The Work of Joyce Nielsen
Les Demoiselles de Denver. Acrylic and ink on 24x42 watercolor paper, $600
Let’s talk the work of Joyce Nielsen. This top piece here is one of my favorite pieces. I think I like faces a lot, especially faces that feel simplified, where you can glean an understanding of the person without getting too caught in the details. Like those fleeting impressions we get passing strangers on the streets.
I love the color choices Nielsen makes. Her pieces feel grounded but bright. Earthy. I want to say muted, but when I actually look at them they are not really muted. I guess I find some subtlety to them, even in the bright purples and yellows.
I think these pieces would add to a collection in a few ways. First, I feel like she makes ambiguous choices with her paint, which always feel intriguing and like a space you could explore for a long while. Secondly I find them soothing and happy. They feel joyful and expressive. And who doesn’t need a little more of that in their lives?
Leaves in Breeze. Acrylic, pastel, collage and ink (mixed media) on 36x48 canvas, $900
Uncontainable Apple #23. Acrylic, collage & ink on 24x36 wrapped canvas, $600.
Tulips Grande. Oil and cold wax on 36x42 canvas, $900
From eccentric sociology professor (CU-Boulder 1971-2004) to eclectic, multi-media artist (1980-present), Joyce McCarl Nielsen has enjoyed a double life, with one foot in academia and one foot in the local art world.
About these apples Nielsen says: “Apples have so many diverse cultural references, from forbidden fruit to Johnny Appleseed to expressions like "An apple a day keeps the doctor away," not to mention a well-known commercial logo. For artists, apples are a mainstay of still life paintings and a source of unlimited expression. Apple shapes, their contours, their variegated and nuanced colors and their variety are visually exciting. I especially like abstracting apple shapes. In my "Uncontainable Apple" series the contour outline of the apple would not, could not, be contained inside the frame, hence the title. For me, apples are "uncontainable" both existentially and artistically.”
Uncontainable Apple #4. Acrylic and collage on 18x24 board, floater framed in blond wood. $550
These works are remarkably affordable. They will bring bright colors, whimsy, play, groundedness to your space. If you feel compelled, consider buying one. If you’d like to talk through this, please feel free to email me!
Remember that it directly supports a working artist. This is so meaningful and important. You can click on each photo to begin purchase process, or send me an email to inquire further.