Sporadic Elements into One Story

This year we at Baterbys Art Gallery (Baterbys) have decided to try new endeavors in connecting with the art community. Not only do we offer competitive prices, we have streamlined our gallery, and have opened our doors more often to exhibits and events. This allows us to stay true to our valuable service, and keeps us steps ahead of the game as we present new incentives to our clients. That being said, world renowned artist Alfred Gockel, as well as grand prize winner Robin Pedrero and 1st runner up Alberto Quinteo will have their artworks featured at our Spring 2012 Auction.

Robin Pedreo and Alberto Quintero were a part of our 1st two Second Fridays exhibit this year. This event brought in numbers well above average for any local galley exhibit. We wanted to offer fresh choices to our cliental; therefore we handpicked six finalists to represent Baterbys, and allowed you the public, to decide on whom you would like to see hanging on our walls. The decision was made and now we carry two outstanding artists, who represent us well with their artistry and professionalism.

We continued to celebrate the success of Pedrero and Quintero by having them do a live painting at our 2nd Second Fridays affair. While they painted they were gracious in answering question, taking pictures and giving the public the history behind their personality. As the evening progressed we at Baterbys were inspired, gave everyone a prequel to our Spring 2012 Auction by auctioning off a couple of art pieces by these phenomenal artist.

At our Spring 2012 Auction it will be Alfred Gockel’s turn to do a live painting for our cliental, although; he is no stranger to the Baterbys’ family. We have been honored by Gockels presence multiple times with him adding in elite items to our inventory. On prior visits, he had hand-embellished artworks from his earlier collections allowing Baterbys the exclusivity on his mixed-media works. Now we are able to offer a range of originals to Gockel collectors for a fraction of the cost of his canvas works.


In the auction, Gockel will demonstrate why he is known as a world renowned phenomenon. Alfred has made a name for himselfhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif painting live in front of an audience in art galleries or a high-end cruise ships. In his charming, yet firm tone, he would ask the people in the crowd to name the first thing that came to their minds. After hearing the crowd randomly spewing out answers, he would then paint them the story of all he had heard onto a large canvas that cohesively weaves all these sporadic elements in one unified .


Be prepared to be amazed with the way he describes colors with the fluidity of his paint brush. His inspiration will come from the audience, so this is definitely a ‘must see’ affair.

To see Alfred Gockels full collection, reserve your spot today for our Baterbys Spring 2012 Auction. If you can’t make to the event on March 24, you can still purchase Alfred Gockel’s work at our online store

The Master of Impressionism

Impressionism emerged during the early 1900’s when a rogue group of artists decided to defy the traditions of the French art schools and salons, in particular, the Académie des Beaux-Arts (the Academy that dominated French art during the middle of the 19th century, known to be the relentless preserver of traditional French painting). Instead of painting the same content in the same styles, this group of off-the-grid artists depicted modern life in its transient, sensory and vibrant realities.

The Académie valued historical subjects, religious themes and portraits; preferred painting styles that suppressed traces of brushstrokes so as to conceal the artists’ emotions, personality and working techniques; and most notably, they encouraged artists to capture their subjects are realistically as possible, using somber and subdued colors.

Impressionists, on the other hand, deliberately went against this grain: they opted for images of the present time like landscapes and nature, city life and “everyday” people; they expressed their identities through their loose and varied brushstrokes, often opting for more a “textured” surface; and they used vivid, bold and imperfectly blended colors to capture the sensation and perception one derives from a scene, veering away from “realistically” depicting the subject matter. Their work received mixed reviews from the public, yet the most popular art critics were not too charmed by this group’s attempt to launch a completely different genre.

Today, any art historian, collector or just about any artist will not deny the impact Impressionist had on art as a whole. Through the Impressionists, there was a general shift in the attitude and philosophy toward art, having had become the impetus of many art movements afterwards that essentially endowed Modernism with its most fundamental values.



Baterbys Art Gallery in Orlando, Florida (Baterbys) proudly partakes with the world in highly esteeming Impressionists by including in their collection the works of Elena Bond. Walking into Baterbys, you’ll find yourself welcomed by the impressive works of Elena. They are bold, charged with life and all bearing the same semblance of Monet’s, Degas’ or Renoir’s work – they are all exemplary impressions of the real, contemporary subjects they represent.

