Wednesday, December 28, 2011

A Personal Interview with Artist Jill Soukup Part III

is honored to present


Opening Night Reception
January 13, 2012

Jill Soukup "This Way and That" 36 x 36 oil

The following is an excerpt from a four part interview with Jill Soukup written by Rosemary Carstens exclusively for Saks Galleries Cherry Creek - Denver, Colorado. The series will cover Jill's thoughts on subject matter, style and color, process and motivation. We invite you to forward questions to us at info@saksgalleries.com or join our blog page. Join us as we celebrate American Artist Jill Soukup latest works January 13, 2012 at Saks Galleries Denver.

WHAT COLLECTORS, COLLEAGUES, AND STUDENTS SAY ABOUT JILL SOUKUP’S WORK

“Jill’s love of abstract patterns and contrasting shapes in subject matter from buildings to organic subjects makes her work unique. Her skillful impasto paint application reveals rich, beautiful marbling of colors and provides important textural impact.” - Jake Gaedtke

The Interview

JILL SOUKUP ON PROCESS

Q: Your architectural scenes in particular have an authoritative sensibility to them. These are bold statements enhanced by their strong textural qualities. Could you talk about your process and how you achieve that?

A: I’m always on the lookout for unconventional materials I can use to apply paint that will result in unusual surface effects. For example, although I use the regular array of artists’ brushes, I also will load paint on hardware-store trowels in various widths and coarser house-painting brushes, lavishing broad swathes onto the canvas or board.

Q: Do you paint alla prima or is there a lot of work that goes on before you put brush to canvas for a new painting?

A: My preparation process is intensive. I take a long time to go through my stash of images and reference materials, sorting out the strongest. Then I narrow those down even further and print out the ones I like best. I might sketch up my idea from there or even use Photoshop to work through possible compositions. I want to get the structure of the piece really clear in my mind, to work out the nuts and bolts of color and design before I begin to paint. If I have the basics all mapped out, it’s easier to depart from them in more expressive ways. I’ll often then begin by sketching a line drawing onto the canvas or brushing on a thin oil wash in complimentary colors. I work the whole canvas from one end to the other, beginning on the right side since I’m left handed.

for more information on Jill Soukup use this quick link to Saks Galleries.

Saks Galleries Cherry Creek 3019 East Second Avenue Denver, Colorado 80206

303.333.4144

www.saksgalleries.com

Jill Soukup "Horses and Other Thoughts" January 13 - February 4, 2012
Demonstrations January 14 and February 4, 2012 - 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

All art is available prior to the opening night gala.

Rosemary Carstens writes for several national arts magazines and publishes an award-winning online magazine, FEAST, about books, art, food, film, and travel. She is the author of two books with a third presently being researched. For more information: http://www.CarstensCommunications.com and http://www.FEASTofBooks.com.


Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Jill Soukup a Personal Interview - Part II Style and Color


is honored to present


opening reception
January 13, 2012

Jill Soukup "Railyard Medley" 24.5 x 52 oil

WHAT COLLECTORS, COLLEAGUES, AND STUDENTS SAY ABOUT JILL SOUKUP’S WORK

Looking at one of Jill Soukup’s paintings, we can focus on a single brushstroke – or even a combination of several brushstrokes. Each one is a powerful work of art. These ‘building blocks’ become recognizable objects – a horse or a building for example. Soukup’s creative synthesis of abstraction and realism surpasses artistic breakthroughs such as ‘Impressionism’ or ‘Cubism’ to offer the viewer something new, Jill’s unique signature style. - Catherine Saks


The Interview

The following is an excerpt from a four part interview with Jill Soukup written by Rosemary Carstens exclusively for Saks Galleries Cherry Creek - Denver, Colorado. The series will cover Jill's thoughts on subject matter, style and color, process and motivation. We invite you to forward questions to us at info@saksgalleries.com or join our blog page.


JILL SOUKUP ON STYLE AND COLOR

Q: Your singular style sets your work apart. You’ve been called a contemporary realist, but that seems an insufficient description. How would you categorize yourself as an artist?

A: I think it would be more accurate to describe my work as Realism tempered by Expressionism. My goal is to create a more abstract notion of each subject and rely more on concepts of color theory than the true-to-life colors present in a scene.

Q: When it comes to color, your work is remarkably individualistic. Would you say it’s a hallmark of your style?

