MIrada Art Talk: The Yearling

Every once in a while, we like to talk about a public work of art in Denver, and get the opinions of our artists and our resident 'blog dogs.'  This time we thought we'd take on that huge red chair with the tiny horse in front of the Denver Public Library.  It's called 'The Yearling' and it was created by artist Donald Lipsky.

The Yearling, by Donald Lipsky

“The Yearling” was originally commissioned for an elementary school in upper Manhattan. Says Lipski about this work, “I wanted to give kids something that would really be a cause for wonder.” When the school district asked Lipski to omit the horse, he refused, saying, “It just lost all its magic.” The sculpture spent 1997 in New York City’s Central Park before traveling to Denver in 1998 for permanent installation. “If it makes people stop and feel something they haven’t felt before, I’m happy,” commented the artist, shortly before “The Yearling” was moved. 

And now for the opinions of the Mirada Art Blog panel:

Christian Dore, Artist at Mirada Fine Art

Artist Christian Dore

The childlike chair and its bold red really bounces against it's environment and when reading that it is actually a life size pinto pony on top it seems to me that this piece makes you really look at its perspective and scale. I really like it when sculptures mess with sizes of shapes and objects and invite you to look at something that may seem, at first, out of place. The more I look at this the more it is drawing me in, very interesting.

Steve Sonnen, Owner of Mirada Fine Art

Gallery Owner Steve Sonnen

I've walked by this piece so many times over the years, and to be honest, I don't know if I've ever stopped to really look at it.  Inherently I think that says quite a bit about my feelings regarding this sculpture.  It's a big chair with a horse on it...doesn't really elicit much more from me and I think public art should.  I do think it's pretty funny that the people who commissioned the piece wanted to get rid of the horse.  Yikes...then you'd have a big chair!  Might work in High Point, North Carolina.

Linus, official Mirada 'Blog Dog'

Linus, Mirada Blog Dog

I find the simplicity and whimsy of this sculpture to be the genious of the piece.  Do you really need more?  Did Rodin's 'Thinker' need any more?  Did the Venus de Milo need any....hey wait a minute...I'm still wearing this ridiculous beret!!!!  This is an outrage!  I complained on my last post about this preposterous headgear, but apparently as long as I'm part of the blogosphere, I'm doomed to perpetuate this cliche of an artist!!!  I'm giving my thought-provoking analysis of this remarkable public sculpture and some geek with a copy of Photoshop and far too much time on his hands INSISTS THAT I WEAR A STINKING BERET!!!!!!!!!!  I WILL NOT BE PART OF THIS FARCE!!!!

Augie, official Mirada 'Blog Dog'

Augie, Mirada Blog Dog

I kinda like the hat. 










What do you think of Donald Lipsky's 'The Yearling'? 

Tim Howe at Mirada Fine Art, near Denver, Colorado

We are absolutely thrilled to present Tim Howe to Colorado!

Tim Howe at Mirada Fine Art, near Denver, CO

Born in a country where awesome beauty abounds, Tim Howe was surrounded by the vastness and overwhelming majesty of New Zealand’s landscape. It is here where he was first inspired to express nature’s limitless splendor through his art.  Howe graduated from the Wellington School of Design, in Wellington, New Zealand, studying a variety of disciplines including fine art, illustration, graphic design, photography and printmaking.  After graduation, Howe immigrated to the United States and established his design studio in San Diego, CA.  However, after traveling throughout the United States and Europe it became apparent that in order to capture the beauty he experienced, then his love of nature and art were to become irrevocably intertwined.

Tim Howe at Mirada Fine Art, Mosaic of Autumn, Oil on Canvas, 20" x 48"

Howe’s current works, a contemporary interpretation of landscapes, incorporate a dramatic use of color and texturing while capturing his subject matter with a unique contemporary flair.  His landscapes seem to exist outside the frame and stretch beyond the canvas. With vivid accents and lively vigorous brushstrokes Howe continues his search for new images of familiar subjects. 

Tim Howe at Mirada Fine Art, Final Days of Autumn, Oil on Canvas, 30" x 60"

“As a landscape artist, I am naturally inspired to paint by what I see in nature. Since I come from a strong graphic design background, I tend to draw upon this experience in creating my paintings. I utilize the disciplines of both impressionism and abstraction.” The result is a varied body of work that skillfully blends nature between the two seemingly opposing viewpoints.