On March 9, Friday at 6pm, Elena’s work will be viewed by a more enlightened public such as yourself. Baterbys will open its doors to the public that wants to “meet and greet” the world-renowned Elena Bond. If you decide to purchase a work of hers on this night, she may even write your name on the back of the canvas in her dedication to you, cementing your name in the lineage of Impressionism for the years to come. More so, it’s your opportunity to get to meet an upcoming impressionistic master up close and personal.

Being a Community

I want you all to be involved in the world that we are in. We, at Baterbys, wear many hats. Auctions, consignments, appraisals, gallery rentals; the list is as long as my arm. The one thing I don’t believe our cliental knows much about us is that we believe in charities. We believe in the motto ‘it takes a village’, we believe in paying it forward and we believe in supporting our community. I hope this is not coming off pompous or has a ‘look at me’ type of feel. I just didn’t want to focus on the art we carry this week. I want to focus on the most precious creations of all, our children.

Most of our auction buyers and collectors know, at each auction we have in our gallery we donate a percentage of sales to a chosen local charity. At our Baterbys Spring 2012 Auction we will be partnering with UCP of Central Florida (UCP). UCP specializes in servicing children with special needs. They believe in, “Helping Every Child Build a Foundation for Success.”

With over 55 years of experience UCP has supported, educated and counseled children and their families. Their goal is to have all children be successful no matter if they are disabled or not. That is why they include children without a disability to be a part of their program. This education model is called inclusion. “Our children, families and team members have witnessed first-hand the benefits of children of all abilities being in the same classroom; where learning and growth is the goal; where children with and without disabilities have the opportunity to be successful; where inclusion is the norm not the exception; and where parents play a huge part in our multi-disciplinary approach to whole-child growth and development.”

Success always starts with an idea that evolves into a dream and then becomes reality. UCP started with a few parents that wanted to meet the need of one child with cerebral palsy. But, as time transpired the need grew into a necessity of serving many children with various disabilities. This non-profit organization serves families based on their need and not their income. Thanks to the love and support of many benefactors, like Baterbys, UCP has been able to create new facilities, retain medical care and freely open its doors to many children and their families by being a tuition free facility.

As the children grow, UCP takes every step with their students. They walk with them from birth to 21, helping the now adults to find a place where they can succeed financially and emotionally. The opportunity they instill in each individual gives them a chance to capitalize on their full potential; allowing them to succeed beyond the limitations of the mind.

Join us at our Baterbys Spring 2012 Auction, and help us support UCP, not only will you leave with a certified artwork, but this will give you the chance to support a community who is shaping our future.

Meet Elena Bond: First Impressions, Last

If you happen to view an Impressionistic artwork, step back a little, squint your eyes and try to look at it from different angles to scrutinize the varying effects of the light as it casts a gradation of shades and tones on the piece. If people back then went through these steps, they would have understood the intention of Monet and his friends during their first collective exhibit in Paris. When Impressionism was first introduced to the public in 1874, it had gone under a harsher light of scrutiny.

The rule of thumb about first impressions stayed true to its essence: it lasted. Centuries later, this movement that casted shadows of doubt on the art scene emerged as a major precursor of latter definitive art movements. Today, Impressionism is not only widely praised, but more so, it has evolved and mutated into other branches. Nonetheless, there are some artists whose work still reflects the classical elements of playing freely with light and color as with perception and vision.

We are excited to introduce to our clients and future collectors an amazing artist whose skills reflect the great Impressionist masters of the past. As a master of Heavy Impasto (pallet knife painting), Russian-born Elena Bond began creating from a very early age where she would draw and use her mother’s makeup for color. At the tender age of eleven, she attended an art school whose main curriculum was visiting museums where the students not only learned the basics of art, but also the theories behind it.



This experience helped her understand her calling to be an artist. When Elena was fifteen, she attended the State College of Art in Uzbekistan where she completed her major of Scenic Design with honors. Her work after which ranged from teacher, restorer and theatre set designer.