A: Early in my career, color was a nagging frustration, but it has turned into a passionate obsession. I’m very interested in color theory, especially color chords—those combinations of colors that work together harmoniously—and I make conscious choices throughout each painting to achieve that. Each color note contributes to the symphony of the whole. The writings of Johannes Itten, the Swiss expressionist associated with the Bauhaus school have been a big influence on me. I might juxtapose complimentary colors, for example, to achieve a bold, striking note. Or, I might choose analogous colors accented by a third for another distinct effect. As a painting progresses, color has an important impact on its overall mood, its emotional impact.

<< for more information on Jill Soukup use this quick link to Saks Galleries.

Saks Galleries Cherry Creek 3019 East Second Avenue Denver, Colorado 80206

303.333.4144

www.saksgalleries.com

Jill Soukup "Horses and Other Thoughts" January 13 - February 4, 2012
Demonstrations January 14 and February 4, 2012 - 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

All art is available prior to the opening night gala

Rosemary Carstens writes for several national arts magazines and publishes an award-winning online magazine, FEAST, about books, art, food, film, and travel. She is the author of two books with a third presently being researched. For more information: http://www.CarstensCommunications.com and http://www.FEASTofBooks.com.


Tuesday, December 13, 2011

A personal interview with Artist Jill Soukup


Saks Galleries Cherry Creek
is honored to present

Jill Soukup
"Horses and Other Thoughts"

opening reception
January 13, 2012

Jill Soukup "Brawl Bait" 30 x 30 oil

WHAT COLLECTORS, COLLEAGUES, AND STUDENTS SAY ABOUT JILL SOUKUP’S WORK

“I’ve followed Jill’s work for many years and I’ve always been impressed with the confidence and strength of her paint applications. Her latest works are even more unhesitating, bold, and expressive, and beautifully designed, taking on completely new territory. I’m eager to see what’s next!” — artist Daniel Sprick

The Interview

The following is an excerpt from a four part interview with Jill Soukup written by Rosemary Carstens exclusively for Saks Galleries Cherry Creek - Denver, Colorado. The series will cover Jill's thoughts on subject matter, style and color, process and motivation. We invite you to forward questions to us at info@saksgalleries.com or join our blog page.

JILL SOUKUP ON SUBJECT MATTER

Q: Jill, your main subject matter veers between industrial/architectural and animals. The two seem poles apart and yet you paint each with an especially sensitive understanding. What draws you to the two? Are there commonalities that run deeper than one might think at first glance?

A: I’ve been intrigued by mechanical and architectural materials since a college photography class led me to a local factory where I discovered how rich these sites are in natural design. I’m drawn to the repetition of basic forms—geometric shapes that echo one another—and the abstract patterns to be found in complex masses of metal pipes, wiring, and gears. There’s an unexpected artistry there. I find some of these same patterns echoed in my observations of animals in natural settings—combining them with the flowing, more organic shapes provides increased interest or emphasis.

Q: Among animals, you seem to favor horses. What is it about them that makes you want to paint them?

A: Like so many young girls, I was obsessed with horses. Although I didn’t own one, friends often invited me to ride theirs or hang out at their stables. I drew or sculpted them constantly. I’d even sculpt them in snow large enough to sit on, so I could pretend I was riding. Their graceful, gestural shapes contrast beautifully with the mathematical qualities of architecture—the triangles, squares, and rectangles of buildings—so there is a real synchronicity between my two main subject matters. Explorations with horse hair led to experiments with texture in architectural pieces. Intricate factory scenes inspire me to see those qualities in a grouping of horses—their multiple legs and bodies giving a complex structure and linear quality to an otherwise curved composition

Saks Galleries Cherry Creek 3019 East Second Avenue Denver, Colorado 80206
303.333.4144


Look for the Exhibition page coming soon to view all of Jill's work on-line at Saks Galleries
Jill Soukup "Horses and Other Thoughts" January 13 - February 4, 2012
Demonstrations: January 14 and February 4, 2012 - 1:00 pm - 4:00pm

For more on Jill Soukup read the January 2012 issue of Western Art Collector Page 60

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Announcement of Awards for Small Gems American Art Invitational 2011


Announces the Awardees

Best of Show
Gordon Brown
funded by Saks Galleries
Gordon Brown " Ocean Breeze" 6 x 8 oil

Dean Mitchell
Collectors Award
funded by Saks Galleries
the watercolor collection
"French Quarter Corner" 10 x 7.5 "Trumpeter" 11 x 7. 5 "Winter Sunburst" 10 x 7.5

Stephanie Birdsall
Collectors Award
funded by Saks Galleries
the pastel and oil collection
"Plums and Cherries" 11 x 14 pastel "Persian Bowl with Hydrangeas" 11 x 14 oil

SWA Award of Excellence
Ray Roberts
funded by Southwest Art Magazine
Ray Roberts "Back Bay Light" 8 x 10 oil
Congratulations to all the participants of "Small Gems 2011"

Exquisite sculpture and paintings are still available for holiday gift giving.

