works by michael lawrence

* paintings * sculptures * collections * biography * contact *

Recent works, September 20, 2008

Numerous inquiries have recently been made concerning the value of Michael Lawrence's art.

Headlines are being made today at auction houses, and recently celebrity artist Damien Hurst brough his own work to auction for record sales. Michael's sphere of influence is dependent on his own friendships and established gallery sales. His current market value, so to speak, is somewhat higher than what his prices were between 1987 and 1995, when he was represented by the Wenger Gallery in Los Angeles (Wenger also represented Tapies, Arman, and Elaine deKooning, among others).

Michael sold his work for the following prices in 2007/8 (he hasn't been informed of prices elsewhere):

• Painting in acrylic and oil, 43.5 x 51.5 inches for $10,000
• Works on paper, 22 x 30 inches from $1,000 to $2,500
• One-of-a-kind bronze sculptures, 26 x 25 x 5 inches from $15,000 to $20,000

While size and condition affect value, these prices are slightly higher than those for works selling at the Wenger Gallery, so they represent a modest but stable investment.

In 2009, a 200-page visual history and text titled My Voyage in Art will become available. This color catalogue will document the variety of Michael Lawrence's work since 1957, when he sold a watercolor to Sir Stanley Baker for £1.

Collectors and friends are asking to be included on a list of buyers who will get a signed copy for $50.

My Voyage in Art will discuss Michael's influences and inspirations, his studies and meetings with remarkable artists, his ups and downs, which led to the development of his lyrical style. While his work is whimsical, his philosophy is classical, keep-it-simple, direct and exploratory. In studying his book, one will discover a positive, joyous energy, a reflection of Michael's optimism and faith.

Ultimately, the value of art is always established by the buyer's taste, instincts, and education. The value of the soul in the marketplace can be quite different than elsewhere, n'est pas?