Elena factors in the intricacies of color, depth, subject matter within the wider context of perception and truth. A viewer sees an Impression of a café in Paris or a beach scene in the Mediterranean under the strictest adherence to her persona vision. The true beauty of her artistry lies beneath her process of creating. Under the right light and from the correct distance, the image changes right before your eyes. It transforms into a personal, almost reminiscent account of a similar place, time and context.



Elena Bond’s work demonstrates the techniques many of the independent artists in the 1800’s adopted: short, broken brushstrokes that barely convey forms; pure unblended colors; and an emphasis on the effects of light on the subject matter. The impressions her work may leave on you may last longer that her own memories – a quality only the Masters could have achieved.

After years of working in Eastern Europe, Elena and her family won the Green Card Lottery to the United States. Here in the US she is able to continue painting both recreationally and professionally. Elena currently works as a set designer for the Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida, as well as a gallery favorite all over Central and South Florida. We at Baterbys Art Gallery are truly fortunate to host an evening with this iconic Artist. This event will not only showcase a star, it will also show that we at Baterbys are passionate about our artists.



Start your collection of Elena Bonds Works and see her live at out Second Fridays Event on March 9, 6pm.

Tomasz Rut: Timeless Classics

Marc Chagall, Gary Benfield, and Alexander Wissoztky: these artists inspire passion in romance and relationships. The way they depict love can melt any heart of stone and turn any skeptic into a believer. Each one of these renowned artists found inspiration in the heart of their passion. Their creations primarily center around their very own relationships. Like these greats, Tomasz Rut is one artist who embodies everything that is romantic and sweet; arguably indelicate and passionate. This artist alone is the symbolism of romance, mysticism and beauty.

Tomasz Rut’s (pronounced “root”) style seems to be an amalgamation of illustrations from the most romantic eras in history - the Baroque and Renaissance periods. True to the natural order of life, inspiration had a natural “Rut” (pun intended) for Tomasz.

Born to an artistic mother, Tomasz was already surrounded by such stylistic influences at an early age. His mother introduced him to the Pompeiien Frescos and the magnificence of Renaissance and Baroque art at an early age. His Father, who was an Olympic artist (he won the bronze medal in the 1960 games as a hammer thrower), influenced his work ethic and motivation. After retiring from being a professional athlete, he furthered his own education as a civil engineer. The art education and motivation for personal growth instilled in Tomasz from his early years formed him into the hardworking, creative force we are witnessing today.

Rut’s first trip to the United States was a pinnacle in the formation of his artistic style. He was invited for an apprenticeship at the Museum of the Hispanic Society of America in New York. This is where Tomasz became fascinated with the basic intricacies of works by masters such as El Greco, Velazquez and Goya.

He later attended the Pratt Institute of New York. Wanting more than the basic art knowledge the curriculum covered, he eventually felt stifled by this school’s program. He returned to his birth land of Warsaw where he felt he would be able to get more in-depth technical training. After graduation, Tomasz returned to the US and utilized his training in the art conservation field. His was acclaimed for his work in restoring and renewing prestigious landmarks like the Biltmore House in Ashville, NC; Smithsonian Institution and Treasury Department in Washington, DC; and the Vizcaya Museum, a 1916 Italian renaissance-style villa in Miami.

Tomasz relocated to Florida where he said he had finally discovered his style. All the restoration training and formal education he went through is reflected in the most intricate parts of his creations, therefore giving Rut’s artworks the true spirit of the past master painters.

The beauty of his artistry gravitates towards a realism not seen by many artists today. You can actually see the feelings portrayed in his artworks. He believes we are all spiritual beings who are capable of creating beauty around us. Therefore, there is a natural understanding to his works, art that is full of love, passion and tranquility.

Tomasz Rut's name will forever transcend throughout the trends of the art world, simply because his art is undoubtedly a timeless classics.

Start your Tomasz Rut collection, today and save an extra 15% off of your purchase.

The Sting of...

As a new year approaches everyone has a sense of starting over. We start the tally at one counting every new achievement as if it’s never been accomplished before. We also count our hardships and disappointments and by the end of the season we assess if we considered the year to be a good one or as one never to be repeated.

