Cheney Appraisal Services

Good article; covers important details in authenticating and dating works of art such as verifying signatures, artists' brush strokes, examing bottom of bronze sculptures for casting processes; reviewing types of paper used in prints; and provenance and exhibition history.

Kathleen A. Foster delivered an interesting talk on the use of pastels from the 18th-20th century. An overview of the pros and cons of the medium was discussed: Pros: Pure pigment (minimum binder) = pure color... No discoloration over time Soft Absorbs and reflects light well Fast to work with; drawing and coloring at the same time Easy to learn Portable Cheap Odorless Sell less expensively to collectors Cons: Fragile easily disturbed Requires glass over it Changes color if you try to restore it Anyone can use it; promotes mediocrity; still need to draw well. The examples she presented were all from accomplished artists and superb draftsmen who were seeking new and innovative mediums to experiment and express themselves. Here are a few of my favorites.

Enjoying the watercolors at the AWS show with Lisa Miller and Susan Davison. The American Watercolor Society is one of the oldest and most prestigious art societies in the world. Their 152nd Annual International runs through Sunday, April 21st.

Asia Week March 13-23, 2019; Dealers featuring more contemporary art this year along with traditional Asian works.

"Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures)" by David Hockney sells for $90.3 Million at Christie’s, a new record for work by a living artist (November 15, 2018). The Hockney’s seller was Joe Lewis, the British billionaire known for making big bets on both currency and art. The previous record was Jeff Koons’ 12 foot sculpture "Balloon Dog". The giant stainless steel sculpture sold for $58.4 million (36.8m) at an auction at Christie’s in New York November 12, 2013. The high for any living European artist is Gerhard Richter’s Abstraktes Bild (1986) sold for 30.4 million ($46.3 million), February 10, 2015.