Stephen Smalzel Sold at Auction Prices

Stephen Smalzel lives and works in Colorado and enjoys plein air painting. According to his artist statement, "Ultimately I strive to elicit the strongest possible emotional reaction in my paintings. That may be through an exact rendering of a scene, or through subtle abstractions that enhance the salient elements of a visual impression." Interestingly, Smalzel studied Physics at Cornell University and worked for a time in superconductivity research. This scientific background oftentimes informs his topographical approach.

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    • Stephen Smalzel Painting - Flatirons, Boulder, CO
      Nov. 22, 2024

      Stephen Smalzel Painting - Flatirons, Boulder, CO

      Est: $5,000 - $7,500

      Stephen Smalzel (American, XX-XXI). Oil on canvas, n.d. Signed at lower right. A stunning landscape painting by Stephen Smalzel depicting Iris Gardens before the Flatirons in Boulder, Colorado. In the foreground, Smalzel captured the meticulously manicured Iris Gardens - a place where one could see irises in bloom and return to purchase bulbs for the varieties they favored. In the middleground, Smalzel included a few tiny staffage figures near fences likely designed to keep the deer away from the garden followed by a row of houses nestled amidst evergreens with the majestic Flatirons beyond, all beneath the big open Colorado sky. While Smalzel's style is no doubt painterly - note the lush brushstrokes and vibrant color palette - its photorealistic quality is undeniable as well. Smalzel studied physics at Cornell University, and he credits his scientific background with his ability to represent views like this one in a naturalistic photographic manner. Size (sight view): 24.5" L x 33.5" W (62.2 cm x 85.1 cm) Size (frame): 31.125" L x 40.125" W (79.1 cm x 101.9 cm) Artist Statement: "I have been painting and drawing since I was young, but studied physics at Cornell and the University of Colorado. After a short work stint doing superconductivity research, I quit to become an artist. My desire was as much to be free and creative as it was to pursue art specifically. I have no professional art training, and consequently, much of my career has been spent trying to make paintings look visually correct. It is not my goal to make paintings look like photographs, but having some level of the necessary skills seemed like a good place to start. Besides, the challenge of fooling the eye is often hard to resist. Ultimately I strive to elicit the strongest possible emotional reaction in my paintings. That may be through an exact rendering of a scene, or through subtle abstractions that enhance the salient elements of a visual impression. The imagery itself can be powerful, or the way in which it is rendered. As I grow older, I find myself more and more fascinated with subtle abstractions and artful rendering, than with visual correctness. I like to overemphasize important colors, use bold designs, and paint with gestural brushstrokes. There is a real joy when the painting takes on a life of its own, beyond the image being represented, and the art becomes the paint itself, and the way it is handled. Still, my paintings tend to look very much like what they are representing. I guess that’s where you end up when you study science instead of going to art school. I live and paint in Colorado, but travel often, particularly in the winter to paint overseas where it is warm. I was a competitive marathon runner for many years and now use long runs to scout painting locations. I prefer to work out of doors on location, but that is not always the case. When not painting I like to play the banjo and guitar. I am a big fan of street performing, which is a great way to meet people in foreign countries. Beyond my desire to create emotionally powerful scenes, to express the beauty I see in the natural world, there is the simple goal of enjoying the process itself. In general, I find that the more I enjoy the actual painting, the better the end result. If the pleasure is in the journey as much as the destination, you will have a good time wherever you go." ( Provenance: private Denver, Colorado, USA collection All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #188899

      Artemis Gallery
    • Lot of 2 Framed S. Smalzel Landscape Paintings - 2000s
      Feb. 06, 2019

      Lot of 2 Framed S. Smalzel Landscape Paintings - 2000s

      Est: $900 - $1,500

      Stephen Smalzel (American, active in 21st century), "Desert River Valley" and "Spring Creek", both oil on board, ca. 2000s. Each signed at lower right. A pair of beautiful landscape paintings by Contemporary artist Stephen Smalzel, both displaying fine brushwork, adept palette knife work, and attractive glazing. Smalzel lives and works in Colorado and enjoys plein air painting. According to his artist statement, "Ultimately I strive to elicit the strongest possible emotional reaction in my paintings. That may be through an exact rendering of a scene, or through subtle abstractions that enhance the salient elements of a visual impression." Interestingly, Smalzel studied Physics at Cornell University and worked for a time in superconductivity research. This scientific background sometimes informs his topographical approach. Both paintings are custom framed in museum quality materials. Size: 9.5" W x 6.5" H (24.1 cm x 16.5 cm); 12.375" W x 9.5" H (31.4 cm x 24.1 cm) with custom framing Provenance: private Jon and Mary Williams collection, Boulder, Colorado, USA; Mary Williams has represented some of America's finest artists and has more than 35 years of experience as a trusted source for quality paintings, sculpture, and antique prints and maps. All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #141406

      Artemis Gallery
    • Framed Contemporary Stephen Smalzel Landscape Painting
      Jan. 10, 2019

      Framed Contemporary Stephen Smalzel Landscape Painting

      Est: $500 - $800

      Stephen Smalzel (American, 21st century), oil on board, ca. 2000s. Signed at lower right. A beautiful landscape painting by Contemporary artist Stephen Smalzel, depicting tall evergreens in the foreground framing amber and purple foothills in the distance, and white cumulus clouds in the violet purple and azure blue skies above. Smalzel's technique displays fine brushwork and wonderful areas of impasto to delineate the foliage. Smalzel lives and works in Colorado and enjoys plein air painting. According to his artist statement, "Ultimately I strive to elicit the strongest possible emotional reaction in my paintings. That may be through an exact rendering of a scene, or through subtle abstractions that enhance the salient elements of a visual impression." Interestingly, Smalzel studied Physics at Cornell University and worked for a time in superconductivity research. This scientific background oftentimes informs his topographical approach. Size: 15" L x 12" W (38.1 cm x 30.5 cm); 20" L x 17.125" W (50.8 cm x 43.5 cm) framed The composition brings to mind the patriotic song "America the Beautiful" which was inspired by Pikes Peak in Colorado, "O beautiful for spacious skies / For amber waves of grain / For purple mountain majesties / Above the fruited plain!" Provenance: private Jon and Mary Williams collection, Boulder, Colorado, USA; Mary Williams has represented some of America's finest artists and has more than 35 years of experience as a trusted source for quality paintings, sculpture, and antique prints and maps. All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #141409

      Artemis Gallery
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