Mary Kay West

Magnolia Blossoms and Blue Jay

2023

Provenance Acquired by the gallery directly from the artist FRAMED: 18" x 14" x 1.5" Artist Statement “I particularly enjoyed painting ‘The Cabinet’ as an homage to the tradition of trompe l’oeil, or ‘fool the eye’ paintings. The genre is deeply rooted in the classical realist tradition and this piece is conceptually and technically true to those roots. The use of a cabinet has always been a favorite of artists because it is such a relatable and familiar object. But technically it serves as a recess or inner space in which to describe the three-dimensional effect required of a trompe l’oeil. In this case the spices in the composition are from my own kitchen, the pomegranates from a neighbor’s tree, and the fabric from an old sewing project…all a part of my life even if in some small ways. The bird is a male Red Headed Fody, native to Madagascar and other islands in the Indian Ocean. He is included in the story not just to add life to the stillness, but as a dimension that is coming forward towards the viewer.” —Mary Kay West...

Provenance Acquired by the gallery directly from the artis FRAMED: 27.75" x 14" x 2" Artist Statement “I enjoy portraying the natural character of birds, while placing them in unusual settings. In this painting, the South American Blue-Grey Tanagers, whose natural habitat lies east of the Andes, are seen here playfully perched. One is atop the frame looking inward, another sits on the stems of an arrangement of pink peonies and star gaze lilies, and the third is resting on a pair of figs. They are not in a cage, but freely flying about, although set in a niche as precious objets d’arts. The composition of the trio of birds allows the viewer to see the scene from every angle, and the complementary pink and blue colors make the overall subject pleasing and tender.” —Mary Kay West...

Acquired by the gallery directly from the artist Artist Statement "A darkened recess provides a safe haven for a pair of Goldfinches to make their nest, already laden with light blue eggs. The soft yellow color of Goldfinches turns green in shadow, so the whole composition was yellow and green. The need for a bright color in the focal area gave me the opportunity for visual as well as narrative interest. This is a Western Tanager sitting between the mated pair of Goldfinches. Relationships are complicated." —Mary Kay West

Acquired by the gallery directly from the artist Artist Statement "White poppies and magenta wisteria against a rustic white wall panel set the stage f...

Acquired by the gallery directly from the artist UNFRAMED: 12" x 16" FRAMED: 18.125" x 22.125" x 1.75" Artist Statement “’Clocks and Peonies’ explores the intricate balance between the passage of time and the ephemeral beauty of nature. At the heart of the composition rests a delicate vase, cradling a lavish bouquet of peonies in full bloom. Their petals unfurl in a graceful display of pinks and creams. Beside the peonies, an array of antique clocks stands...

Acquired by the gallery directly from the artist UNFRAMED: 16" x 20" FRAMED: 19.75" x 23.75" x 1.5" Artist Statement "'Autumn Roses' encapsulates a haunting narrative, merging nature's poignant cycle. Within a softly lit room, where a glass pitcher, once filled with life, cradles a bouquet of withered roses. Amidst this tableau, a dance of warm candlelight weaves an intimate and reflective ambiance. I invite the viewer to discover solace within the delicate harmony of life and decay, symbolized through a visual tapestry of contrasts: a vibrant peach beside faded roses, radiant candles amidst subtle decay, and the whispered promise of untold stories held within a closed book." — Alex Tabet

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During his successful career as a goldsmith the desire to paint grew on Dutch artist René Smoorenburg (1954). The attention to detail, which was of gr...

During his successful career as a goldsmith the desire to paint grew on Dutch artist René Smoorenburg (1954). The attention to detail, which was of great importance in his work as a ...

During his successful career as a goldsmith the desire to paint grew on Dutch artist René Smoorenburg (1954). The attention to detail, which was of great importance in his work as a ...