Investment Art.

Since this topic has now crossed my path three times in the last day, I took it as a sign that I should talk about it. My point of view has always been that my first and foremost reason for buying a piece of art would be because it really moves me and amazes me every time I look at it.

I think Thomas Hoving (former director, Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY) described it best:

“...you'll meet individual works that you’ll need for the rest of your life, works that thrill you, energize you, lift your soul, soothe you, make you smile, make you think about the fate of mankind and the universe, make you have to see them again and again for the good of your psyche, state  of mind, and strength of heart.”

It is true that besides being an artist, I also collect art and these words always come to mind when I see an artwork that I have to have. My hope is that everyone buying a piece of my work would do it for the same reasons. However, it is true that art could be a financial investment and since life is what happens while we make other plans, the same might be true for the value of your artworks.

My aim is never to sell artworks for hundreds of thousands of dollars so if you want to get rich quickly, the stock market might be a better path than buying an original ‘Antoine’. It is true though that my work’s value has grown by more than 30% per year over the last three years.  

Now is the time, the time is now.

While standing at risk of sounding like a second hand car salesman, I thought I would share some facts. March 2007 I will be participating in the New York Art Expo. After visiting both the New York and Atlanta Art Expos this year, I decided it’s time to make the move and booked my space (Booth# 554 to be exact if you would like to come and say hi). This, together with various other planned ventures, is intended to increase my gallery exposure. While several galleries already represent me, I hope to be able to free myself a little more from the business side of things in order to focus more exclusively on creation. The unfortunate part is that it will necessitate a considerable effect on my prices.

Recent CD covers, publications and movies.

My work has surely enjoyed some wonderfully interesting exposure. Last year the Dutch band, Valse Hoop used my painting ‘Corel’ as their latest CD’s cover. David Knopfer (founder of Dire Straits) chose ‘Shades of Falling’ for the cover of his latest CD, Songs for the Siren. David also asked me for the use of one of my drawings for the booklet. (I have not seen the actual CD yet since it is still in the process of being released, but I’m really looking forward to this one). I have however been able to listen to clips from the CD from his My Space and in my opinion, this is most certainly his finest CD to date.  I have also recently given permission to the French band, Nemoh to use my piece ‘My Perception I’ for the cover of their new CD that is due to be released at the end of October.

At the same time Shayla McClellon used my photograph, ‘Nude dune female’ for the cover of her new book Hypnotic and D. Antwan Stewart used my painting, ‘Self’ for the cover of his poetry book,  The Terribly Beautiful.  

Bellwood media used ‘Sublime Figure I’ and ‘Tribute to Modigliani’ in their movie, "Cashback" starring Sean Biggerstaff. I’ve been sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to see it, but in a recent email I was told that they are waiting for the release until after the Oscars for which the short film has been nominated. Here is a very interesting review for "Cashback" that I’ve just discovered.

Recent Updates

After various requests and many promises from my side, I have made a 3 min movie of the creation of ‘Andrew’

And as always, my new artworks and art for sale sections have also been updated with various works that recently came to completion. I have also just added 8 new prints to my Limited Edition Print section.

Coming Up

Before my next newsletter, I hope to rebuild my photography section and because of many inquiries, I have decided to build a new photography prints section, so watch this space…

Ah! I almost forgot: here in Antoine’s Art Studio, November will be charity month. I have decided to put up an auction on eBay for one original work of art every day for the whole of November. All 30 auctions will start at 99 cents with no reserves and all proceeds will go to charities of my choice. I will also put up a link to these auctions on my home page in the beginning of November. I will appreciate your support in this effort.

Regards,
Antoine

One of the most recent
works I have added to
my 'For sale' section



One of the most recent
works I have added to
my 'For sale' section



Songs for the Siren
CD by David Knopfer



Hypnotic
Book by Shayla McClellon



The Terribly Beautiful
Book by Antwan Stewart

A British romantic
comedy in which
my work was used