Tuesday, February 13, 2024

 

5 O'Clock Shadow
Oil on canvas
32x40 inches
1987

A few weeks ago I received an email from an art consultant who was handling the deaccessioning of a corporate art collection and wrote asking if this was my painting and if so, would I want it returned. I replied indeed it was - a commissioned painting created in 1987 of the view from the roof of the offices of a large public relations firm where I'd worked for many years, the last 13 of them in the word processing/desktop publishing department 4pm-midnight shift so that I could paint during the day. 
 
I explained all and offered a price I'd be willing to pay, explaining that most working artists do not have a resale value and if this painting would go to auction it would probably not fetch what it was worth. Corporations often deaccession their collections upon a merger, a move or a closing. Museums regularly reevaluate their holdings and they too often move works along, especially the many that are in storage, rarely if ever to be on view. Art, once it leaves the studio takes on a life of its own. The client accepted my offer and the painting was returned with some areas that required touch-ups. I let the art advisor know, she let the client know and below is the response I received - needless to say I was delighted.
 
"In the spirit of being a former employee we would like to gift the piece back to Sharon Florin and appreciate her generous offer. Thank you for the background on the piece and allowing the agency to display for many years."
 
This painting is now propped up in my studio, minor retouches done and it's looking wonderful. Of course, the view has changed dramatically with all of the new construction projects that have taken place since this was painted but I find myself looking at it remembering the work I was doing over 30 years ago and marvel that this painting has held its own and stood the test of time. A happy ending.

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

First sale of 2024

 

Paramount Reflections I
Oil on canvas
36x30 inches
Sold

This reflection painting of the Paramount Building in Times Square is one of 3 paintings sold to a corporate collection in Manhattan. I've painted this iconic landmark several times and have a few ideas for new paintings to come. A great way to start off the New Year!


 

Friday, December 29, 2023

Happy 2024

 

I'm so happy that these paintings have all found new homes in 2023. 

Looking forward to seeing what comes off my easel in the New Year.

Wishing you good health, happiness, prosperity and most importantly peace in the year to come.

Sunday, November 5, 2023

The Back Wall Gallery at Studio41

 

I am delighted to be exhibiting a selection of small paintings on Studio41's Back Wall Gallery during the month of November. 

In addition, I will showing newly created machine pieced and some quilted pillows featuring themes of the borough of Queens, Long Island City and New York.

The exhibition is on view from November 4-26, open Saturdays and Sundays from 1-5pm. Studio41 is located 1 block north of Queens Plaza. https://www.studio41lic.com/


 



Saturday, October 28, 2023

LIC's Court Square Diner


LIC Court Square Diner Sitter
Oil on panel
8x8 inches

A new painting literally just off the easel. This diner is a longtime mainstay in the neighborhood and I always enjoy meeting an artist friend for lunch to chow down and talk shop. Back in the 1980's I remember seeing the artist Romare Bearden there as his studio was nearby. I will be installing this and other paintings at the cozy LIC Corner Cafe next week and they will be on view through the month of November. Stop in if you're in the neighborhood, have a bite to eat and enjoy the artwork. The fresh baked scones are to die for.


Tuesday, October 17, 2023

The Chelsea Hotel

 

The Chelsea Hotel
Oil on panel
8x8 inches

"I remember you well in the Chelsea Hotel..." 

Listening to the great Leonard Cohen song as I painted this small study of the iconic Chelsea Hotel on 23rd Street. Shrouded in netting and scaffolding for years, I often wondered as I walked by what the facade would look like when it was removed. I'm happy to report that he old hotel, built in the late 1880's,  looks gorgeous and happily is still standing. So many creative people spent time here over the years, adding to its allure and mystery. May it stand tall on 23rd Street in Manhattan for many years to come.


Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Installation of Booth 14 at Superfine Art Fair NYC September 14-17

 

 

Installation of Booth 14
Superfine Art Fair, New York City, September 2023

Finished installing Booth 14 at the Superfine Art Fair NYC today. Smack dab in the Flatiron district on 23rd Street. Never having participated in a large art fair before, I'm curious to see who comes by during the 4 days and hopefully who purchases my work. Got lucky when getting the paintings over to the venue with the help of a friend as it had rained heavily this morning and it had stopped by the time we were to head over to the site. Thank goodness for small favors. With multiple artists drilling nails into multiple walls, the place was a cacaphony of sound. Unwrapping, going and down the step stool, raising and lowering paintings while hanging, drilling...my back feels the effects of the last several hours. Nonetheless, I'm looking forward to the next 4 days of the Fair and hope it will be a good experience all around.