Fall/Winter 2009 Catalogue

Our Fall/Winter 2009 Catalogue, featuring over 100 images of new works by gallery artists, will be available this month. Please call or email the gallery to request your complimentary catalogue as a hard copy or PDF.
203.869.3664, art@cavaliergalleries.com

Something Old & Something New

Saturday's book signing and artist reception were a resounding success. Both Ken and Robert spoke at the book signing of their careers and history together. They also expressed their respect and admiration for each other, which was a truly moving moment for the attendees.

Ken Davies announced he is retiring. When asked what he'll do now that he's no longer working, Davies responded by saying he plans to take up painting.

The reception that followed was very well attended and a wonderful celebration of the exhibition. Several works sold by both artists and the staff of Cavalier would like to thank everyone who came and made the evening so special.

Something Old & Something New

Ken Davies Artist Talk and Book Signing
12-3pm Saturday October 17th

Artist Reception with Ken Davies and Robert Zappalorti
5-7pm Saturday October 17th

RSVP: p. 203.869.3664 e. art@cavaliergalleries.com

Something Old & Something New celebrates the lives and accomplishments of two generations of artists—Ken Davies and his former student, Robert Zappalorti.

Their subject matters may be similar but each artist has a distinct voice and approach to their work. The viewer is drawn nostalgically to Davies’ paintings; his work has a feeling of antiquity, derived mainly through his use of antique objects as well as his Old Master style of Realism. In contrast, Zappalorti’s careful constructions employ vivid colors and striking clean lines for a feeling of crisp modernity.

The exhibition will also showcase never before offered works from Ken Davies’ personal collection. This is a rare and momentous opportunity to see Ken’s vintage works, some of which were painted while he attended the Yale School of Fine Art. These student and early works will be displayed along-side his most recent trompe l’oeils and still lifes.

A scrupulous painter, each of Zappalorti’s works are exactingly crafted. The thoughtful and time consuming arrangements give way to meticulously rendered compositions, bursting with color and clarity. A painstaking process, his commitment to perfection limits the number of paintings Robert can produce in a year. The overall quality and each work makes them worth the wait and we are most excited to debut five new paintings in this exhibition. As the Director of Fine Arts at Paier College, where Ken Davies is a Dean Emeritus, Robert is continuing the prestigious tradition set by his former teacher—imparting his skills and knowledge on to the next generation of artists.

The exhibition also celebrates the publication of Ken Davies’s monograph Ken Davies: American Realist. A provocative look at his career, Ken gives personal insights about his paintings and his life as an artist. With over 200 images and accompanying text, we are given a privileged peak inside the mind of a modern master.

To see the exhibition in its entirety, click HERE

Ken Davies

Cavalier Galleries is pleased to announce the release of Ken Davies: American Realist, a self-published monograph surveying the career of artist Ken Davies. The 224 page hardcover book contains more than 200 color plates and every copy is autographed by Davies. Since its publication, the book has been highly lauded. Dr. Alan Gans says, "Ken Davies’s life story unfolds like a good novel, a compelling narrative tracking the mindset, drive and accomplishments of a colorful and significant protagonist in the art world of today and throughout much of the turbulent and controversial art scene of the 20th century. In this beautifully illustrated book, both delightfully opinionated and provocative, Davies reflects on his life’s work with disarming candor, self-deprecating humor, and with illuminating insights specific to the paintings depicted."

For availability and price please contact the gallery. To view more of Davies' work available at Cavalier Galleries, visit our website at http://www.cavaliergalleries.com/

Joshua LaRock

We are pleased to offer two new paintings by the young realist, Joshua LaRock. A student of Jacob Collins, Joshua is now part of the prestigious teaching staff at The Grand Central Academy in New York (Edward Minoff and Scott Waddell are also instructors at Grand Central).

For pricing and availability please contact the gallery. To see all of his available work, click HERE.

Left: Santiago 2009 oil on linen 18 x 15 in.
Right: Mandarins 2009 oil on linen 11 x 14 in.

Maarten Platje

It is our great privilege to present Maarten Platje's newest and most ambitious painting to date, The Council of War on Board 'De Seven Provinciën' 10 June 1666.

This masterpiece, which took over a year to complete, is a detailed historical reconstruction of the date's events. The work was inspired by a grisaille drawing by another famous Dutch painter, Willem van de Velde (the Elder). Van de Velde completed his drawing in 1666 but never created a full-color painting. Platje intended to "finish the job in a full blaze of colors, to complete what Van de Velde started centuries ago."

As a nod to his inspiration, Platje included Willem van de Velde in his painting-- you can see him sketching the council of war in a boat to the right of the flagship vessel. Van de Velde's sketch is part of the Rijks Museum collection in Amsterdam.

The painting is scheduled to tour prominent art museums in Europe and be entered in international maritime painting competitions during the next year.

ArtHamptons

Art Hamptons was a great success and we truly enjoyed connecting with many of our wonderful clients as well as meeting a plethora of new and eager collectors.

The star of ArtHamptons was by far Jim Rennert who came from Utah to help install and unveil his two new monumental sculptures, Opportunity and A Step Ahead. Both his indoor and outdoor sculptures were incredibly well received and much talked about at the fair.

Another highlight was when Jim's sculpture, The Entrepreneur, sold to a new client, closing out the edition on his breakout piece. It was a profound moment for the artist as well as the collector, who was incredibly happy to have secured such an inspiring piece of art.

We want to thank everyone who came out to see us and we look forward to next years fair!