3019 East Second Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80206 303.333.4144


co-sponsored by



Friday, December 2, 2011

Exquisite Small Gems by American Masters - Sculpture and Paintings Opening Saturday at Saks Galleries Cherry Creek Denver


presented by

Saks Galleries in Cherry Creek
December 3 - 31, 2011

Join us for this very special weekend event

Meet the Artists
Coffee with Patrons , Sunday, December 4, 2011
10:am - 1:pm



Walt Gonske "Ojo Sarco, New Mexico" 12 x 16 oil




If you would like to purchase this painting by Walt Gonske or any of the other Small Gems in the American Art Invitational, please contact karen@saksgalleries.com or 303.333.4144


Participating Artists

William Acheff, Edward Aldrich, Kathy Anderson, William Berra, Stephanie Birdsall, Gordon Brown, G. Russell Case, Chapel, Tim Chapman, Nicolas Coleman, C. Michael Dudash, Molly Davis, Barry Eisenach, Josh Elliott, Kim English, David Gray, Daniel Glanz, Michael Godfrey, Walt Gonske, David Gray, Ron Hicks, Quang Ho, William Hook, Olga and Aleksey Ivanov, T.D. Kelsey, Andrea T. Kemp, Daniel Keys, Joseph Lorusso, Kim Mackey, Kevin Macpherson, Jerry Markham, Andi “Nura” Mascareñas, Dean Mitchell, Jay Moore, Dan Ostermiller, Mary Qian, Ray Roberts, Wayne Salge, Sherry Salari Sander, Tim Shinabarger, Sallie K. Smith, Jill Soukup, Pati Stajcar, Michelle Torrez, John Traynor, Karen Vance and Jie Wei Zhou.



Thursday, November 17, 2011

Saks Galleries Welcomes Skye Mason

Impasto Painter Skye Mason Joins

November

Skye Mason "Black Iris" 24 x 18 oil

visit the gallery to see Skye's visceral impasto florals
read more about Skye Mason in American Art Collector Magazine
and Saks Galleries website


Skye Mason’s dramatic, colorful style has won her recognition as an artist with a diverse perspective interpreting objects, scenes and familiar places with an uncommon site. Mason’s atypical approach to the canvas has a romantic quality layering the oils while utilizing dramatic colors to carefully display thick, visible strokes of the brush. Reflected light, mode and technique are qualities to be discovered in her landscapes and figuratives. Join us in welcoming Skye Mason to Saks Galleries.

Catherine Saks says of Skye's florals, "Skye Mason is a master of color… her bold and daring palette, combined with a generous application of paint to the canvas, creates an intricately woven tapestry that enchants not only the eye but the spirit."








Saks Galleries 3019 East Second Avenue Denver, Colorado 80206 303.333.4144

Join Saks Galleries for the opening reception of "Small Gems" December 3, 2011 5:pm - 8:pm

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Just Delivered New Works by Master Artist Barry Eisenach


Barry Eisenach "Winter Hunt" 30 x 40 oil


Award - winning artist
Barry Eisenach
Master Sculptor and Painter
elected full member of the prestigious Northwest Rendezvous Group

Mr. Eisenach is also presented in the "Small Gems" exhibition
hosted by Saks Galleries opening Saturday, December 3 - 31st, 2011


Visit Saks Galleries Cherry Creek 3019 East Second Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80206
303.333.4144 or visit us at www.saksgalleries.com

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Saks Galleries Hosts Hubbell Trading Post Sale and Exhibition This Weekend

We are celebrating Denver Arts Week
November 4 - 12 Join Us!

Three-Day Weekend Exhibition and Sale
November 4 - 6, 2011
co-sponsored by the
Western National Parks Association

We invite you and your guests to join us in this three-day event hosting the
Hubbell Trading Post, the Navajo Nation Artists
and the Western National Parks Association.

Sale, Exhibition and Demonstrations by Master Weaver Brenda Spencer
Meet the curator of Hubbell Trading Post

Learn the history and how the post continues to support hundreds of artisans, beginner to master, in its efforts to preserve and promote the artistry of the people of the Navajo Nation and the Hubbell Trading Post.

