Similar Differences: Ladies in Waiting

Because I work in a Gallery, I am privileged to experience openings, exhibits, events and so much more. With these experiences I often gravitate towards the artworks and mediums that catch my eye and the ones I can draw a story from. There have been times when I have mistaken one artist over another. The similarities in the story can force a novice (like me) to wonder: Did they all go to the same school and study under the same professor? Did they have the same upbringing? Did they all run in the same circles like the Surrealist or Impressionists?

Although I may innocently mistake one artist over another; it’s a challenge to focus on them as individuals and not as a click.

Several artists come to mind regarding the very obvious similarities and subtle differences in their works. The easiest way to understand what I perceive is for you to view their work yourself.

Pino

Pino Deani – born (born Giuseppe Dangelico) is an Italian Impressionist who paints beyond the figurative. His subject matter generally consists of women who are lost in thought or waiting on their lovers.

Pino had a gift of portraying women in a romantic way that was seductive, yet still tasteful. The way he painted took impressionism into the genre of realism. He detailed his models so much so that from a distance, it is hard to believe that they are actually paintings and not photographs.

Finding beauty in his works, big publishing companies and authors sought Pino out to Illustrate for their romance novels. Although fame and fortune found him in these avenues, Pino craved more. He left the Illustrations behind and returned to his passion of painting. In his new chosen vocation, his fame skyrocketed past his reputation as an illustrator and propelled him into a world of galleries, exhibits and television appearances.

Chen

Hua Chen, Born in Beijing, China, like Pino, is an acclaimed Impressionist. He also found true beauty in the female form. By using soft pastels and serene scenery, Chen depiction of women is created to showcase the true essence of inner beauty. The soft stroke of his brush signifies a tenderness no one can ignore.

Chen has exhibited in Hawaii, Japan, China and the United States. Allowing his artworks to speak for themselves, he was invited to be an official Olympic artist for the 2008 games. “The organization was looking for artists from the host country of China, and after having seen Chen's series of paintings featuring dancers; they thought he would be a natural fit." - Koleen Kaffan



Pino and Chen are just examples of how art speaks for itself. Although they have similarities in their muses, the way they see their subject indicates that individuality is something that can never be copied.

Now, let’s take a look at two more painters: Itzchak Tarkay and Isaac Maimon.

Honestly when I was just learning about different mediums and styles, I confused these two artists often. This is funny to me because now that I can clearly see the differences in their work, I wonder how I could have mistaken them before.

Tarkay

Itzchak Tarkay, born in Subotica on the Yugoslav-Hungarian border, had what some would consider a rough childhood. Through the odds of concentration camp and relocating to a foreign land, Tarkay’s artistic skills were developed at an early age.

Tarkay received a scholarship to the Bezalel Art Academy where he studied for one year, but circumstances in his family’s financial situation forced him to make difficult decisions concerning his art studies, and he had to drop out of school. In order to retain his scholarship he was permitted to continue his studies under the artist Schwartman until his enlistment in the Israeli Army. After his service ended he enrolled in the Avni Institute of Art.

Tarkay’s art is likened to Matisse’s fauvist colors and flat patterns and the drawing style of Toulouse-Lautrec. Tarkay’s women are symbolism of satisfaction. With heavy blue or purple eyeshade, these calm sisters relay a message of peace and tranquility by just being. Each woman has their own story, and if you were to ask them you would be amazed at the life they live.

Maimon



Isaac Maimon was born in Israel. Just like Tarkay, Maimon studied at Avni Institute of Fine Art in Tel Aviv, Israel’s most prestigious academy for the arts. He also gravitated toward the styling of the great masters, Matisse and Toulouse-Lautrec.

We all know Maimon for his colorful fashionistas! But Maimon has had the opportunity to engage upon different careers in his life. In his earlier years, he taught at different art institutions. By doing this, he was able to educated young artists with knowledge of the industry and kept his talent fresh and sharp.

Maimon, also a restaurant and pub owner would use his workplace as inspiration. He was often found in the back observing the customers. He would sketch their personality and expressions mimicking the life he perceived. Maimon would take the drawing, go back to his studio and put his drawing to canvas. Where the patrons came alive and the image would make you aware that you wanted to be where they were.

Though Tarkay and Maimon may be similar with their styles and study, it is apparent that an idea may be the same, but they see it in different ways. Often times when a painter is developing their skills, they practice and mimic many master painters of the past. And as they are being established they gravitate towards a style that is primarily their own.

For more information on our artists and their collectible artworks; CONTACT US TODAY!