It seems if you follow art closely: This year so far we had to ‘pour one’ for more than one homie. We had to say good bye to some great influencers and innovators of our time. There are different reasons why they have passed from this world. Some had gotten sick, some took their lives into their own hands (which I would never recommend) and some passed from natural causes. Regardless, they changed the game with their artistry and turned things that can seem cliché into an original. They enabled us to think beyond ourselves and recognize what we never understood. We cherish their memories, because their creations help us to progress into the next phase of our artistry. Therefore, I would like to pay special homage to a few originators who granted us back-stage access towards artistic evolution.

Jan 20: Singing Legend; Etta James, (73)

Jan 21: Multifaceted Designer and Oscar Winner; Eiko Ishioka (73)

Jan 28: Dealer and Collector; Steven Leiber, (54)

Jan 31: Surrealist Painter and Poet; Dorothea Tanning (101),

Feb 1: Inventor of Soul Train; Don Cornelius, (75), Longest first-run syndicated show in history

Feb 1: Painter, Musician , Innovator; Mike Kelley (57)

Feb 3: Actor; Ben Gazzara, (81)

Feb 6: Cantalan Painter and Sculptor; Antoni Tapies (88)

Death affects us all. We are left with a longing of happier days, and reminded that we will never see their smiling faces without the aid of a photograph. Yes, death is final, dark and depressing, and if you hadn’t guessed, I too am affected by it. But, death can never take from the dying the legacy of what they left behind- as long as we hold on to their memory. They may be gone, but they will never forgotten.

Muhammad Ali – “I am the Greatest!”

Born as Clay
Born January 17, 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky, Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr. had to fight inside and out the ring. Through-out his lifetime, he was considered the Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T). Not only is he recognized for his boxing titles, but also for his humanitarian attributes to those in need.

Clay’s desire to fight came at an early age. At the age of 12, his new bicycle was stolen. Crying, he told a clerk he was brought to he wanted to report a crime. He was then led to a local gym where an officer trained young children to keep them off the streets. Clay allegedly told the officer on duty he wanted to ‘whip’ the thief. The Officer asked him if he knew how to fight, when Clay answered ‘no’ the Officer simply stated “Well, you better come back here and learn how to fight.” The officer was none other than Joe Martin. Martin’s mission was to combine segregated blacks and white gyms. He believed a boxer has to fight everyone to prove he is a champion.

Martin had to balance Clay’s personality with discipline. Clay was known for his smart aleck ways, but Martin was able to keep him and his students under control when they were in the public eye. Martin also helped produced a televisions show Tomorrows Champions – that was broadcast every Saturday for 12 years. This is where Clay got his first television exposure.

Martin taught Clay the basic fundamental of boxing: stance, balance, footwork, etc. but, Fred Stoner (another trainer of the legend) taught the young boxer the science of boxing. Stoner helped mold Clay’s ability to be quick and graceful in the ring. Clay’s ostentatious style of boasting, rhyming and confidence gave him the media attention to help support his career as a boxing contender. He was so outrageous with his poems and predictions of the fights, that he was nick-named the “Louisville Lip.”

Molded into Ali
At a time when the struggle for civil rights was at a peak the Muslims had emerged as a controversial advocate for the African American community. Human rights activist, Malcolm X. inspired Clay to embrace the Black Muslim faith and change his name to Cassius X. Later he was given the name Muhammad Ali; meaning “beloved of Allah,” by the Muslim’s father, Elijah Muhammad.

During the Vietnam War, Ali was drafted into military service, but he refused to go. Serving in a war and bearing arms went against his religion and moral principles. "War is against the teachings of the Holy Qur'an. I'm not trying to dodge the draft. We are not supposed to take part in no wars unless declared by Allah or The Messenger. We don't take part in Christian wars or wars of any unbelievers." Ali also claimed he was exempt for the fact that he was a minister among the Black Muslims. This left a bad taste in the mouths of the press, who loved his colorful character. They felt as if Ali was unpatriotic and pompous. But Ali refused to bend to the will of pressure; he denied his Christian name and would only respond to Muhammad Ali.

