Google is celebrating the 110th birthday of artist Rene Magritte by incorporating some of Magritte’s masterpieces together into one Google logo. Ever so often, Google does a “doodle,” a decoration they add to their logo for fun. Over the years doodles have become one of the most beloved parts of Google.

This is the first time that Google has done a doodle for Magritte, but they have done others for artists such as Marc Chagall, Leonardo DaVinci, Pablo Picasso, Diego Velazquez, and Andy Warhol, along with doodles for holidays, past-times, and newsworthy events.

Google doodles started out as the creations of 30-year-old Google Webmaster Dennis Hwang, but they have now grown and are developed by a team of artists. Dennis Hwang designed his first logo for Google in honor of Bastille Day, July 14, 2000, at the request of Larry Page and Sergey Brin, and has been designing the specialty logos ever since. Since Dennis began celebrating and marking worldwide events and holidays with his doodles in 2000, his work has been seen by millions and reached cult status, with fans waiting with bated breath to see his next creation, and even websites and blogs devoted to his work.

Google has also recently released iGoogle Artist Themes, where you can customize their iGoogle homepage with themes from famous artists and designers including Jeff Koons, Dale Chihuly, Vera Wang, and Gustavo Rosa. Now you add the work of world-class artists and innovators to your homepage, all for free. But the most popular Google homepage? The plain, white, classic-vanilla version.

Ginger Bowen “Waiting for the World to Change” Oil on Board, 20″ x 24″

This December, the Master Signature and Signature Member’s Show and Competition Exhibition will feature the work of Ginger Bowen, Gallery MAR artist, in California. This is an annual exhibition, inaugurated in 1990. Bowen’s piece “Waiting for the World to Change” is sure to be a favorite.

I visited with Ginger Bowen this past weekend in Arizona and was invited to tour her “studio.” Truth be told, it’s not a “studio,” but rather an immaculately kept painting lounge, mini-gallery, found-item/EBay museum, office, and crafts room, all enjoying gorgeous northerly light. Her collection of toys, memorabilia, antiques, and statues from which she paints is truly incredible. With great ease, Bowen can walk into this room of these keepsakes, pick up a few fun and whimsical elements, and draw connections between the pieces in her titles as she works. It’s easy to see, Bowen doesn’t take herself too seriously and truly enjoys the entire painting process, from setting up her still life (she works only from life, and meticulously assembles her compositions), to her daily time painting in the studio. The results are incredible. We will feature an exhibition of Ginger Bowen’s work, alongside Fred Calleri, this February at Gallery MAR.

Ginger Bowen “Heavy Metal on the Edge” Oil on Board, 10″ x 29.5″

A little more information on the American Women Artists (AWA):  They are dedicated to the inspiration, celebration and encouragement of women in the visual arts. With membership of professional, acclaimed artists, AWA increases the public awareness of women in the arts by exhibiting quality artwork in museums and galleries. And more importantly, all activities planned and presented by the group are the mission in action. There are three levels of membership and all levels support the mission of the organization - the inspiration, celebration and encouragement of women in the visual arts. Click here to learn more about AWA.

Kathleen Peterson’s Display at the 11th Annual Zion’s Bank Art Show

This year’s Zion’s Bank Art show, last Thursday November 6th, was incredibly well organized. Parked patrons were escorted to a tour bus which drove the few blocks to the art show. This is one of the best “free,” public events that I have attended all year. The selection of artists was incredibly varied, from contemporary favorites like Wendy Chidester and Dave Hall, to traditional Utah favorites Michael Coleman and Richard Murray.

Gallery MAR artist Kathleen Peterson was featured in the middle of the action, on the 7th floor. Peterson’s work will be exhibited in Gallery MAR’s Winter Grand Opening and Miniature show, this December 19th to January 4th.

Kathleen Peterson “Chicken” Oil

Kathleen Peterson “Mexican Schoolgirls” Oil

And I have to mention the food! Each level displayed a different offering of hors d’oeuvres and sweets by Utah catering companies. Sadly, there was no wine to go with the delightful treats. For that, you’ll have to come to a Gallery MAR Wine Wednesday! Congratulations to Katleen Peterson and the other Zion’s Bank artists on a packed house.

We just received new work by Fran Nicholson- you can see her adorable, sculpture portraits of dogs can be seen in our Artists section. Her whimsical pieces are lighthearted and bring a smile to our gallery guests. One of her “Bobbles” went home with a collector within two hours of its arrival!

Fran Nicholson, “News Travels Fast,” Bronze edition of 25

Bronze sculpture, and especially sculpture in editions, call for careful consideration before purchasing. In this Internet-friendly generation we see troubling issues of copyright infringement and outright copying and counterfeiting of bronze work. Jane Dedecker and Gary Price are two of the most well known artists whose work has been copied thousands of times over and cast in mixed metals and other substances “posing” as bronze.

As a collector, there are many things that you can do to safeguard yourself from purchasing a counterfeit piece. Below I have listed a few guidelines, but if you ever question a piece of art, always speak with a reputable dealer before purchasing. Give me a call!

Guidelines to avoid counterfeit sculpture

• Make sure the piece is signed with the artist’s name, the date of the creation, and the edition number.
• Ask the seller about the biography of the artist and other works by the artist. Where are they from?
• Get a fine art evaluation for each piece that you purchase, and certificate of authenticity if available.
• Watch out for: antique stores, liquidation stores, bulk “big box” stores, and garden centers for fakes.

If you are an artists wishing to protect your work, here is a helpful hint:

Register each of your original designs with the US Copyright Office. It’s only $45 per piece, or per series. You will fill out a two page form, which you can down load at the copyright office web site. They will also need a few photos of the work.

The direct link to the Visual Arts registration form is: http://www.copyright.gov/forms/formva.pdf

Three dimensional works add a unique perspective to you home and variety to your art collection. The art of casting and foundry work is an incredible process. I am happy to describe the many-leveled process to any collector, anytime. Stop by the gallery for your own personal tutorial.

A few selections from Halloween on Main Street and in the gallery.

Thank you to all of the talented young artists who participated in our Children’s Spookin’ Art Show, benefiting Arts Kids. The pieces will continue to hang through this week, so stop by to see the works.