Welcome back to the Sporting Art News and the J. Russell Jinishian
Gallery.
It is hard to believe that summer is winding down, but hopefully all of you have
had lots of time
on the water, chasing fish on rivers, lakes or the ocean. It has certainly been
a productive
season, from reports I have received and the conditions for all types of angling
have been favorable.
Additionally, with all the moisture we have had in the Northeast, fall promises
to provide
good angling as well. I have managed to get out on the water with a few of our
artists.
We have many great new paintings to show you and, as always, there is much to
report. Hopefully you will find some tidbit of information that will pique your
interest
and always feel free to contact me should you wish to learn more about anything
in the newsletter.
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Contents:
BIG: THE 50
GREATEST WORLD RECORD CATCHES FINS &
FEATHERS -
2008 FLY FISHING FESTIVAL Flick Ford has completed 50 paintings that will be the upcoming subject of his milestone book – BIG: The 50 Greatest World Record Catches (Greenwich Workshop Press), which will be released in October 2008. Flick spoke to me recently and told me of the significant challenges this project presented to him. “It was the first time I have completed such a significant body of work in which I have had to rely exclusively on outside research, some of which is so old that it challenged me to paint based on my understanding of the species. Still I feel what will be presented in the upcoming book will be as good an artistic reconstruction of these record catches as any that can be found in the world.” Flick worked extensively with resources available to him within the Records Library of the International Game Fishing Association, in Dania Beach, FL, with tremendous help from Library Manager, Gail Morchower and Chief Operating Officer, Michael Myatt. The library, a tremendous resource to anglers and historians alike, is open to members of the IGFA and is the most extensive collection of information on all things angling – a must see if you find yourself near Dania Beach, FL. Flick will be touring extensively, along with the book’s author, noted historian, and angler Mike Rivkin upon release of the book. In the meantime, to view most of these spectacular IGFA Record Catches, visit Flick’s thumbnail page.
Mike Rivkin’s (Big-Game Fishing Headquarters: A History of the IGFA – IGFA Press and Angling and War: The Collision of Big Game Fishing and WWII – Silverfish Press) latest book project is a comprehensive history to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the West Palm Beach Fishing Club. The Club’s rich history includes names such as Ernest Hemingway and world-renowned boat builder John Rybovich. Their Silver Sailfish Derby, established in January 1935, is the oldest continually running Sailfish tournament in the country! The West Palm Beach Fishing Club: a 75 Year History will be |
available in the fall at: westpalmbeachfishingclub.org. The American Museum of Fly Fishing in Manchester, VT (amff.com) has just launched a five-month exhibition titled: Ogden M. Pleissner: The Sporting Grand Tour, featuring many paintings and artifacts that chronicle his rich & distinguished career. Pleissner (1905-1983), is considered by many to be the finest Sporting Artist of his era, which included: A.L. Ripley (1896-1969), W.J. Schaldach (1896-1982), L.B. Hunt (1878-1960), S.A Kilbourne (1836-1881) and J.M. Sessions (1882-1962), among others. I recently spoke with newly appointed Executive Director Catherine Comar, who told me the show is one of the largest collections of Mr. Pleissner’s work ever assembled under one roof. Many may not realize that the largest permanent collection of Pleissner’s work resides at The Shelburne Museum, in Shelburne, VT, complete with his studio in which he created so many of his sporting paintings. We will be exhibiting at the upcoming event at the American Museum of Fly Fishing – 2008 Fly Fishing Festival on August 16, should you find yourself near Manchester, VT, and will be featuring this fine Pleissner painting we just received from one of our collectors.
When collectors speak of Ogden Pleissner, more often than not does Arthur Shilstone’s name enter the conversation as his legitimate successor. The parallel lines that are drawn between the two men are many and varied. Both served in WWII, both have lived the subject of their art as avid anglers and hunters and both convey a “painterly realism” in their art that has resulted in imagery that is so convincing and tangible to the many sportsmen who collect their work. What many do not realize is just how diverse Arthur’s career has been and the untold stories of the many chapters of his career. One of his fascinating stories will be revealed this fall in the Pratt Institute alumni magazine. Pratt Institute, Arthur’s Alma Mater, and one of the leading art schools in the US, recently interviewed Arthur who, along with well-known designer Bill Blass and abstract painter Elsworth Kelly, was part of a special Camouflage/Deception unit during WWII. This unit was designed specifically by the U.S. Army to create diversionary tactics against the Germans in the European theatre in order for advancing units to maintain the element of surprise. Many of the unit’s soldiers, like Arthur, were recruited out of art schools, specifically chosen for their artistic and creative talents. Recently, Arthur was featured as one of eight artists/veterans in “Art in the Face of War”, a DVD documenting each artist’s recollection of their service experience and their use of art for journalism, as a tactical tool and to preserve their own sanity. Arthur, like Pleissner, has the unique ability to place himself in any environment, covering virtually any subject and be able to execute such striking and convincing images – all skills of a rare bread of artist.
