Introduction to the Arts Advisory Counsel of MADE: In America.

Dear friends, A few months ago I told you about my new role as National Chair for the Arts Advisory Counsel for MADE: In America, a DC based non-profit whose goal is to raise awareness of furniture manufacturers whose furnishings are made primarily here in the US. To view that post, please click on the following link. http://johnmatthewmoore.blogspot.com/2014/03/new-oppotunities-and-relationships.html.   Over the past few months I've been working hard at searching for and vetting the perfect group of individuals that will sit on my counsel to help me with ways to promote artists, fabric and wall covering designers, accessory designers, and others that embody the America Spirit of producing goods here in the States. I'm so excited to introduce my Arts Advisory Counsel for MADE: In America to you.


 
 
First we have Kate Lluberes. Kate is an industry veteran with more than 30 years experience as a leading sales representative for some of the country's premier fabric and furniture companies. She currently has her own independent representation business, Evans & Sheldon representing lines that are not carried at the DC Design Center. She will work with me with reaching out to designers for upcoming events, not to mention being knowledgeable with the fabric and wall covering designers that we can represent.


 
 
Next we have Amy Murphy Kuhnert. Amy's background as an appraiser and art advisor combines formal education with extensive hands-on experience in the art market. She has a graduate degree from Cambridge University through Christie's auction house-London, in Art History and Art Market Studies with a focus on Old Master paintings and prints. Amy also has a degree from Rhode Island School of Design in Appraisal Studies in Art and Antiques. Amy will be very helpful in finding and vetting artists for us to represent through upcoming events.


 
 
John J. Nolis is a recent transplant from the Hamptons Resort Area of Long Island, where he owned his own Residential Architectural Design Business for over twenty years. He recently received his Associates Degree in Interior Design and now lives full time in Cheverly, MD. John is an accomplished singer/songwriter with 4 albums recorded in Nashville and is a 15th anniversary member, this year, of the National Recording Academy. He will be vital in planning events for MADE where entertainment will be the focus.


 
 
And last, but definitely not lease, I'd like to introduce you to Susan Ritterpusch. Susan has just retired from 30 years as the Head of the Interior Design Dept. at the National Gallery of Art here in DC. Susan was a member of the design-construction team for the East Building of the Gallery working directly with I. M. Pei, the designer of the building. She developed the Interiors program for the National Gallery of Art choosing the designs, finishes and restorations of the offices, board rooms, restaurants, and conservation laboratories. Susan will be key in working with me reaching out to museums and organizations that might partner with us to bring national attention to MADE: In America and our focus.

We are starting to plan many exciting functions for MADE which I will be telling you more about in months to come. I am now on Facebook so if you would like to hear more as time goes on, please send me a friend request.  I would love to hear from you concerning ideas you might have for us here at MADE. 

Also, I'm showing new works on my Facebook page, some of them smaller, and many of which are never posted onto my website.

                                                        www.johnmatthewmoore.com
                                                                      202-306-2852

Blues, Ivories and Browns.

Over the years I've had clients request works that were softer and more appropriate for bedrooms. Whenever I try new looks, I generally start with my signature tulips. Any other flower or shell would work just as well.  Even though I'm showing these looks in blues and chocolates, any color combination would work just as well.

Below I show the first two tulips 'lined' in Farrow and Ball Stone Blue, painted on hand antiqued watercolor paper. The works are raised and framed in hand painted ivory frames with a subtle antique strie to blend with the antique paper.


 
$1250.00 each as shown.
 
 
The second look was accomplished by first painting the watercolor paper Farrow and Ball's Powder Blue, also the wall color on which the paintings are hanging. The tulips were painted in white gouache giving them the look of negatives. I call these 'Ghost Tulips'.  They are raised and framed in hand painted ivory frames for a cleaner look.   Other backgrounds from greens to chocolates would be just as beautiful. The table skirt fabric is by Nobilis through Holly Hunt in a pebbled treatment.

 
 
$1650.00 as shown.
 
 
And finally I have the two tulips 'lined' in ivory on Farrow and Ball's Mahogany. A more graphic and modern look, but one that would work in any room with antiques or modern furnishings. These are also framed in the same manner as the four above.  The Amethyst skirt fabric is through Century.

 
 
$1250.00 each as shown.
 
 
If you would like to talk with me about commissioning a work or grouping of works using this softer approach, please free to contact me at 202.306.2852.

                                              John Matthew Moore Fine Art and Home
                                                     www.johnmatthewmoore.com

One Painting...Four Looks.

 
This piece was painted for an upcoming political auction. It was framed in a hand finished ivory painted frame with a slight grey-beige wash. I thought I'd also show four different ways this piece can be framed for very different looks.

First you have a hand painted frame of ivory with a slight crackle.

 
Another look is with this Louis profile in antiqued hand painted ivory.

 
With the third option, you have the same painting in the Louis profile with the same ivory finish, but with a green crackle panel.

 
And finally you have the painting in the Louis profile with an antiqued medium natural stained finish.

 
One painting...four looks.

To talk to me about commissioning a work of art for your own space, feel free to contact me at 202.306.2852

                                                       www.johnmatthewmoore.com

New works.

I wanted to share with you some of my recent works. Some of you may have seen Millie and Olivia, my sheep portraits hanging in The Red Hen. They've gotten a lot of attention with many requests. One such client inquired about commissioning a cow portrait after having dinner there one night. We spoke about what he and his wife were interested in and I showed him photos of cows I had photographed. I'd like for you to meet Mehitebel. Yes, that's her real name. I photographed this sweet cow on a farm north of DC a couple of years back and have been waiting for the perfect client to immortalize her. I feel that I was able to capture her gentle eyes and beautiful coat. The clients are thrilled and I can't wait for the framing to be completed and see her in her new home.

