Henry On Pop Art

Andy Warhol - Trial Proofs Prints.

Trial Proof prints are unique color combinations that are not part of the regular edition print portfolio. Andy Warhol tried many different color combinations of each print to decide the color combination he wanted to use for the regular edition. 

Beginning in 1980 with "Jews of the Twentieth Century", the unused color combination prints were signed and numbered "TP" before the edition number, put into portfolios and sold. Since Trial proofs are unique prints, they typically fetch a price premium over the regular edition prints. The barometer of price is the beauty of the color combination. 

Better-known Andy Warhol Portfolios with Trial Proof editions:

Jews of the Twentieth Century (25), Myths (30), Endangered Species (30), Details of Renaissance paintings (36), Reigning Queens (30), Ads (30), Cowboys and Indians (36), Hans Christian Andersen (36), Moonwalk (66), and Camouflage (84 - not in portfolios). 

Auction Houses often include Trial Proof prints into the Paintings sales, not the Print sales as Trial Proofs are unique paintings on paper. 

 

Robert Rauschenberg - Amazing Editions from the 1990's!

Robert Rauschenberg produced many amazing prints during his lifetime.

An example is the "Speculations" portfolio, a series of 10 Screenprints begun in 1994. The last print was introduced in 1997.

"Speculations" was published by Gemini G.E.L. in Los Angeles. Edition size range from 35 to 55. The most popular of the ten prints is "Witness" from 1996. "Witness" is rarely available, most are in private collections.

Several prints from "Speculations" are still available through Gemini G.E.L. with current retail princing ranging from $12,000 - $20,000.

Images of "Witness" and "Daydream" below:

 

     Robert Rauschenberg "Witness", 1997

Robert Rauschenberg "Daydream", 1996           

Donald Sultan Prints Continue their Popularity in the Design Community.

Last year artist Donald Sultan produced a set of new Limited Edition prints. These prints were immediatly of interest to the design community.  The "Gold" and "Silver" prints are expecially elegant and are amazing together. 

 

Donald Sultan, 2011, 38" x 38", Screenprint on Paper with Black Silica. 

Andy Warhol - Screenprints based on Renaissance Paintings!

In 1984 Andy Warhol produced screenprints based on four Renaissance Paintings:

1. Piero Della Francesca - "MADONNA DEL DUCA DA MONTEFELTRO" circa 1472.
2. Sandro Botticelli - "BIRTH OF VENUS" 1482.
3. Leonardo Da Vinci - "THE ANNUNCIATION" 1472.
4. Paolo Uccello - "ST. GEORGE AND THE DRAGON" 1460.

Andy Warhol "The Annunciation". Edition of 60, 1984, 32" x 44". F&S ll.323.

Andy Warhol - Kicking it with Shoes!!

Andy Warhol began his career as an illustrator for Shoe advertisements.

During his lifetime, he created interesting Shoe art. Some were hand colored, some were experiments, some were limited edition prints, some had Diamond Dust and all are interesting.......

 

Alex Katz - Architectural Digest Featured Home

The home of reknown artist Alex Katz was recently featured in Architectural Digest. His artwork graces the walls of museums, galleries and private homes all over the world.

The paintings and prints contain a rare personal quality that draws collectors to his work. Below are examples of his work.

Untitled (Woman in Dress) 2011, 16" x 12", Acrylic on Masonite

Untitled (Leaves) 2008, 9" x 11", Acrylic on Board

Vivian 2011, 28" x 40", Limited Edition Silkscreen

Valentine's Day - Artwork with a "Heart" by Jim Dine

The "Heart" is synonymous with Love. World Famous artist, Jim Dine, produces beautiful prints with a "Heart" theme!!

The Magnets, 2010 Collograph and intaglio 39" x 53"

 

Red Stamp, 2010 Soft ground etching, drypoint and carborundum 30 1/4" x 24 3/4"

 

Four Hearts in Silver, 2007, lithograph & woodcut 63 x 48

Roy Lichtenstein - "This Must be the Place"

The Roy Lichtenstein "This Must be the Place" was published by Leo Castelli Gallery in New York and sold for $15! The original image was created to publicize the National Cartoonists Society's Nineteenth Annual Reuben Awards dinner in 1965.  The Leo Castelli Gallery used the same plates to print their limited edition print. 

It is signed "rf Lichtenstein". The number of the edition is unknown.

"This Must be the Place", Offset Lithograph on white wove paper, 24 3/4" x 17 3/4", 1965.

 Now Available!

 

Damien Hirst - Psalm Prints: Screenprints with Dazzling Diamond Dust

Damien Hirst continues with his Butterfly Wing themed prints, based on his Butterfly collages of his larger gloss paintings.

The Butterfly Wings are separated and their arrangement mirrors a collector’s display. Like his earlier screenprints, they mimic the exquisite stained glass of Europe’s Cathedrals. The use of  "Diamond Dust" turns these screenprints into glittery "Jewels". 

Damien Hirst - Psalm: Benedictus Dominus

Damien Hirst - Psalm: Exaudi Domine

Helen Frankenthaler (1928 - 2011) Abstract Impressionist Painter.

Helen Frankenthaler passed away this past week.

She was one of my favorite artists. Her works were colorful, thoughtful and amazingly beautiful. Below are a few of her Limited Edition Prints.

Contentment Island

 

Solar Imp

Grey Fireworks

Andy Warhol's "Ads" Suite from 1985.

Andy Warhol’s Ads Portfolio prints – 1985

In 1985 Andy Warhol produced a portfolio of Ten screenprints based on corporate Advertisements. These highly popular screenprints are an edition of 190. The portfolio contains:

• Rebel Without a Cause (James Dean) – based on a poster of the movie
• The New Spirit  (Donald Duck) – based on original Donald Duck drawing
• Mobil – based on Mobil Oil Corporation Trademark
• Volkswagen – based on an advertisement by Volkswagen of America
• Van Heusen – based on advertisement by Van Heusen with former president Ronald Reagan
• Apple –Advertisement for Macintosh computers
• Paramount – Original Version of Paramount logo
• Blackglamma – Advertisement  with Judy Garland
• Life Savers – based on Lifesavers advertisement
• Chanel – Image trademarked by Chanel, Inc.

Prices generally range from $25,000 for the Van Heusen to well over $100,000 for the Rebel Without a Cause. Below is an image of Rebel Without a Cause (James Dean).

Andy Warhol, Rebel Without a Cause (James Dean) 38" x 38"