Notes from the other half
Many people are curious about the day-to-day practice of art but Michael’s mind and studio remain as far from a computer as possible. So, here are some notes from close by.
We aim to include regular insights into his work and share art information that enthusiasts, first-time buyers or regular collectors may find useful.
Thanks for visiting!
Contemporary art and durability
In 1501, 26 year old Michelangelo commenced work on his iconic sculpture David. Michelangelo was ‘considered the greatest living artist in his lifetime’ (Encyclopaedia Britannica 2012) and his art is still accessible and clearly revered more than 500 years later. Like many historical sculptural works David stood tall for over 350 years outdoors before being ...
VIDEO: Dennis Hopper’s thoughts on art collecting
Dennis Hopper was well known for his acting career but this YouTube video shows he was also an art collector with a very personal approach. “So my idea of collecting is not going and buying bankable names, but buying people that I believe really are contributing something to my artistic life.” Dennis Hopper
Keep all your art receipts: the importance of provenance
Recently Mike and I watched a quirky little documentary called “Who the #$&% is Jackson Pollock?”. It follows a female truck driver from California who purchased a painting from a charity shop for $5 that could be a Jackson Pollock original worth millions. Paul Biro, a forensic art expert used by several international museums, matched ...
VIDEO: Why embrace varied subject matter
Knight’s exhibitions are known to vary from year to year. Occasional critics have suggested he choose a style and perfect it but his response is that by accepting new challenges and continuing to learn, the quality of all his artwork improves. Famous artists like Kandinsky painted such varied works you’d be reluctant to hang them side by side. What ...
Where to buy original oil paintings in the age of the internet
Alternatives to buying original art at galleries. How to use the internet to find and follow artists creating work YOU really like. Galleries are beautiful spaces to visit and offer a wide range of professional artwork. You may find several galleries you enjoy that show thought-provoking work from artists you admire. If that’s the case buying ...
How much do original oil paintings cost to make?
Now that’s a title that will open a can of worms so I’m sticking to very general costs based on traditional styles of painting in Australia. Let’s look at the basics Canvas and stretchers Mid range professional oil paints $10 to $60 each for 37ml depending on colours Brushes $3 to $30 each Primers, glazes, ...
Julian Ashton Art School 1996: where are they now?
Many years ago Michael Knight was a graduate of one of Australia’s oldest fine art schools. Travelling in the footsteps of celebrated Australian artists such as William Dobell, John Passmore, John Olsen and Brett Whiteley he studied drawing and painting under the Julian Ashton principle that “technique is the vehicle of creative spirit”. Rather than engaging in ...
How to commission an original artwork in 5 easy steps
Why commission a painting? There are many reasons why someone would commission an artwork but the most common ones are that you admire an artist’s style and would like to specify a particular size, colour range or subject. Perhaps you would like to create a long-lasting memory of somewhere or someone important to you. Whatever ...
Handy website for artists and collectors
The web is a vast place to search for information and sometimes recommended links are a good place to start. This website, by US art consultant Alan Bamberger, offers a wide range of clear, reader friendly articles for both sides of the art market equation. www.artbusiness.com/artists www.artbusiness.com/collectors
Trying to make paint into poetry
We’ve heard all the cliches about artists struggling to be creative in a commercial world so I recently asked Michael what he LIKES about his work. “You are creating something that has never been done before in the same way and that’s a real buzz. Right now in my abstracts I’m interested in the way ...
When an artist reworks his paintings
Even an artist as revered as Monet worked some of his paintings over and over again. If it’s kept in the studio the temptation to improve must be ever-present on some works. In many of Michael’s paintings completely different compositions lie underneath and the occasional photograph is the only record of them. Some of my ...
4 commissions out this week
Commissions with a specific deadline, like a birthday, can be a challenge for an artist like Michael. Most of his work evolves naturally over time with many changes and reworks until he feels it’s finished. Having a non-negotiable timeline is something any professional will happily work with but it can cause some sleepless nights. Working ...
