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Stanley Maxwell Brice
(American)
A well-known American still-life artist,
Stanley Maxwell Brice goes far beyond painting beautiful florals, vases
and linen cloths; his works are simply mesmerizing.
While working with famed artist Robert Lupetti, Brice
developed his magnificent skill of painting reflections. Often referred
to as trompe l'oeil,
the effect of his paintings live up to this technique's French
appellation, meaning "deception of the eye." So photographically
realistic, the "illusionisms" common in Brice's works often fools the
viewer into thinking that the objects or scene represented are real
rather than painted. Brice's attention to detail is so accurate, that
one has the impression of gazing through a magnifying glass. Being able
to see the most minute particulars of the subject, the veins of a rose
petal, the droplets of moisture on a leaf, the bulbous base of a silver
tea pot and the reflections of a room revealed in its spout, or even the
lustrous quality of silk drapes. No matter what the subject may be, its
image simply caresses Brice's canvas.
Unlike most still-life painters, every composition that
Brice creates arises from his imagination. He never uses props, and when
he begins a painting, he primes his canvas to achieve a smooth, glassy
texture. Brice then sketches in the subject with a pencil. Whether it is
a plump fruit, graceful flowers, a fluted champagne glass or a
streamlined vase, the detail is already apparent. Next, the artist
paints the background. Depending on his "feel" for the piece, Brice may
start at the top. middle, or bottom (he has no formula by which he
paints). Working with small brushes ad a wide-range of colors, the
artist painstakingly covers the canvas inch by inch, compromising
nothing. The result is a breathtaking, incredibly unique composition.
In the ever-constant endeavor to widen his horizon,
Brice has begun a series of works dedicated to major twentieth century
artists. His composition The
World of Fine Art tributes
renowned seascape artist Eugene Garin. Brice has also painted tributes
to artists such as James Fetherolf, William Slaughter, Alexander
Dzigurski and Paul Valere. Enthusiastically received by not only the
artists themselves but collectors as well, Stanley Maxwell Brice
continues to push the limits of modern art. Now resides in Watsonville
California.
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