Shutterbug Workshop

ARTe Gallery is hosting photography classes given by professional photographer Raymond Muzzy. There will be 5 sessions; Exposure, Light and Color Control, Focusing Basics, Composition, NIght Scenes, Slot Canyons, Fall Colors, Florals, and Waterfalls will be covered.

Take one session, or take all 5 and get a big discount. ARTe endorses Raymond, having seen his work the last 2 years. It is very impressive. We are confident you will appreciate his expertise in teaching photography. Call to reserve your sessions at 435-669-8871. Email is raymondmuzzy@yahoo.com for any questions.

Memories Re-gifted

Several years ago, while exploring the outdoors with my 6 year old daughter, she picked up a large maple leaf off the ground. We had quite a discussion about the unnatural find. It had obviously blown a long distance to settle here in the dry desert. She thought a whirlwind brought it from far away. She carried it home and left it on the kitchen table.

Sixteen years later, that same leaf is in a frame on our kitchen wall. The date is written on the mat below the leaf. Our daughter will be married next year. That framed leaf, along with my hand-written message on the back, will hopefully stir her emotions a bit when she unwraps it.

Small keepsakes are best kept when they are properly preserved, then gifted to the right person at the right time.

Hidden "Treasures?"

About 6 years ago, I received a call at our gallery from a very excited gentlemen. He was elated over his latest art find. Apparently, he happened upon 6 antique paintings by the famous western artist Charles M. Russell. The signatures were authentic, and the paintings were safely stored in a vault. I grew more and more excited that he was going to have us fame all 6 paintings.

The man called after 2 weeks and said he was bringing his prized paintings in the next day. He arrived carrying a large, flat box. He shook my hand, and then began to unveil his treasures on my framing counter. One by one he showed me the  paintings. I just didn't have the heart to tell him yet, so I asked how much he paid for them. He said it was a "super deal" at $650 a piece.

Finally, I had to be the bearer of bad news and tell him: "What you have here are Circa 1960 vellum and acrylic-coated mounted prints. They're worth approxipately $75 each."

"No!" he insisted, "These are worth more than that!"

"Sorry," I quickly returned, "but they just aren't what you thought." He stared blankly at me in shock. His mumbling and expressions were priceless. I nearly broke into a laugh, but decided against it. After several minutes of consoling, he slowly gathered his faux-treasure and whimpered out the door. I just couldn't believe he had mistaken crappy prints for originals. Collectors, beware, seek advice first. Until next week, happy hunting.

The "Z" Effect

The process of removing a printed image from paper and securing  it onto canvas began decades ago. These "canvas transfer" process gained popularity and momentum  in the late 70s on through to the early 90s. The acrylic gel coating used on the canvas was generally an inferior product that yellowed, causing the image to fade. Jet printers infused the industry in the mid 90s. It produced a clean, clean reproduction onto canvas that phased-out the transfer process. UV coating became a standard in jet printing, thus preserving dyes and pigments from fading.

Z-gel, and other acrylic gels, can be rolled or brushed onto mounted paper prints. The "Z-effect" replaces glass, doesn't glare, and has a UV barrier that saves the print dyes from fading. ARTe has enjoyed the "Z-effect" for over 15 years, producing great results similar to an "original art" look at a very reasonable cost for clients. It's a must see at ARTe Gallery. Come by or call us.

Kids and Art

“Mommy! Daddy! Look what I made!” Remember the excitement your 7 year old had about creating art and bringing it home to you? We would tape it to walls and hang it on the fridge for all to admire. Well, around 10, this enthusiasm diminishes from fear of criticism. Then around 12, kids are usually disgusted with their attempts at art, and quit altogether. As they grow older, the kids still draw stick figures, trees, and houses very similar to their attempts as small children.  Only now, and for years to come, they have accepted their frustrating incapability to draw.

Parents can intervene with this inevitable artistic demise by enrolling their kids in a drawing class. The best age for art specific classes is 8-12 years old. Proper instruction in Art Realism and Surrealism is extremely beneficial for kids. Call ARTé Gallery for more information on art classes.  

Original Art

Many prefer to have original oil paintings, watercolors, pastels, or drawings rather than reproductions. Original art is usually more expensive than prints or lithographs. Original art has a greater value over time, and can become a collectible.

PRINTS

Prints are an inexpensive alternative. The paper can be low to medium quality, and the inks will fade over time unless properly framed.

LITHOGRAPHS

Lithographs, silkscreens, and etchings are usually signed and numbered by the artist. They are printed on high quality paper. Like originals, these can increase in value over time, if framed properly.

GICLEE

Giclee, (gee-clay) is a French word meaning "spray of color." Years ago these prints did not last because the inks were unstable. Now, the printer pigments are of a much higher quality; printing on canvas with a UV coating is extremely effective, and does not need glass. Like Lithographs, these are usually signed and numbered.

In conclusion, choosing art is very subjective. Professional assistance is recommended, but not vital. Most already know what works for them. The danger is wrongfully mixing art and framing pieces. Trust the design team at ARTe Gallery to assist you in your art choices, framing, and installation.

Art & Decorating Options

Choosing the right art for your decor is essential. Artwork sets the tone for your home or office. The limitless choices for art makes it difficult to decide which will work best for you.

ARTe Gallery has worked for years to help clients find the proper artwork for them and their homes. Choosing the right colors, themes, and textures are essential considerations.