Daniel Merriam Has Done It Again!

The Daniel Merriam Show at Exclusive Collections Fashion Valley Gallery was a marvelous success! Daniel and his beautiful wife Yulia are truly as lovely and intriguing as Daniel's original paintings. If you were unable to make it to the show, some of Daniel’s new originals from the series are still available online for viewing!

Daniel is currently hard at work on another sculpture to compliment his first piece entitled, "Little Bastadius” and he is just beginning to cast the first of the new series. Daniel is wonderful about spending time with his returning collectors, as well as excited to meet new visitors as well. He is always happy to take the time to write a special dedication for any of his collectors, whether it be signing one of his books, or the back of an original painting. It’s evident that Daniel is grateful for all of his collectors and their incredible support. Keep your eyes open for Daniel's new paintings, as they make their way around each of our exciting gallery locations! If you have any questions please feel free to contact us, and we'll be happy to assist any way we can!

Guests got "Lost in Venice" with Steven Quartly

Steven Quartly charmed our collectors with his most recent series of paintings, entitled “Lost in Venice”. In what may very well have been some his best work to date, the evening commenced as Venetian opera masks were handed out upon entering the show. The Italian themed food and Chianti were displayed with a dramatic old-world backdrop, and two Italian opera singers performed live to heighten the overall experience. Steven Quartly was in the center of the gallery and painted a stunning and quite large Venetian scene as guests watched on. As we witnessed him place the color on canvas with effortless ease, he spoke about the composition and the importance of light. He also shared with us his remembrance of traveling to Venice and how much joy it brought him to capture it again through that particular piece of work. Not surprisingly, it was sold almost immediately!

All who were there to experience this special show at EC Gallery had the rare opportunity to become lost themselves… lost in the beauty of the canvases, lost in the surrounding voices of Italian opera singers, and finally, lost in the overall emotion of the weekend.

A Successful Pairing of Art & Food

February ended on a delicious high note for EC Gallery and lovers of the culinary arts. Christopher M., "The Painter of Chefs", unveiled several brand new originals—it was a smashing success!

Having had the chance to speak with Christopher and get his personal perspective on how he feels about his most recent body of work, it’s quite clear that he is not an artist consumed with himself. In fact, Christopher explained that he does not consider any of his paintings truly complete until they are framed and in someone's home. This is all part of his plan to accomplish "synchronicity."

He draws a parallel between wine pairing with an exquisite meal and art that compliments and enriches a person's home. He explains, "Sometimes 2+2=5. This happens when the culmination of individual parts is greater than the whole. The painting should pair with a collector's life and home just the same way that a wine would pair with a meal."

Mr. Douglas Hill, Founder and Owner of Hill Family Estates Vineyards, was also in attendance. Christopher recently embarked on a 3-day tour of the Napa Valley, meeting some of the most talented and celebrated winemaking legends of our time, including Douglas. At the show, Christopher completed a special drawing just for him and presented it as a surprise.

In early April, Christopher will be jetting off to Atlanta to work with Chef Kevin Gillespie of Woodfire Grill (who also recently came in third on BRAVO TV’s acclaimed "Top Chef")! Keep your eyes open for more of Christopher's work to come!

It's difficult to view Christoper's work and not feel the flurry of emotions that is presented in each dramatic scene. When viewing Christopher's pieces, one is often reminded of the joyful feelings that are experienced when sitting down to a lovely meal with close friends and family. EC Gallery is thrilled to have wrapped up yet another exceptional presentation of beautiful, original works from this talented artist. Come see us again soon! We are located at Fashion Valley, the Historic Gaslamp Quarter on 5th and Market, and Seaport Village!