Sale, Exhibition and Demonstrations by Traditional Navajo Weavers
Pottery, Navajo Weavings, Concho Belts, Rings, Bracelets, Necklaces and
Old Pawn Jewelry

Saks Galleries specializes in 19th and 20th century American and European fine art with a strong emphasis on Native American arts and textiles.

Saks Galleries 3019 East Second Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80206
303.333.4144

for more information on Hubbell Trading Post and the Western National Parks Association click these quick links. or goto www.wnpa.org.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Les Femmes and ManCave! Exhibition Last Week



Last Week to See A Unity of Feminine and Masculine Energies
A Duality of Exhibitions.
Now through October 29, 2011


Cherry Creek Denver Colorado


Nancy Bush, Jane Christie, Kathy Cooper, Jane DeDecker, Natalie Featherston, Veryl Goodnight, Andrea T. Kemp, Kirsten Kokkin, Andi "Nura" Mascareñas, Zhao Ming, Stacey Peterson, Mary Qian, Yan Shi, Sallie K. Smith, Jill Soukup, Leslie Tejada, Shirley Thomson-Smith, Michelle Torrez, Karen Vance and Star Liana York.

Barry Eisenach "Cowboy" 36 x 24 oil

Participating ManCave! Artists

William Acheff, Edward Aldrich, William Berra, Rick Brogan, Raj Chaudhuri, C. Michael Dudash, Barry Eisenach, Kim English, Daniel Glanz, Michael Godfrey, Walt Gonske, David Gray, Ron Hicks, Quang Ho, Andre Kohn, Barry Kooser, Joseph Lorusso, Kim Mackey, Jay Moore, Robert Murray, Don Sahli and Wayne Salge.

Enjoy the finest art gallery in Colorado. Visit Saks Galleries 3019 East Second Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80206 303.333.4144 or visit us at www.saksgalleries.com



Sunday, October 2, 2011

A Duality of Exhibitions The Unity of Feminine and Masculine Energies




October 7 - October 29, 2011

Opening Night Dual Receptions

Friday, October 7, 2011 5pm - 8pm

All art is available prior to the reception

The entire exhibition may be viewed online at

www.saksgalleries.com






Participating Les Femmes Artists:

Nancy Bush, Jane Christie, Kathy Cooper, Jane DeDecker, Natalie Featherston, Veryl Goodnight, Andrea T. Kemp, Kirsten Kokkin, Andi "Nura" Mascareñas, Zhao Ming, Stacey Peterson, Mary Qian, Yan Shi, Sallie K. Smith, Jill Soukup, Leslie Tejada, Shirley Thomson-Smith, Michelle Torrez, Karen Vance and Star Liana York.

Participating ManCave! Artists:

William Acheff, Edward Aldrich, William Berra, Rick Brogan, Raj Chaudhuri, C. Michael Dudash, Barry Eisenach, Kim English, Daniel Glanz, Michael Godfrey, Walt Gonske, David Gray, Ron Hicks, Quang Ho, Andre Kohn, Barry Kooser, Joseph Lorusso, Kim Mackey, Jay Moore, Robert Murray, Don Sahli and Wayne Salge.

3019 East Second Avenue Denver Colorado 80206 303.333.4144 www.saksgalleries.com



Saturday, September 17, 2011

A Conversation with Mikkel Saks and Meet Seven Master Artists


Aldrich_ElephantProcession_bronze_31.5x8.5x8_edof25_9500_
Painter: Edward Aldrich "Elephant Procession" bronze 31.5x8.5x8

A Conversation with Mikkel Saks

"The Art of Collecting Art"

and

"Sculptors Who Paint - Painters Who Sculpt"

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Opening Reception 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Exhibition September 17 - September 30, 2011

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mikkel Saks: "The Art of Collecting Art" Salon 1:30pm

Participating Artists Discussion: "Transitioning Between the Mediums" 2:30pm

Enjoy the exhibition, visit with Mikkel and meet the artists

We cordially invite you to attend these two very special events

Meet the Artists, Edward Aldrich, Barry Eisenach, Daniel Glanz, Quang Ho, Andi "Nura" Mascareñas,
Wayne Salge and Jill Soukup




Quang Ho "Introspection" Fired Clay
Quang Ho "Duet Rehearsal" oil








Saks Galleries 3019 East Second Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80206 303.333.4144

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