The stance came at a high price for Ali; he was stripped from his heavyweight title and banned from fighting for three years. He was also convicted for refusing to serve in the army and sentenced to five years in prison. In exile, Ali fought the conviction by staying in public spotlight and supported himself with speeches by talking against the war. Over three years went by before Ali’s name was cleared by the Supreme Court.

As time has passed, Ali has fought and regained his championship title. And not just in the boxing! Ali has traveled in various countries helping those in need. When he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative neurological condition, it didn’t deter him from being an advocate of hunger and poverty relief. He is known for sponsoring the Special Olympics and the Make a Wish Foundation supporting education, adoptions and encourage people to respect and understand one-another. He also can be found on the campaign trail endorsing political heads. He has campaigned for Jimmy Carter, Barak Obama, and his old mentor and coach Joe Martin, when he was running for Sherriff of Louisville, Kentucky.

There have been movie recognitions, books and Medals of Honor given to Ali for all the great that he has contributed throughout his lifetime. He may have retired out of the boxing ring, but Ali is still in the fight! Not many people will argue with someone who is to be believed to be the greatest. Especially, Muhammad Ali!
Visit us at Baterbys.com to start your collection of Ali sports memorabilia!!!

Congratulations All Around!

Congratulations goes out to our 6 finalist at our very first, Florida’s Best Artist Competition!

The day still seem hazy with excitement in the air. Although the competition has ended, we are still busy preparing for our upcoming Second Fridays on February 10. The two winners; first runner up, Alberto Quintero and grand prize winner, Robin Pedrero

will be featured in our Gallery as they impress us with their artistry. They will be honoring us with a live painting showcasing the process behind their skills. The artworks (then in turn) will be auctioned off in our Spring and Summer Auction of 2012.

Special Thanks goes out to the Baterbys family for their support for our first Florida’s Best Competition, everyone put their best foot forward and it showed. Also, thank you Cuba Libre who did an amazing job keeping the art lovers well feed and satisfied.

Be on the look-out for our upcoming Second Fridays events each Month of the year. Your favorite artist may be closer than you think!

William Hardesty: An Innovative Risk-taker

‘Trying to come up with something new in today’s society is difficult. We are desensitized by what we see and often feel. Artists of the past were innovators and risk takers, who pushed past the pessimists and made a name for themselves with their talent.’

William Hardesty is no stranger to hard work. As a man with many talents he still finds time for his passion with painting. His objective is not to be stale or stagnant by the world standards, but to be the innovator who embraces the beauty the of the life that he is encamped in.

Born Native Floridian, William finds brilliance in expressions. Emotions strike a chord in his creativity. He is often found surfing the internet or flipping through a popular magazine to find the muse to his next great masterpiece. But it is not just the well-known that calls out to William. In his everyday life he is surrounded by colorful individuals that help promote his artistic endeavors. He is motivated to capture the feeling of what is shown, so others can share in the moment. When commissioned to do a mural, William takes the time to listen to what his client is asking for. He believes that there is perfection in the details. So, he tries to see with the eyes of the person he is commissioning the artwork for in order to reach true satisfaction.

With a temperament that screams confidence, William believes himself to be ambitious, fearless and caring. Along with all these attributes, he is one of the most optimistic personalities you are ever privileged to be around. Although he creates for himself, William embraces critiques to help promote success in his craft which speaks volumes of his character. Someone’s opinion of his artwork will not challenge his belief in his accomplishments because he believes that true success is birthed within your own security. “If you are happy with your life, not just content, but truly happy -you’re successful.”

Read more on William: http://www.baterbys.com/blog/?p=451

Robin: A Psychedelic Journey

I think sincere creative people inspire me! I do; and Robin Pedrero is one of them! An innovative and joyful person, she is inspired by what is around her, such as the garden of a friend, a walk in the forest, or the birds that come at her window. However, in her colorful depictions of nature she mixes up reality and fantasy and tries to create an imaginary world where what you see, becomes your reality.

Robin takes her fans on a true “visual journey” during which they embark and discover whimsical landscapes where she allows the paint to dictate the story told on the canvas. With her unique techniques the viewer is able to interpret the painting the way they see it. Curiosity is aroused and the longer you stare the more images are revealed; letting the story of what is seen on the canvas become your own. The subtle details appear from the back-ground into the focal point of her creation. Thus, after closer observation, one might discover a hidden stairway, an animal, or a character that one could miss at first glance.