Tim Howe at Mirada Fine Art, Autumn Revelry, Oil on Canvas, 24" x 48"

“I’m predisposed to thinking of images in terms as either positive or negative shapes, while isolating the most important colors.  I see this as a more graphic and more contemporary way of painting. I find myself using nature’s elements, along with its’ shapes and images, and subsequently interpreting them on canvas in a bolder, more graphic way…at times utilizing exaggerated forms and colors for maximum effect.”

Tim Howe at Mirada Fine Art, Rhapsody of Spring, Oil on Canvas, 36" x 48"

Howe is an ambitious painter who will never limit his subject matter, his techniques, nor his stylistic development. This philosophy, along with his aesthetic spirit, will always allow him to bring fresh interpretations and new energies to his work.

Tim Howe at Mirada Fine Art, First Snow of Winter, Oil on Canvas, 36" x 48"

 We hope you'll stop by and check out Tim's work in person!

Tim Howe at Mirada Fine Art, Hues of Autumn, Oil on Canvas, 30" x 48"

First Snow of the Season at Mirada Fine Art

Last night, we had the first significant snow of the season and it's beautiful here at Mirada Fine Art!  Here are a few photos of the scene here today.  As you can see, one of our large neighbors was just munching away on a tree about 20 feet from the gallery as we dug ourselves out of the snow.  He seemed particularly fond of Allen Wynn's sculptures.

Mirada Fine Art, 10.26.2011, First Snow of the Season

Mirada Fine Art's neighbor hangs out about 20 feet from the gallery while we shovel.

Allen Wynn's 'Cyclist' won't be slowed by a little snow.

John Ferguson's 'Rejection' is even more dramatic in the snow.

Allen Wynn's sculptures are amazing any time...but look particularly great today in the snow.

Allen Wynn's 'Flying Charlie' won't let a little snow storm slow him down.

Mark Yearwood at Mirada Fine Art

Mark Yearwood at Mirada Fine Art, Ventanas, Acrylic on Canvas, 36" x 48"

We're absolutely thrilled to introduce a new artist to Mirada Fine Art: Mark Yearwood from Oklahoma. Mark's stunning abstract pieces combine linear design with earthy influences. Vivid texture and designs are structured to convey the connection between nature and man-made items. Dimension is then created using a palette knife and other paint-application tools. Mark believes abstract art requires a viewer to ask themselves,"What am I feeling?," and enjoys being a part of that interactive experience.  Enjoy some of the beautiful new pieces we have by Mark here at Mirada:

Mark Yearwood at Mirada Fine Art, Antico, Acrylic on Canvas, 30" x 30"

Mark Yearwood at Mirada Fine Art, Tierra Roja, Acrylic on Canvas, 36" x 48"

Mark Yearwood at Mirada Fine Art, Arrival, Acrylic on Canvas, 24" x 24"

Mark Yearwood at Mirada Fine Art, Cambios, Acrylic on Canvas, 20" x 30"

Mark Yearwood at Mirada Fine Art, Discovery, Acrylic on Canvas, 24" x 24"

Deladier Almeida at Mirada Fine Art: Opening Reception 10.14.2011

We had a phenomenal opening reception on Friday night, October 14th of 'Geometry of the Rockies:' the new exhibition featuring the contemporary landscapes of Deladier Almeida.  All of the paintings of this exhibition are inspired by Deladier's time flying over the Colorado Rockies and the front range in a low-flying airplane last June.  Areas such as Rocky Mountain National Park, the flatirons, and Roxborough park are highlighted in this amazing body of work.  Following are some photos from the reception.  If you weren't able to attend, the exhibition will still be on display through November 6th.

Deladier Almeida at Mirada Fine Art, 10.14.2011

Deladier Almeida at Mirada Fine Art, Opening Reception of 'Geometry of the Rockies'

Deladier Almeida at Mirada Fine Art, Patrons savor 'Chromatic Treadings'

Deladier Almeida at Mirada Fine Art, Patrons enjoying Deladier's newest works.

Deladier Almeida at Mirada Fine Art, Poetic Fractures, Oil on Linen, 40" x 72"

Deladier Almeida at Mirada Fine Art: Deladier explains his technique.

Great crowd for the opening night of Deladier Almeida's 'Geometry of the Rockies.'

Deladier Almeida at Mirada Fine Art.

Deladier Almeida at Mirada Fine Art, 'Geometry of the Rockies' opening reception.

