ARTWORK HISTORY:
Our family is very much into "the Arts" in all it's forms, from music to creative art to chinaware and even classic old (quality) technology!
Our love has always been of landscapes, both Australian and New Zealand but this artwork was purchased for a very different reason.
This is our "contemplation" artwork, the location of the scene didn't matter to us (we don't actually know!) but the artist has created a "window" through which to comtemplate "what is to come"
Yes, we know - all very "touchy feely" stuff but sometimes we just needed to sit quietly and ponder, this artwork gave us the window through which to think.
While this original oil presents an interesting scene in itself, with the bush, the slow moving water in the foreground, it is in the upper centre that we were drawn to - more water and a mist, suggestions of the unknown and "what is beyond"
The colouring suggests it is early morning, sunlight is playing on the bush and water with that fog/mist not yet dissipated by the warmth of the sun - we couldn't help feeling "another day, what will it bring us?"
So, we always referred to this artwork as "Comtemplation" although it is actually unnamed.
For many years this artwork was either hanging in the lounge or right at the front door, because these were the only two areas that had wall space left for such a large artwork but also, the front door especially because it was a case of looking at the artwork and wondering "I wonder what today will bring me" as you left the house.
In fact this work still hangs at the front door of our home and many visitors to the house have commented on the art, although we don't encourage them to sit down and contemplate the artwork!
THE ARTIST:
While it would be nice to know more about this artist, we don't! We purchased this artwork for the above reasons and not who signed it. Quite frankly we have never been sure what the artist's name is, it is written on the lower left corner area but is indistinct.
Could be Haping, Hoping, or perhaps even JLaping, but (for us) this is not of primary importance.
We have to tell you though, the skills of the artist are quite extraordinary. This is FINE oil painting and the detail, use of colour and light is quite amazing - dear we say it, attention to detail such as a Glover works. Of course, not reknown like Glover but ....
We would imagine that a lot of time was spent meticulously creating this art for others to enjoy, particular when the size is taken into consideration - this is one large artwork for a "normal" sized home.
To be honest here, the "letdown" is the framing, yes it is a basic wooden frame - no thrills, no scrolling etc
ARTIST UNDETERMINED - "Contemplation" (our title, not the artist's)
The artist has not dated this work but such a large artwork is not something you can easily forget, it was in 1984 while driving Melbourne to Sydney and we came across this "place", a farm with a large Red shed and we loved the look of it - not all "touristy"
Inside there were masses of just about anything you can think of ... including this artwork hanging on a wall.
A bit pricey on the asking price (particularly as we could see a small area of damage, see below for details) but eventually we managed to take it home for "reasonable" money, around $300 in 1980's money.
Original Oil on board
Mid 1980's purchased although we don't know how long John (the Red Shed owner) had been keeping it
Signed in the bottom left corner (Black paint)
The frame is solid and secure, just nothing too fancy - it hasn't even had a varnish finish applied. Upgrading to a "premium" quality frame would probably be worthwhile if that is your inclination but keep in mind that a good, large frame may well cost more than the artwork!
The real paper tape seal has been replaced, after 40 years it was looking at bit "how's yer father" - we used artist's tape to re-seal it although we think a paper tape would have been better (adheres to the board much better)
This artwork is of MEDIUM WEIGHT (6Kg hanging weight) and LARGE (130cm x 68cm) - you will need a nice LARGE blank feature wall to present this painting effectively! Anyone considering this artwork needs to carefully consider the available wall space and the average distance from viewing the artwork, to hang this art in a small room would look ridiculous.
I have been amazed at the number of people who received our other artworks and express surprise about how small or large it is - please do your homework and MAKE SURE it will suit the area you have in mind!
Don't forget, you will need plenty of wall space with good natural lighting (NOT direct though) and if possible, a controlled environment such as air-conditioning to keep the humidity and ambient air temperature constant.
Sounds like a lot of fuss? If you respect your artwork, these are things you should consider.
DIMENSIONS:
Artwork measurements: 1200mm wide x 585mm high
Frame measurements: 1300mm wide x 680mm high
Hanging weight: 6Kg
CONDITION:
Artwork is clean
NO damage to the board
NO issues with flaking or artwork damage observed EXCEPT ...
As mentioned above, in the centre of the art - slightly to the right is a "line" and this is what I have referred to above, it was there when we bought it. It looks like something has been dragged across the front of the artwork and left this mark.
If you look at the photograph, in the centre area and slight over to the right, just above one of the tree's is a short vertical running line - that is what I am referring to. Yes, it is small and not distinct but it is there! The paint in that area has not flaked off, just had a "rub up"
We have never noticed any other issues with the artwork.
The original nylon hanging cord (with support cord) is fitted and sound.
NOTE: It is strongly advised to use a "double hanger" i.e two picture hooks, set level and spaced a reasonable distance apart. This gives much more strength to support the painting and makes keeping it level much easier - always that is the bain of artwork, it always seems to move sideways over time!
SPECIAL NOTES RELATING TO THIS ARTWORK:
While we usually do not permit strangers into our home at all, if an interested person wishes to view this artwork (it is hanging right near our front door) then we could make an exception.
NO WALKING TOURS OF THE HOUSE THOUGH!
Funny thing to say? Not really, we have been asked by people for a tour around the house (this is our home not a gallery!) to view all the other artwork - it's not going to happen, full stop.
We even had one (a Gumtree low-life) who tried to visit us when we were NOT home, fortunately caught by the cameras and taken care of by the authorities.
If picked up in person from Rooty Hill, that saves us a LOT of packing and special shipping treatment - use the code CONTEMPLATIONPICKUP to have the shipping costs deducted automatically in the checkout area of my website.
Although this is a large artwork, we WILL SHIP ANYWHERE AROUND AUSTRALIA FOR FREE
The art is very large and will not be accepted by Australia Post at all - they simply will not accept items this large even though it is only around 8Kg actual weight.
We have arrangements with couriers for our other large/heavy electronic equipment and it is by courier that we would send this artwork, not Post.
We have already estimated the shipping cost to anywhere around Australia and that cost has already been factored into the asking price - no need to worry about any additional costs.
Of course, full insurance is included while in transit to the new owner.
