Posted 9 years ago
mssue64
(281 items)
Beautiful painting by Wilma Bland,I'm not sure who this artist is but the man I bought it from had a larger painting by the same artist the back of his painting had Brooks Gallery sold for 75.00 in 1965,he said he was told artist is an African American artist but we are not sure,I also asked on another site but haven't got an answer yet,hope someone on this site can help I have two differant paintings by the same artist.One Casein painting under glass,another painting,there's 2 painting .
Wilma Bland (1914-2002) was my mother. I believe the bridge in your painting was in Chicago's Lincoln Park. She was Chicago-born/raised/married, moving to Memphis c. 1939 w/dad. She studied at what I believe was called the Memphis Academy of Art and later did studies at Northwestern, The (Chicago) Art Institute, and with Hans Hoffman in Provincetown, MA. She taught art for the Memphis Recreation Dept. for about 25 years. She exhibited widely in the Mid-South, including at Brooks Gallery in Memphis. Years ago, she had a one-man show at Chicago's Newman Brown Gallery. She sold and donated what paintings she had left near the end of her life although, happily, I have about a dozen that she and I considered some of her best work. The paintings hang proudly in my home. Glad you share my enthusiasm for her work! Would enjoy hearing how you discovered her. Side notes: Mom was best friends with noted Chicago artist Diane Duvigneaud who headed the North Central College (Naperville, IL) for many years.You asked about our race: there are many Blands, black and white. We happen to be white. THIS MESSAGE may be a repeat, but I'm not sure my earlier one went out. Thanks. Brian Bland 5/11/16
My earlier post referring to Diane Duvigneaud should have said she headed the art department at North Central College.
Oh my goodiness!! what great information! small world to hear from the artist's famil one of her children,I have 2 paintings and one under glass look like some type of water color,I buy out storages,attics,ect to resell and for my collections,my friend years ago was tearing down an old building and found the paintings inside before,he has had them for years,finally he lost his storage space and I happen to get them,I love them ! just since I'm disable has force me to sell some of my artwork but because I know little about all the paintings I have I have to research first,I'm still thinking but I just love all three,wow! this is wonderful!! thank you sooooo much God bless!
Thanks for the feedback, mssue64! If you don't mind, I'd be interested to know your general location, whether Memphis or elsewhere. Also, if you have time, perhaps you can post snaps of the other paintings. Mom's 1946 Chicago workbook includes several 9 x 12 inch "practice" watercolors, including one with a very similar bridge. Your painting may have the same bridge, but with a different interpretation than her practice works. I'm still unsure if it is/was in Lincoln Park, but it was certainly in Chicago. Thanks.
I will be happy to send pictures,I have one more painting and a 1965 casein abstract but will need an email to send pictures too,I do live in Memphis Tn,I had a best friend who has passed would teach me about paintings and antique for years we bought paintings,antiques,bought storages,attic,s basement and I just love paintings but due to a car accident I will have to downsize.
I was thinking you could post the photos with the other photos of items you have posted. If not, don't worry about it. Thanks.
I can only post 4 pictures but I will erase 2 and put the other 2 one more painting and the casein,they are really beautiful was she ever in the art auction I couldn't find her name
Pictures are up,I have both paintings and one abstract thanks for all the information!!
Thanks so much for letting me see the other two. There is a 9x12 "practice" version of the boathouse in the same 1946 workbook I mentioned regarding the bridge painting. So, the boathouse, too, is definitely a Chicago setting. The casein is less familiar, but typical of her work in the '60s. I don't know about the "art auction." Her sales usually resulted from exhibitions, and sometimes to people who'd seen her work elsewhere, then asked for a viewing. Good luck with your three pieces & thanks again!
Thanks so much I know I'm going to keep one,you have given me so much information again God bless you wilmafan your mother was a wonderful artist!! great talent!!!!