Deladier Almeida at Mirada Fine Art, Autopunctuation, Oil on Canvas, 12" x 24"

Deladier Almeida at Mirada Fine Art, Calligraphy of Gravity, Oil on Linen, 36" x 24"

Deladier Almeida Comes to Mirada Fine Art

Here's an great article in Denver Post's YourHub section about our upcoming exhibition with Deladier Almeida:

Inspired by Colorado’s ‘Geometry of the Rockies,’ Internationally-Acclaimed Artist Debuts Latest Works in Indian Hills Gallery

By Jan Thompson

As a five-year old child, Deladier Almeida was riveted when he saw a movie featuring an artist demonstrating how Leonard da Vinci might have created the Mona Lisa.  Amazed by the magic of turning a flat surface into a three-dimensional image, that child knew right then he would be an artist when he grew up.  Almeida brings that magic to Colorado when his exhibition, ‘Geometry of the Rockies,’ opens at Mirada Fine Art Gallery in Indian Hills.  A reception for Deladier will be held on Friday, October 14 from 6-9pm, and his exhibit will be on display at the gallery from October 15 through November 6.

Deladier Almeida at Mirada Fine Art, Linear Eccentricities, Oil on Linen, 30" x 40"

Born in the coastal town of Santos, Brazil, as a young man Deladier Almeida studied architecture, industrial design and urban planning, and worked at a Sao Paolo newspaper creating illustrations of heads of state.  At the age of 25, he met and married a U.S. exchange student.  The couple flew to America and settled down in Northern California. During the flight, Deladier’s first ever, he was stunned the other passengers were oblivious to the panoramic views outside the plane’s windows.  That flight made a lasting impression on him, and greatly influenced his choice to create rich oil paintings of landscapes viewed from an aerial perspective.  

Deladier Almeida at Mirada Fine Art, Flying Over Colorado

Last July, Mirada Fine Art arranged a special ‘fly-over’ of Colorado’s front range in a low-flying plane for Deladier so that he could use his remarkable skills and take on the majestic beauty of Colorado Rockies.  This was the impetus for his latest collection of paintings, entitled ‘Geometry of the Rockies,’ featuring rich, textural oil paintings inspired by the Flatirons, Red Rocks, Rocky Mountain National Park and other Colorado landmarks.

Deladier Almeida at Mirada Fine Art, Boulder Dance, Oil on Linen, 24" x 30"

“I’ve always enjoyed looking down on large landscapes, and I can’t really see the scene unless I go up above it,” explains Almeida.  For some time, he’s wanted to do a series featuring Colorado scenes, and Mirada’s owner and curator, Steve Sonnen, offered him just that opportunity.  “His work really embodies that ‘Colorado feel’ and we wanted him to have a direct connection with it,” stated Sonnen.  The viewer of Deladier’s paintings will be struck not only be the natural, warm color palette he employs, but also the strong geometric shapes and design, helping him depict the beauty of our region.

Deladier Almeida at Mirada Fine Art, Brief Modulations, Oil on Linen, 36" x 24"

Deladier’s career has been on fire over the last year:  he was just on the cover of Southwest Art magazine, featured twice in American Art Collector, and named 'One to Watch' by Fine Art Connoisseur magazine.  

Deladier Almeida at Mirada Fine Art, Flatirons, Oil on Linen, 30" x 40"

The public is invited to meet Deladier Almeida during the opening reception at Mirada Fine Art Gallery, Friday, October 14^th from 6-9pm.  “Geometry of the Rockies” will be on exhibit through November 6^th at the gallery located in Indian Hills on Parmalee Gulch Road off Hwy 285, just 5 miles west of C-470.

Deladier Almeida at Mirada Fine Art, Occlusions, Oil on Linen, 24" x 30"

Svetlana Shalygina at Mirada Fine Art, 9.2.2011

If you didn't make it to the reception of '8354 MILES,' here are some photos of the event.  We'll have Arturo Mallmann and Svetlana Shalygina's special exhibit hanging for another week...come check it out.

Svetlana Shalygina at Mirada Fine Art, 9.2.2011

Svetlana Shalygina at Mirada Fine Art, Speaking with some admirers of her work.

Svetlana Shalygina at Mirada Fine Art, discussing her technique.

Svetlana Shalygina at Mirada Fine Art.  9.2.2011 Opening Reception.

Svetlana Shalygina at Mirada Fine Art, Hamming it up with the proud owners of 'Trio.'

Svetlana Shalygina at Mirada Fine Art, The City, Mixed Media on Canvas, 48" x 48"

Steve Sonnen & Svetlana Shalygina at Mirada Fine Art

Mirada Fine Art, 9.2.2011