(307) 742-3245
/ The Greenwich Workshop
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Shelton, CT 06484
www.greenwichworkshop.com
Gallery West & The Frame Plant Hosts National Artists Braldt Bralds and John Weiss at Laramie Gallery on
May 7th and Cheyenne Gallery on May 8th
Laramie, Wyoming – April 5, 2004 - Two nationally acclaimed artists, John Weiss and Braldt Bralds will be at Gallery West & The Frame Plant in Laramie on May 7th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and in Cheyenne on May 8th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for a special showing of original and print art. Both artists will be available to meet fans and to personalize works. Gallery West & The Frame Plant is located at 121 Ivinson Avenue in Laramie and 1601 Capitol Avenue in Cheyenne.
This exhibition was such a hit with animal lovers last year that the owner of Gallery West & The Frame Plant arranged with the artists for an encore appearance this year and promises that this show will once again be a great event for this area.
While their topics vary, they both have a fondness for capturing animals, Bralds with his fanciful cats and Weiss with his detailed dog portraiture. Both galleries will be raffling a framed limited edition print from one of the featured artists with all proceeds to benefit both the Laramine and Cheyenne Animal Shelters. Drawings will be held in the respective galleries on May 7th and May 8th .
Bralds’ current works depict his diverse artistic expertise. Although he grew up in the Netherlands, he enjoys a very successful art career in the United States. He is well known for his exquisitely detailed, realistic images of cats in repose. His more contemplative side brings the art world an exploration of relationships and romance
through a series of beautiful heart-shaped rock paintings.
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“I don’t know how not to paint detail and I feel it’s essential to the integrity of my work,” says Bralds. “Beyond that, my hope is that people come away with a ‘tongue in cheek’ feeling and a slightly humorous view of the many moods of cats. Each cat has such a distinct character, and with English as my second language I thoroughly enjoy using ‘play on word’ themes. It brings me great personal pleasure to gather all of these interests – exacting details, cats and words – together in one setting.”
Artist John Weiss’ loving tributes to man’s best friend have delighted fans around the world for years. Well known for his realistic portraits of man’s best friend, Weiss has an avid and loyal following among dog lovers everywhere. His paintings are considered to be much more than portraits. They convey the deep and loyal bond between dogs and their owners. His artwork reveals the irresistible charm, gentle nature and willingness to please that is characteristic of these adorable canines.
Weiss tugs at the strings of our human emotions in his paintings. There are few among us who do not have instant love for dogs or a strong connection to a beloved pet. Weiss brings that awareness forward in his work, revealing the unconditional love that is expressed in the faces of these devoted companions. Through his paintings, Weiss puts us in touch with our own emotions and makes it easy for us to instantly and thoroughly enjoy his art. “Going through reference materials, I came across an image of a friend’s Chocolate Labrador,” John Weiss says. “They’re amazing little creatures during their puppy state, and I tried to capture that special time in their lives in Hot Chocolate by going for a natural look that makes you feel you can reach out and pet it.”
Weiss, a self-taught artist, was influenced by the realism and photographic quality that is found in the work of Andrew Wyeth. However, unlike Wyeth’s tendency to illustrate solitary and deserted landscapes, Weiss portrays warmth, comfort and a sense of well being. “The relationship between a person and a dog is a familiar experience for just about everyone,” says Weiss. “Life can be rough sometimes, so if I can create something that makes people feel better, then that’s what I’ll do.”
“It’s truly exciting to host two such wonderful artists again,” said Shelley Fahnanstiel, owner of Gallery West & The Frame Plant. “Cat lovers love Braldt’s cat art, finding his works uniquely charming. John’s works are endearing and beautiful. There should be something for everyone at this show.”
The art of Braldt Bralds and John Weiss is published exclusively by The Greenwich Workshop of Seymour, Connecticut and available only through authorized dealers. Greenwich Workshop is the leading publisher of limited edition fine art in North America.
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About John Weiss
John Weiss is one of America’s best-known animal portrait artists. During his childhood in Akron, Ohio, Weiss learned about discipline from his father who was a draftsman. His grandfather, skilled at creating duck decoys, gave him lessons in carving, which were invaluable in creating a feeling of depth in his own painting. Admirers around the world, including Queen Elizabeth who was presented with a portrait by Lady Barlow, enjoy Weiss’ paintings. The Greenwich Workshop has published Weiss’ work since 1982 and he was recently honored with the Cover of the Year Award from the National Dog Writers Association. John Weiss lives in Eastern Ohio and is the happy owner of a yellow lab named Maggie and a yorkie named Mollie.
About Braldt Bralds
Braldt Bralds was born in the Netherlands where he attended the Grafische School in Rotterdam. For a time, an art career was the last thing on his mind. In fact his only art education consisted of a mechanical drawing class and on-the-job experience as a typesetter in a printing shop. Even so, he eventually fell in love with art and worked very hard to develop his own style.
Bralds became a popular and successful advertising artist in his home country. In 1978, his first U.S. (in New York) job was painting a cover for Time magazine. Since then his works have also appeared in Newsweek, Omni, TV Guide, Rolling Stone and National Geographic among many others. He has illustrated book covers for such publishers as Avon, Simon & Schuster and Warner Books. He has lectured and held workshops in cities all over the world including Brussels, Tokyo and Seoul. Among his awards are three gold medals, three silver medals and the Hamilton King Award from the Society of Illustrators.
About Gallery West & The Frame Plant
Gallery West is an authorized dealer of The Greenwich Workshop, Inc. It is located at 121 Ivinson Avenue in Laramie and 1601 Capitol Avenue in Cheyenne. In Laramie, gallery hours are Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. The Cheyenne gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. For more information on our Laramie gallery, please call us a (800) 225-7060. Contact our Cheyenne Gallery at (800) 786-2258. Visit us on the web at www.gallerywestframeplant.com
About the Greenwich Workshop
The Greenwich Workshop is a leading provider of limited edition fine art prints and canvases, fine art gifts (including three-dimensional products in porcelain and Pearl Bisque™) and books. The Greenwich Workshop represents more than 50 leading artists through its authorized network of more than 1,200 arts and framing retailers located throughout North America. Established in 1972, the company’s mission is to enhance the quality of people’s lives through high quality, affordable art. The Greenwich Workshop is located in Seymour, Connecticut.
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