Pop Surrealism
I have been looking into this ever since I ran into the term while trying to find a genre that my art truly fit. Wikipedia defines Pop Surrealism as: Lowbrow, or lowbrow art,[1] describes an underground visual art movement that arose in the Los Angeles, California, area in the late 1970s. Lowbrow is a widespread populist art movement with origins in the underground comix world, punk music, hot-rod street culture, and other subcultures. It is also often known by the name pop surrealism. Lowbrow art often has a sense of humor - sometimes the humor is gleeful, sometimes impish, and sometimes it is a sarcastic comment.[2] I almost clicked away when the first words I read were Lowbrow. That seems such a derogatory term. Where as the definition of Lowbrow is: 1. A person who is uninterested, uninvolved, or uneducated in intellectual activities or pursuits. This term may describe the Art establishments. Assessment to the genre’s work in general but It certainly certainly does not describe the pop surrealist art I have seen. Some of the leading artist in this genre are Mark Ryden, Gary Panter, Robt Williams and Vicky-Knowles demonstrate something quite different. Take one look at Greater Concerns than Mere Puppetry by Robt Williams http://www.robtwilliamsstudio.com/, Mark Ryden’s Saint Barbie http://www.lunch.com/Reviews/d/Mark_Ryden-Photos-1587410-Mark_Ryden-469950.html?pid=0or the set design for Pee Wee Hermans Playhouse by Gary Panter, or Alice in Wibbleland by Vicky Knowles, http://www.ebsqart.com/Artist/Vicky-Knowles/7/Art-Portfolio/Alice-in-Wibbleland/568646/. and you will not convince me of anything if the fact they are deeply involved with pop culture. Their art work requires complete immersion, observation sometime to the point of discomfort, in order to convey the symbiotic relationship of art culture and the world at large Having read this far I will bet you are asking “What is the Difference between Pop surrealism and Surrealism?” Again Wikipedia defines Surrealism as: “Surrealism is a cultural movement that began in the early 1920s, and is best known for its visual artworks and writings.” itself with the workings of the human mind and psyche. Allow me to suggest that Surrealism expresses itself through aid of an altered state lens, whether in a dream state, or drug induced. It is an altered reality. Pop Surrealism expresses itself through a heightened reality, depicting the unseen consequences, results and catalysts connected with every scene and vision. Pop Surrealism is to reality, what Science Fiction is to Science As for myself and my place in the Pop Surrealism Movement, I have been hooked since I took a painting class with Norbert Kox http://exhibitsnhkox.homestead.com/tohellandback.html I don’t believe either he or I had ever heard the term Pop Surrealism, but he sure had mastered it. I knew the man to hold strong Christian beliefs because of our conversations, but I saw the series coming to live in his current project in which he was undertaking the task of visual interpretation of the book of Revelation. When my eye moved to the center of the painting there sat the image of Reggie White Packer Footbal Player also widely know as a Christian) on the throne reserved for the anti-Christ. In total confusion I asked him why would he cast Reggie in that like to which he replied “oh I don’t think that he is the anti Christ, but more people sit in their easy chairs watching him play on a Sunday morning, than do those who fill the pews on a Sunday morning…THEY apparently think he is god! So I am looking into the lighter side of Pop Surreaism, the unexpected, surprising and lovely side with some of my favorite pets and though. I may not cross over with you but I’ll try get you to the door.

If I were a City Kitty, this is where I would live
Pop Surrealism, City Lights

 

I use to feed my kitty fish, day and night he whines for it.  Then I decided to teach him to fish, it has made everyone's life a whole lot easier...well sort of

Kitty Row your Boat by Alma Lee 

Cat Lover, by Alma Lee

It is all done Cat Lover, by Alma Lee.  It took a bit, but I wanted to get it just right.  I love the expression on the woman's face...she knows shes got and got it bad.  It is currently listed here, lets hope it drys before it sells. Cat Lover Painting auction Alma Lee

Mini Canvases by Alma Lee

When I was a little girl my Mom had an artist friend, and she painted all these lilttle mini pictures on hard board and built these little easels to sit on. When we were going through Mom and Dads Estate we ran into them again so I took them home. Then my husband and I were shopping for art supplies and I happened to look up and there on a shelf were these mini canvases with accompanying easels. I could not resist. Here are my first two: they are 2.5"x3 and 3x3" in size.

Top 10 ways to spot a Forgery

THE TOP 10 WAYS TO TELL IF YOUR PURCHASE IS A FORGERY

1.Is the seller listed as living in the United States? If so don't stop there, if they list their email or telephone number check it out on one of the numerous reverse address search sites (I use spokeo.com) find out where that cell phone or email address is really coming from. If it is listed as coming from anywhere but the location they provided in the listing be wary!)

2. It seems obvious but check to see if they have multiple listings of the same original, on the same site.

3.If the price is less than $1.50 per square inch from a well known artist is is a bootleg.

4. Check to see if the artist is listing under the "direct from artist." Contact seller and ask if he/she can tell you anything about the origins of the painting and what inspired him/her to paint it. Or "are you the Artist?" If you get a no, or I don't know for either of those questions, walk away.

5.If they are listing it as signed by artist ask whose signature is on the painting. Enter that name into Goggle and if can find a website, email/phone number contact them and find out if the seller has permission to sell their work and ask the questions listed above in #4. Again anything seems out of place it probably is.

6. Type in the ebay search some of the keywords that describe the art you are interested in and check to see if there are similar works being sold. If they are priced higher, that may be your original artist. Contact them (most artists are more than happy to talk with potential clients and fully appreciate a tip concerning a possible bootleg.

7.Ask the seller, via email if they have any other art for sell. If they respond check the spelling and grammar in their reply. Yes we all make typos but too many is a red flag.

8.Check toward the end of the listing for some fine print that says something similar to this "* Although this painting is an original that is painted and signed by the artist, there are several examples/interpretations of this painting that are very similar in design. These reproductions are also painted and signed by the original artist" (Make sure you inquire as to whether or not these are actual originals, as the same painting done twice or mere a Giclee'), limited edition, or where an artist (not the original artist) paints over the copy, with a clear texturing agent to appear as a painting.

9.If the title of the Auction says Original and the 1st sentence in the ad is "this is not a print" that is a sure sign that it is a print.

10.Check out the Sellers store, if he is selling more than 10 non art items, or his store is listed with a non-art related title he is not an artist. Artist may sell other things with their accounts occasionally but true artists sell primarily ART. Check the feedback to see how much of the positive feedback is coming from Art Sales. If they are going to consistently sell other things they will open a different store.
For Further reading on copyright infringment, ect concerning ebay, I recommend:

CHECK OUT CURRENT Alma Lee AUCTIONS

Alma Lee Art is one of the most Forged art on the internet. Every effort is made to prosecute the bootlegger to the fullest extent of the law. Widespread, and largely un-prosecuted crime the key is quick action. If you find any forgeries while surfing please let us know.

MOST RECENT BOOTLEG
Found on EBAY
Original is SOLD, No Licensed prints Contracted.

Cat Lover: a Work in Progress

Thought it was about time for a WIP. This is graphite washable pencil, applied directly on prepared canvas. For now I am calling it Cat lover.