences will complete the tale.

Kathryn McMahon, painted this darling image based on photos she had from her own childhood.  These little ones are triplets born in Canada in the 1940s and her story is as personal and captivating as yours or mine. Take time to explore art and find pieces that help you tell your own story. What a great way to share a memory that you never want to forget.

What is your story?

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Sam Shows How Fine Art Makes Him Smile

What does it feel like to have the best job in the world? I can tell you.  Owning a gallery for the past 7 years has brought much joy and laughter into my life, and often doesn’t feel like work at all.  Nearly every day I meet people who appreciate the talents of fine artists and share their joy with me whether they are buying their very first piece or their 100th piece. It is so exciting to be part of this process.

Sam purchased his first original painting from Hunter-Wolff Gallery and on this day, he is smiling about his second purchase (a beautiful oil painting by Penny Stewart).  He might be smiling too because he made a decision to layaway a third painting that he will pick up next month. Sam serves our country in the USAF and is all about US made and doing his part to support Americans.

Now doesn’t this sound like I have the best job in the world?  Everyday I am surrounded by beautiful art–paintings, pottery, sculpture, blown glass and wonderful, interesting people. There is one downfall, however.  I want to bring it all home with me.

Put a smile on your face today, and start collecting fine art–made here in America!

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We’ve been excited before when we discover an artist we think you should know about. But, there is something different about our latest discovery, Clifford T. Bailey. I only met him two days ago and I already have told dozens of friends and you too need to see this accomplished artist’s work.  He’s not your average or just above average artist-—-he’s what every artist hopes to accomplish.  Great. Sometimes it takes time to get out the good news but as soon as art-lovers see his work, it won’t take long.

While getting out the word and showing his current offerings at Hunter-Wolff Gallery, you can expect to see and hear more about Clifford T. Bailey regularly.  He’s been painting for nearly 40 years but tucked away up in Greeley Colorado.  We are now unleashing the secret that Greeley has been keeping for years. Here’s a sampling of what we just hung on the wall and based on two days of interest from visitors, we expect he will have to get busy to paint more pieces for us soon.

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Paris Impression by Laura Reilly

Did you miss an opportunity to buy a piece of art you just cannot get out of your mind? Missing an opportunity to buy a piece of art you fell in love with is regrettable. Sometimes circumstances prevent purchasing art the moment you see it. It happens. It happens to everyone—and we agonize over not buying. Now it is gone. The image flashes in your mind but it is gone forever.

It is a lesson we all learn the hard way. The time to buy is that special moment when you connect with a piece of art. It is like anything you love; claim it or someone else will. If your inner voice whispers the timing is not right but your other senses shout, “it’s the perfect piece”, what do you do? Ask about layaway! Layaway is the perfect solution when cash is tight. It ensures your ownership for a lifetime of enjoyment.

On the other hand, what happens if you already missed your opportunity? Now you start following the artist’s activities, becoming more intimately aware of their collections and new work. If you fell in love with one piece, it is likely you will love other work they create. Visit their representative gallery; sign-up for newsletters and blogs; get on email announcements and become involved. For example, if you missed Laura Reilly’s wonderful Paris-inspired oils, you can easily learn what she creates weekly. Don’t miss another piece of artwork that moves you. There’s just no excuse.

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Preparing for ArtWalk might sound like time-consuming, hard work for the galleries but we are having so much fun we hardly notice.  Ina few days, you will see the results of our fun.  This year’s ArtWalk begins April 1  and includes 13 different locations in Old Colorado City.  Not only canArtWalkers enjoy new collections and meet new artists at some of their old favorite spots, but also they will get to explore some new ArtWalk hosts to get the art mojo moving.

Corner Cafe, Paris by Laura Reilly

Blown Glass by Donna Gordon

So what’s new at Hunter-Wolff Gallery? Laura Reilly has several new pieces, capturing what she is so good at— painting street scenes. If you can’t visit Paris this year, you might have to bring Paris home with you. There is nothing like springtime in Paris and her Paris street scenes will  whisk you away in a second. Donna Gordon also delivered a large collection of new glasswork— all free-flowing, fresh colors and irresistible.   Patience Heyl has been spending time working with live models and bringing the human form out of the shadows and into the light. She really makes magic happen on her canvas.  There are oodles more to explore.

Sweet Dreams by Patience Heyl

You are going to find your own favorites and will get jazzed up on being entertained while getting hooked as an ArtWalker.   Veteran ArtWalkers can tell you, “it’s the best way to feed your soul and get your fill of creative energy.” 

Stop by between 5 pm and 8 pm, and we will have a chat about your favorites.

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Just like the song Magic Penny, there is magic in the artwork by Colorado artist Penny Stewart and I think her work inspires music. Penny Stewart is not a resident artist at the gallery but this award-winning guest artist’s work should be in every collection. For a special brief appearance, Penny Stewart is coming to Hunter-Wolff Gallery on Saturday, January 22 to exhibit her collection of magical landscape paintings.

Admirers and collectors share an intimacy with her subject and enjoy the  journey of exploration through color, form, and composition. She portrays nature at its most colorful moments and brings out subtle nuances of light and shadow to emphasize the spirit of a place. Penny Stewart is known for her tranquil landscapes and a sense of peacefulness washes over the viewer.

Not only can she capture the beauty and grandeur of the West in oil or watercolor, but also the poetic beauty of lesser-travelled places.  Inspired by rolling hills, peaceful meadows, idyllic lakes and blue skies filled with puffy white clouds, she spends hours outdoors studying nature, ever changing hues, and atmospheric conditions to capture a special mood. I expect anyone who appreciates art will experience a connection and appreciate the fine qualities of  “Magic Penny”. Can you feel the connection?

Take a closer look on Saturday, January 22 from 5:00 – 8:30 pm during Guest Artist Penny Stewart’s Opening Night. We welcome your comments and praise!

Valley High, 8x16 oil

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View Across the Sangres, 18x24

Laura Reilly knows how to pull you closer for a deeper, longer look with her beautiful vistas, mountain top views, peaceful watering holes, and all the lovely scenery Mother Nature works so effortlessly to deliver.  This new, delightful gem arrived in the gallery as a companion piece to larger 20×30 Springtime in the Sangres. It’s easy to fantasize about being at the very spot Laura stood when she painted these lovely works of art.

Both paintings are available for your enjoyment and comment.  We love to hear what you like (and maybe don’t like) about our collections and the work that Laura exhibits at Hunter-Wolff Gallery.  Look at this close up of her delicious brush strokes and vibrant color. Wow!

Close-Up Brush Work by Laura Reilly

 

And, while exploring these wonderful paintings, be sure to check-out her new vibrant Poppy paintings.  They will make you smile and think about how wonderful springtime is in the Rockies!

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It seems to be a common theme these days that non-profit charity organizations are dipping into reserves as contributions slow down, trying to do more with less. As a reminder, these organizations are counting on you to continue to help while their needs continue to grow. The Pikes Peak Partnership serves our community in so many ways helping those with multiple sclerosis, mental illness and physical disabilities.

On November 20, the PPP is hosting an Exclusive Donor and Volunteer Appreciation Reception at Hunter-Wolff Gallery to thank their past generous supporters and to encourage new support. Artist Katherine McNeill and Hunter-Wolff Gallery are offering a 30×30 aspen oil painting, “Autumn Reflection”, to stimulate donations during the evening. The painting will be offered to the top donor committing to $1800 or more during the Reception. If you have ever been a contributor or want to be a first-time contributor, call 719-520-9494 and we will make sure you receive a personal invitation to this important event or just show up and tell the host you saw this Blog and wanted to help.

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