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Author
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Topic: Buying Alan Bean's artwork: how to choose?
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PerryM
Member Posts: 71
From: Temple, TX USA
Registered: Nov 2009
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posted 11-17-2009 03:04 PM
   
I have found putting things out to the cS community has been of great help so I have a question. I am interested in getting one of Alan Bean's prints but I am not sure of what type. My first question is limited print run or artist proof? The next question is lithograph paper or Giclee canvas? So let me know what you think the best thing is thank you for the help.I also have a concern about care when it comes to canvas to lithograph paper. I know the litho is sealed behind glass once framed but the canvas does it run the risk of damage if framed in an open frame like most canvas paintings or would it be glass framed too. |
Safecoat
Member Posts: 93
From: Austin, TX
Registered: Sep 2007
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posted 11-17-2009 03:18 PM
An Artist Proof is more expensive, but probably more valuable in the long run. There is usually no difference in the quality of print when compared to a signed and numbered.The Alan Bean giclee canvas prints look outstanding in person with rich vivid colors. There also are some nice autographed prints of his like "In The Beginning" that have a reverence about them. |
Spacefest
Member Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 11-17-2009 04:27 PM
Astronaut Central has sold (and framed) the bulk of Alan Bean's prints since the beginning. We also carry originals, sketches, Artist's Proofs (directly from Alan), artifacts, used brushes, signed books, and autographed photos from Alan Bean.Giclees can be printed on paper, fabric, clear acetates, as well as canvas. Canvas should not be covered. Being fabric, mildew and mold is a problem with glazed canvas. If you have small children, just hang it high. |
328KF
Member Posts: 1234
From:
Registered: Apr 2008
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posted 11-17-2009 07:47 PM
The problem with Alan's work is that once you've bought one, you want to get everything his publisher produces!I can't say enough about the canvas giclees. They really look great and are the closest most of us will ever come to owning a Bean painting at a relatively low price. If still available An American Success Story is one of my favorites. I have also mentioned before that as far as the paper lithos go, The Fantasy and Heavenly Reflections are still easy to find at the original issue price. Both are signed by Conrad and Bean, the former by the entire crew. There was a "phase", I'll call it, back in the mid-90's when the artwork got smaller and smaller to make room for all of the signatures. I love the signed pieces, don't get me wrong. But I made the comment to Al back then that I wished they would get away from that and concentrate on the art, like the huge-sized Too Beautiful To Have Happened By Accident. It took awhile, but now the trend is definitely in that direction with the newer canvas giclees. The one "oddball" print is the multi-signed Reaching for the Stars which is done on a textured canvas and shows all of the bootprints and toolmarks like his originals. I have to say that when I saw his gallery in D.C. this year, then went to the gift shop and saw that print ($2200), it most closely resembled the originals in all respects. Good luck in making your choice, and prepare your budget for the future! |
wmk
Member Posts: 76
From: Carlsbad, CA
Registered: Nov 2007
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posted 11-17-2009 08:17 PM
Earlier this year I met Alan Bean in person and he had a small original on display that several people were admiring and he commented just how well he thought the Giclee on canvas approached the original art. I have a few small Giclees and I love the rich color and the texture that the canvas helps bring forth. Whether viewed close up or from a distance they are beautiful and appealing. Not to take away from the prints, but it's a completely different look (especially considering the framing methods). As pointed out above the Giclee on Canvas is normally (and recommended) framed like an original oil painting without glass. A matted and glass print has a sleeker feel IMO but again it’s all what you like. A secondary point to keep in mind is a nice frame job is normally more expensive with glass and matte (especially very good glass). Hope that helps. |
Mercury7
Member Posts: 360
From: Greenville, SC, USA
Registered: Aug 2006
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posted 12-02-2009 05:18 PM
I have the print "That's How It Felt To Walk On The Moon" I am considering selling though due to some recent events that I need to raise money for. Can some one give me an estimate of value? How would you determine how much it would appreciate in value if I were to keep it. It is unframed, still in original box from the publisher. |
PerryM
Member Posts: 71
From: Temple, TX USA
Registered: Nov 2009
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posted 12-02-2009 05:22 PM
In my own research it is going for $600 for the standard run of 850. Unless you have an artist proof it is not listed. They have not yet sold out of the run of 850 so it has not gone up in value that I can tell. |
Mercury7
Member Posts: 360
From: Greenville, SC, USA
Registered: Aug 2006
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posted 12-02-2009 06:59 PM
I think it had sold out years ago, I am pretty sure it is not available from the publisher anymore. Alan Bean said this was his favorite he has ever done, but anyway $600 is more than it was going for last year. |
DSeuss5490
Member Posts: 299
From: Columbus, Ohio USA
Registered: Jan 2003
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posted 12-02-2009 07:55 PM
I was also searching for this print for quite some time. According to the Novaspace website it is sold out from the publisher. I scanned ebay for probably two years and the few I saw ranged in price from about $500 to over $1500. I finally found one, professionally matted and framed, that I picked up about a year ago for $275 including postage. I have it in my office and it is a stunning print. If you are patient you will eventually find one for a good price on eBay. |
davidcwagner
Member Posts: 799
From: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Registered: Jan 2003
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posted 12-04-2009 12:19 AM
There are many fine choices in Alan Bean's work. In my opinion, it is a toss up between "Heavenly Reflections" and "That's How It Felt To Walk On The Moon" "Heavenly Reflections" is still available for $275 which is a steal. "That's How It Felt To Walk On The Moon" is usually twice that much but well worth it. "That's How It Felt To Walk On The Moon" is almost surreal and other worldly which makes perfect sense. "Heavenly Reflections" shows warmth and humanity against the backdrop of infinite blackness and the unspoken bond of brotherhood between men advancing into danger. |
xlsteve
Member Posts: 391
From: Holbrook MA, USA
Registered: Jul 2008
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posted 12-04-2009 07:53 AM
quote:
Originally posted by davidcwagner:
..."Heavenly Reflections" shows warmth and humanity against the backdrop of infinite blackness and the unspoken bond of brotherhood between men advancing into danger.
I recently picked up "Heavenly Reflections," and you have identified precisely why it's one of my favorites. |
PerryM
Member Posts: 71
From: Temple, TX USA
Registered: Nov 2009
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posted 01-01-2010 07:14 PM
You are right, once you get one of Alan's works you want more. I was so lucky to get two pieces I had been looking for directly from Alan himself. He made this really a Happy New Year. |
idrvball
Member Posts: 150
From: Burke, VA USA
Registered: Mar 2009
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posted 01-02-2010 10:16 AM
I went to the Air and Space Museum yesterday and was really impressed by the Alan Bean Originals they had on display. I just bought the "A Giant Leap" signed canvas online today. By the way, if you live near Washington, they had some signed copies of his book Painting Apollo remaining. |
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