Robin knows she is successful when her vision is able to communicate certain feelings, emotions or spark off reactions of interest or curiosity. This is what she seeks most in her work that it resonates with others. I encourage you, to take a couple minutes; let yourself be transported by Robin’s paintings and create a whole new oneiric world full of rich colors and superposition.

Sarah Ali: Textured Feelings

Pigmentation on cork and fresco tempera! No, this is not a recipe. Well, not one you would find on the food network; these are the unusual and unique mediums that Sarah Ali uses to create her masterpiece. She uses the natural elements, such as twigs grass and leaves, to create palettes of color, movements, shapes, and emotions reflecting in each piece of artwork as a testimony of her state of mind at the moment.

Being from Pakistan, Sarah understands how poverty and inequality in third-world countries do not grant opportunity to her people. She strongly believes that offering a better educational system should be a priority. If giving the chance, her goal is to find a way to truly empower them with knowledge. Not only will they have the prospect of a job opportunity, but this will give them a chance to teach others in return.
In talking with Sarah, I understand that she is no stranger to hard work and dedication. She credits her success to her uncle Jamali, for his motivation when she was diagnosed with Lupus. Feeling depressed and worrying for her children, Sarah’s uncle taught her to find an outlet from her pain by crafting nature’s texture into her feelings. This breathed new life into Sarah. She learned to turn negative experiences into positive results. The confidence she found allowed her to see to the good side in all things and Sarah’s hope is that anyone who views her art will vividly and emotionally connect with their own textured feelings.

Lena Luckey: From Nowhere to Somewhere

I have been racking my brain on trying to figure out how to introduce Lena. But, Lena is not someone you introduce; she is someone you have to experience. Everything about her is full of color that emotes life and zeal. In one conversation with Lena, you find you’ve made a new best friend.

Originally from Prague, Czech Republic, she is an enthusiastic and funny person who comes out as very cheerful from the first couple seconds you talk to her. Once you hear why she paints, what her motivation and philosophy are you will quickly understand that she is the kind of person who sees themselves as part of something larger, a bigger whole that she is dedicated to making better. Thanks to her strong spiritualism, Lena tries to bring peace, joy, serenity or harmony in her work and that is what she wishes to communicate to people admiring her work. Influenced by her worldwide travels, Lena is able to incorporate a mix of cultures, customs and ethnicities in her paintings. Her fans can connect with her work and the spirituality that springs from it. For Lena, a philanthropist at heart, personal success depends on global success; and she strives for universal stability and tranquility through her work daily. A member of many different charities she also wishes to find a way to help other artists and envisions creating studios for talented artist and give them an art education that she never had a change to have.
Ask Lena how she would describe herself in three words and she will answer “Never give up”, three words that can tell us a lot about this determined and ambitious artist.

Check out this video to see more of Lena's pieces: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90ReuBPs6bQ

Carlos Alberto Quintero: The Art Lover

I am one of those people who believe that there are deep levels that make up we. What I mean is; most people have many areas of interest and it may or may not have anything to do with the field they are most associated with. Although, I find that the people you feel are the most strait laced are the ones who gravitate towards their creative side as their lifeline.

An art investigator and professor; Carlos Alberto Quintero is also a passionate person, father and artist. Born in Colombia, Alberto embraces the roots of his Latin American culture by infusing its elements. Most of his paintings and sculptures can be associated with ‘magical realism’. This is when the mysticism of art blends in with the real world to communicate a sense of the realistic unknown. Sense, touch and sound are just a few sides that motivate Alberto in his work. This Artist’s passion is to seek and reveal the spirit behind his creations by combining love and symbolism onto his canvas.

The color blue (Alberto’s favorite color) represent emotions that helps him achieve harmony, serenity and love; a feeling that sometimes gets lost in today’s turbulent world. Alberto believes he can express his creativity and knowledge fully by using his favorite medium to create in: mixed media.

“I work happy”: True success is the ability to help others, to keep going and to be motivated by the public with joy and appreciation, according to Alberto. I have to admit, His creations truly are the foundation of love that tie individuals together.