Mike Stidham was recently approached by Randall Kaufmann to illustrate a new book on various types and classes of flies. Kaufmann, noted author and designer of the ‘Stimulator’ (considered the most versatile and effective dry fly currently available) is also the co-founder of Kaufmann Streamborn, one of the Northwest’s premiere specialty fly fishing retailers. Mike’s artwork of will grace each chapter heading of this new book. The book will be available this fall, and may be purchased at: kaufmannstreamborn.com. Additionally, Simms, an industry leader in waders and fishing accessories, recently commissioned Mike to produce a series of paintings for their clothing line. Talk about a multi-talented artist! Mike’s work is certainly reminiscent of another master – Stanley Meltzoff, and he is the heir apparent to fill the huge shoes Stanley left in the Sporting Art arena with his passing. Mike and I recently enjoyed a few days together at his studio and chasing big western Browns and Rainbows on the Provo River. As we were on the river, it became apparent that the stories about Mike being able to read water and present a fly unlike any other angler are all true. When Mike and I discussed his painting career and what the future holds for him, he offered a great response. “My goal has always been to create paintings at a different level of fine art, beyond illustration of various species of fish, in which my images will stand on the merit of great design, mood, impression, flow of motion and angles. I try to paint just enough to create a perception, sense, viewpoint, feeling and love for the subject, and then invite viewers to fill in the gaps”. |
In mentioning artist Stanley Meltzoff it is with great sadness that I report on the passing of Diane Pogrant, Stanley’s Widow. Diane passed away July 10, after a long battle with cancer. She and I had a great time together last summer in Newport Beach, CA, at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum Exhibition featuring Stanley’s work. At that time, her cancer had been in remission and she seemed very happy and healthy. Unfortunately, earlier this year, the cancer returned and took a rapid turn for the worse. Diane fought it courageously but, in the end, succumbed to the disease. Diane was a vivacious and outgoing individual, full of energy and enthusiasm, and never missed an opportunity for a great adventure. She and Stanley spent many years together, scuba diving in waters throughout the world. Diane will be missed by all who had come to know her and her absence in our art community will be felt.
Al Barnes has been busy with commissions for collectors, finding there are often not enough hours in the day to keep up with customer demand. Al’s work was showcased last year in two prestigious exhibitions – The Society of Animal Artists and Birds in Art. Al sent us several new paintings for the summer show in New York, Fins & Feathers, Contemporary Sporting Art Masters at the Union League Club (see our exhibit listing), including this wonderful Flats scene.
Artist James Prosek was recently featured on a newly released DVD, titled Why Fly Fishing, presented by the American Museum of Fly Fishing. The 31-minute DVD was created to promote and share the grace and beauty of fly fishing. The DVD features stunning images and commentary by some of the most well-known names in the sport — including Joan Wulff, Nick Lyons, and John Gierach, along with other noted anglers. James is in the final stages of a project he is writing for National Geographic on various species of eels throughout the world.
I recently spoke with artist Don Ray who has had a very busy year in his neck of the woods. He told me that business has been brisk and he had a good winter & spring during Florida’s busy season, catering to collectors and newcomers alike. In the meantime, Don always manages to get a few of his great paintings up to the northeast, and we had a few of these on display at our Fins & Feathers show in New York City.
There is no shortage of news on the various activities of all our artists, so check back often, as I will update this newsletter regularly. There is always something fascinating to report and I will make every effort to keep in touch with you as well. We have many more great works of art from all of our Sporting Artists here at the J. Russell Jinishian Gallery, including Christopher Atkins, Robert Blazek, Peter Bowe, Keith Cardnell, Glen Hacker, Richard Dana Kuchta, Robert Lagasse, Nick Mayer, Paul Niemiec, Kent Ullberg and others. If you find yourself near the gallery, stop in and see all of these great works first hand. Russ and I always look forward to seeing you and hearing your great stories, so keep in touch. I will keep you posted on new works and events here and always look forward to hearing about your recent sporting adventures! Tight Lines! |
J. Russell Jinishian Gallery, Inc.
Greenwich Workshop
Gallery Building, Upper Level
1657 Post Road, Fairfield, Connecticut 06824
Telephone: 203.259.8753 . Fax: 203.259.8761 . Email:
rjinishian@optonline.net
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