 
Mehitebel.  28" x 34".
 
 
 
I've also been working on a new grouping of orchids for my collection.


 
Cymbidium, 18" x 22".
 
 
 
Cattleya granulosa "John Jensen", 18" x 22".
 
 
 
Paphiopedilum, 18" x 22".
 
 
 
Paphiopedilum Hybrid, 18" x 22".
 
 
 
Cymbidium Strathdon "Cooksbridge Noel",  18" x 22".
 
If you would like more information on purchasing or commissioning a painting, kindly contact me at 202.306.2852.
 
 
John Matthew Moore Fine Art and Home.

New Oppotunities and Relationships

In my last post, I spoke of new opportunities that I would go into more in a later post. I'd like to share them with you now.


 
 
Recently I was contacted by James De Lorbe, Founder and Chairman of MADE: In America. This unique non-profit educational organization, headquartered here on Capital Hill in Washington, has been exploring ways to support American artist through a new initiative: American by Design. Since it's inception, MADE: In America had concentrated on supporting vulnerable industrial sectors, such as the American furniture industry and emerging sectors that includes organic growers and craft producers. The organization has already been recognizing the outstanding workmanship of artisan furniture makers such as Keith Fritz, whose signature pieces embody the best of American design, by presenting them with the William Thornton Award for Excellence in Craftsmanship. The award has been presented annually at the United States Capitol on the fourth of July since 2010.

In my first meeting with Jim, I was honored to learn that when he spoke with design professionals about the emerging initiative, it was suggested he talk to me for guidance on the new initiative. For each of their initiatives, MADE: In America recruits leading subject matter authorities to serve on a special advisory council. Members of the council provide guidance and expertise in designing and creating programs that address pressing needs in the sector to be served. After our initial meeting, Jim asked if I would consider serving as the National Chair for the new arts project and assist in recruiting members. I'm pleased and honored to take up this challenge and look forward to working with Jim and everyone at MADE: In America bringing much needed attention to American artists.

I've always been passionate about promoting companies that offer American products. In this struggling economy we are experiencing, I feel it is more important now than ever to support businesses, both large and small, that are dedicated in offering you the best of made in America.

For more information, you can go to www.madeinamerica-usa.org.


Courtesy of The Salmagundi Club, NYC.
 
On a second note, I'm also honored and proud to have been accepted as the newest member of The Salmagundi Club of New York City. The Salmagundi Club is one of the oldest art organizations in the United States. Many important American artists such as Howard Pyle, N C Wyeth and William Merrit Chase have been members of this exclusive and well regarded club. I look forward to becoming involved with the Salmagundi Club and broadening my professional profile in the NY market and throughout the United States.

For more information, you can go to www.salmagundi.org.

                                                 John Matthew Moore Fine Art and Home
                                                                     202-306-2852


Global Inspirations.

2014 has gotten off to a terrific and busy start which is why I'm just now writing my first post of the year. There are many new opportunities and plans for the coming months that I will be speaking of in upcoming posts.

But first I thought I'd talk about how my travels influence my work. A few months ago as I was leaving a client's home, and my client called out to me, "Have a nice vacation". It made me stop for a second. You see, I was leaving in a couple of days for Mexico City. It has never occurred to me that the trips we take are vacations. When I travel, I'm spending every hour photographing and absorbing images that inspire me. Long days are spent visiting museums, studying architecture and just walking around the cities. I've had the opportunity to travel to many cities throughout Europe, Asia and South America so I thought I'd show you how these trips find their way into my work.

For example, a trip to Amsterdam was spent photographing tulips and orchids at the Keukonhof Gardens.

 
Carnival de Nice with Yellow. 
 
Ad Rem.
 
 
Paphiopedilum
 
 
Cymbidium
 
 
On a trip to London, we spent the afternoon strolling around Hyde Park where I came across a gem of a garden which I painted for Lauren Liess for her room in the DC Design House, 2011.


                                                                   The Secret Garden.


Even the swans and geese were immortalized.


Three Swans.
 
                                                                       Three Geese.



A museum in Berlin housed some of the most beautiful ancient architecture. A Byzantine capital photographed for the painting below was just one of many subjects I added to my collection.


                                                                     Byzantine Capital, #1.

Other cities we've traveled to include Stockholm, Moscow, and Istanbul. I'm looking forward to painting new works inspired by these and other cities.

And finally we're just back from a whirlwind trip to Beijing. I'm only just starting to process the images and subjects I photographed there. I've always been a lover of anything Chinoiserie and can't wait to get started on new works inspired by traditional Chinese art. I'll talk more about that trip and it's inspirations soon.

                                                              www.johnmatthewmoore.com
                                                                            202-306-2852

With Warm Christmas Wishes.

A few years ago we had the opportunity to fly to Stockholm, Sweden in December for one of our long weekend European trips. My first impression of this amazing country was it's beautiful landscape. As we were descending for a landing, I looked out my window and saw one of the most amazing scenes I'd ever seen. The bare birch trees were thick and ghost-like against the snow covered ground. There were many wonderful memories I took away with me of that beautiful country and city, but my first impression was the strongest.

So for that following Christmas I wanted to recreate a piece of that memory. As luck would have it, I had a dwarf spruce tree that had given up after a long, hot summer. I took the tree and power washed the needles off and spray painted it white. Every year I decorate the tree differently. This year I opted for a white theme. I purchased a number of reproduction plaster intaglios from a dealer in London and wrapped and bowed each intaglio in chocolate ribbon.

Every time I look at my tree, I think of our trip to Sweden.


 
 
I hope this Christmas if full of wonderful memories for you and your loved ones.

With warm wishes,
Matthew

                                                        www.johnmatthewmoore.com
                                                                   202-306-2852