He bought every painting in the exhibit.
“I don’t think the artist was expecting it”,
he said, while we were cycling last weekend.
I doubt she was, but we dream about it.
New “Midnight Sun” 11×14 oil
Speaking of his purchases brought to light stories of other great art patrons.
The Guardian’s Rachel Cook writes “Impressionism owes much of its global success to the efforts of Paul Durand-Ruel, the dealer who discovered Degas, Monet, Pissarro and Renoir, buying their work at a time when it was ridiculed by the art establishment.
“Without him,” said Monet, “we wouldn’t have survived.”
(The 10 best Art Patrons- Feb 2015).
In the early 60’s my father recalls Allen Sapp paintings propped on the local hardware shelves for 10$ each.
During the short time we lived in North Battleford, Sapp’s career blossomed.
A large credit to his success was due to the patronage of Dr. Allan Gonor, whom he met in 1966.
If it had not been for Dr. Gonor’s continued support by purchasing, and introducing his art to buyers, I doubt the incredible collection of Sapp’s work would exist today.
Another known physician encouraged a young artist by the name of Tom Thomson.
Dr. James MacCallum was a great patron and friend of the Group of Seven,
“he encouraged some of the most recognizable and evocative art ever painted in this country.”
New “Mountain Lake” 20×24 Original oil
One doesn’t have to be wealthy or an educated art advisor to gather a collection worth a fortune.
The fascinating story about Dorothy and Herb Vogel
has circulated around the globe.
Dorothy, a librarian, and her late husband Herb, a mail sorter for US Post, amassed one of the largest private collections of art.
Their collection inspired two documentary films.
These patrons supported artists early in their careers, for many it became pivotal in their success.
The collectors may have even helped establish value in their own collections.
New in progress 4ftx2ft -playing with one of my fav.scenes in the boreal
Personally, selling art isn’t just about being able to buy more art supplies, pay bills and continue painting.
Having patrons believe in the work, welcome it into their spaces, and love it, fuels the process of art in a brilliant way.
Patrons understand art will enrich their lives, what they may not realize, they have enriched the artists work.
This supportive energy encourages the artist to excel.
It’s about the positive vibes.
Or as Emeril Lagasse says “adding the ingredient of love.”
When I asked my friend what encouraged him to spontaneously buy the entire exhibit, his expression softened.
With a widening smile he replied “how could I not? they were all so beautiful”.
“Most of the artists we collected were unknowns when we collected them. It was very nice when some did become known—we were happy for them. But we collected other unknown artists at the same time, and we still loved their work.” Dorothy Vogel