Start Your Art Collection at SANTA MONICA AUCTIONS, May 6th, 2018!

On Sunday, May 6th, SANTA MONICA AUCTIONS returns with an exceptional curated auction featuring art by legendary artists. One such work by Shepard Fairey has attracted the attention of many. The mural size artwork (8x14’) contains all the iconic imagery that Shepard is known for. From the obey symbol, airplanes, the peace dove…it features many of the recognizable symbols and images of the renowned street artist.

   Robert Berman Owner of SANTA MONICA AUCTIONS

“The key to this auction is it offers high quality at all price points. It does not have to be expensive to be high quality,” said Robert Berman, owner of SANTA MONICA AUCTIONS.

Berman has been a respected art dealer for the past forty years. He encourages collectors to come in (both new and seasoned) and speak with him or his staff…ask questions prior to the event. “At this auction the public will find everything from easy abstractions to the most sophisticated collectible rare and sort after works such as Bruce Conner, Robert Longo, and Ed Moses.”

Andy Warhol (1928-1987), Mao Tse Tung, 197; Silkscreen; Edition of 250; Signed in ball point pen and numbered via rubber stamp on verso; Sheet: 36 x 36 inches; Condition: waves in paper, discoloration on verso, small craquelure in regions; Estimate: $50,000/$60,000

Artworks by Andy Warhol are always a popular auction item. Art lovers can bid on one of Warhol’s most collected series of Chairman Mao (Mao Tse Tung, 1972). “It’s a beautiful print, said Berman. “It’s the kind of work that is both filled with irony humor and art history…It is the type of work that people collect, not only for America, but around the world.”

Two amazing Carlos Almaraz oil paintings are also up for auction (one directly from his monumental retrospective at LACMA). Almaraz is the most collected of the Chicano artists. Berman added that he sold a pastel at his last auction for a record price.

This auction took roughly six months to curate and features works by Francis Bacon, Carlos Almaraz, David Choe, Nicole Eisenman, Shepard Fairey, Philip Guston, Keith Haring, Robert Heinecken, David Hockney,  Craig Kaufman, Ed Moses, Patrick Nagel, Alex Prager, Ed Ruscha, Frank Stella, Ernest Trova, etc.

Francis Bacon, (1909-1992), Study for ; a Bullfight no. 1, 1971, Litho; graph on Arches; Signed in felt tip pen on recto, signature faded, numbered in pencil; Edition of 150; Published by the Musée du Grand Palais; Image: 50 x 45 inches; Sheet: 62.5 x 47; inches; Framed: 69 x 53 inches; Estimate: $60,000/$80,000
 
Berman said he was excited to share a work by one of the amazing artists of the twentieth century…Francis Bacon. “This artist’s paintings have sold for more than any other artists at auction, over $145 million dollars. He has made very few large (over-sized) hand pulled stoned lithographs, and we have one.” He continued, “Some of his work is too graphic for most people, but this 1971 lithograph (50 x 45 inches) is quite special… the gesture of a bull fighter playing off the force and movement of the bull is magnificent.”

Start your art collection now. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, on Sunday, May 6th at 1pm…SANTA MONICA AUCTIONS is the place to be. Stop in during business hours Tuesday through Saturday to view the full collection. There will be a late night preview on Saturday May 5th, 2018 until 8pm; Visit the online catalog on the website. Online (smauctions.com bidding is also available through Liveauctioneers.com

View a video showing works to be auctioned HERE. SANTA MONICA AUCTIONS is located at Bergamot, 2525 Michigan Ave, Suites A5 & B7, Santa Monica, CA 90404; http://www.smauctions.com/

April 22nd, The Upper West Celebrates the Art of Maureen Tepedino

Upper West presents “IMAGINATION," a solo exhibition by Maureen Tepedino. The opening reception takes place from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Sunday, April 22nd.

“I am very impressed with Upper West!” said Tepedino. “The food is delicious and varied, the service is excellent and it has a great clientele. The restaurant has a certain buzz which makes it feel exciting and interesting!” When Tepedino was first introduced to Upper West Restaurant she took notice of the ambiance and cuisine. “My favorite dish is the Sea Bass and the Corn Chowder!  Love, Love, Love!”

Tepedino continued, “I have enjoyed looking at the abstract art on the walls at Upper West which adds to the ambiance of the restaurant!" Although she has not attended any of the artist openings, she said she is looking forward to having her work exhibited at the Upper West.

Tepedino grew up in the Caribbean, where she was inspired to paint. Maureen's creativity was encouraged by her parents who recognized her talent from a very young age. “When I was 7 years old, I painted a picture of a man crossing over on a branch in a tree and my father thought it was a very good painting!  I can hear him saying to my Mom, ‘this little girl is talented’!  I still remember feeling very proud as my parents and my 6 sisters loved it and supported my creativity!”

Her paintings are sold nationally by interior designers, art consultants, architects and contractors for high-end residential and corporate projects. She also specializes in corporate art by creating original pieces designed for  commercial spaces.

Maureen Tepedino, Dancing Gyspy, acrylic on canvas 30” x 40”

Celebrate the art of Maureen Tepedino at the Upper West Restaurant, (3321 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica 90404). The artist reception is on Sunday, April 22 from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm.  Find out more about the artist at http://www.designbymaureen.com/

http://www.theupperwest.com