Elaine Franz Witten | Fine Art Bronzes

Photo Finish

efwadmin — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 20:20:10 +0000

This piece is the realization of an image from a dream of two horses straining at the finish line. The first edition is in the private collection of the King of Saudi Arabia. Photo Finish won second prize in the Midland Art Association’s Spring National Exhibition at the Museum of the Southwest, Midland, Texas, 2003. It also won the Sculpture Prize at the Left Bank Gallery, Bennington, Vermont,1997. Photo Finish was awarded an Honorable Mention at the Equinox Resort Exhibition, Manchester, Vermont

Medium: Bronze Base: Black Granite Size: 27.5″ x 12″ x 10.25″ (H) Price: $9,000

Photo Finish is an edition of twelve.

© 2002 Elaine Franz Witten

Two Hunting Horns

efwadmin1 — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 21:53:51 +0000
These bronze interpretations of a pair of antique hunting horns reveal—and revel in—the serpentine curves, twists and turns of the horns’ tubing and the gracefulness of the bells decorated with traditional, rich bas relief garlands. Slightly offset one from the other, they echo rather than mirror each other, creating dynamic negative spaces with a complexity that changes as the viewer moves around the piece This is a duality on many levels, for the horns are symbols of masculinity (the hunt), yet the curved shape is inherently feminine. The severe simplicity of the undecorated circular tubing is a study in form and space, while the bells are lush with surface decoration. They float above a Vermont granite base, slightly akimbo, almost hovering.

Medium: Bronze Size: 19″ × 17.75″ × 9″ inches Price: $7,600

© 2009 Elaine Franz Witten

Heralding the Hunt

efwadmin1 — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:46:43 +0000
Heralding the Hunt is an interpretation in bronze of the wonderfully sinuous antique brass hunting horns used in regal hunts in the 17th C. Like those horns, which were sometimes decorative ceramic, this sculpture incorporates the 1½ coils and smaller bell typical in hunt horns. (As the horn migrated as an instrument to the orchestra, the bell grew larger for a mellower tone.) The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection of hunting horns served as inspiration. The bas relief of garlands around the edges of the bell was also typical of this outdoor sporting instrument.

Medium: Bronze Size: 16.25″ × 14″ × 9.5″ inches Price: $4,100

© 2009 Elaine Franz Witten

Opus I (After Stradivarius)

efwadmin1 — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:38:47 +0000
The sheer beauty of the violin’s form inspired Opus I. Made to the precise and divine proportions of an antique 1692 Stradivarius, this sculptural violin also incorporates the decorative bas relief and f-hole patterns with which Stradivarius embellished and distinguished his work. Here, the violin’s negative space f holes are rendered here as positive space against the negative space formed by the silhouette of the violin. Completing the piece, the oval Vermont granite base evokes the shape of a musical note. Opus I received the Manhattan Arts International, New York, NY, “Herstory 2007″ Exhibition’s “Best in Sculpture Award 2007″ under title “Euterpe” (Goddess of Music) for this exhibition.

Medium: Bronze Base: Black Vermont Granite Size: 8.5″ x 9.5″ x 25.5″ (H) Price: $6,000

Opus I is an edition of twelve.

© 2007 Elaine Franz Witten

Free at Last (Poodle)

efwadmin1 — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:32:11 +0000
Please bear in mind the pertinent parts of the American Kennel Club’s breed standard for poodles when looking at Free at Last: “Gait: A straightforward trot with light springy action and strong hindquarters drive. Head and tail carried up. Sound effortless movement is essential. Temperament: Carrying himself proudly, very active, intelligent, the Poodle has about him an air of distinction and dignity peculiar to himself.” * My model, Louie, runs daily through our meadow, exploring the landscape with great, graceful leaps and bounds. It is his free-flowing, bouncy ease—effortless movement, indeed—as he runs in the wind that I sought to capture. Free at Last celebrates the sheer exuberance, energy and enthusiasm of a poodle. It is also a testament to a curious dog’s wonderful ability to always be in the moment, never concerned with what was or what will be, but living fully in the hear and now.

Medium: Bronze Size: 14″ (H) × 16″ × 5″ inches Price: $4,800 Base: Black Vermont Granite

© 2009 Elaine Franz Witten

Aristocat (Seated Cat)

efwadmin1 — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:23:44 +0000
This small seated cat is has a somewhat “above it all” attitude.

Medium: Bronze Size: 4.5″ x 3.75″ x 17.75″ (H) Price: $1,400 each

Aristocat is an edition of twelve.

© 2009 Elaine Franz Witten

Rutting Regalia (Bull Moose)

efwadmin1 — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:12:40 +0000
This sculpture was inspired by a visit of a yearling bull moose to our back door in Vermont. I was struck by his majestic appearance, his huge size, long legs and awkward rough shape seemed in contrast to the grace with which he moved. His head was seasonally crowned by light antlers. Hence, the name Rutting Regalia. The creation of Rutting Regalia is featured in the “Lost Wax Method” of Bronze Sculpture process video. See still images and captions from the video at http://elainefranzwitten.com/process. One edition of this sculpture is on public display at the Dorset, Vermont Public Library.

Medium: Bronze Base: Cambrian Black Granite Size: 19″ x 9″ x 23.5″(H) Price: $5,000

This Elaine Franz Witten Bronze sculpture is limited to an edition of twelve.

© 2001 Elaine Franz Witten

The Wild Run (Spawning Salmon)

efwadmin1 — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:47:44 +0000
While fording a river in Alaska during spawning season, numerous Cohoe salmon leaped high above the water in their journey upstream. The opposing force of the spawning run and the natural flow of the water around me inspired this work. Upon my return home, I sought to capture the upper cut of the jaw, the ruddiness of the belly characteristic of spawning salmon. The highly polished heads are meant to evoke wetness and are a contrasting texture to the scaly body of the salmon.

Medium: Bronze Base: Champlain Black Marble Size: 21″ x 12″ x 24″ (H) Price: $9,500

The Wild Run is an edition of twelve.

© 2001 Elaine Franz Witten

Portrait of a Grizzly

efwadmin1 — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:38:59 +0000
This is a portrait of a somewhat sleepy bear showing the fierce long claws against the massive head and shaggy coat.

Medium: Bronze Base: Vermont Fieldstone Size: 17″ x 15″ x 13.5″(H) Price: $4,000

This Elaine Franz Witten Bronze sculpture is limited to an edition of twelve.

© 2001 Elaine Franz Witten

The Village Lion

efwadmin1 — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:35:23 +0000
The historic village of Old Bennington, Vermont commissioned from the artist the two bronze lion heads as part of a larger restoration project in 1991, when the Village restored Upper Monument Avenue. As part of that rehabilitation, the pipes to the fountain were replaced and two new bronze lion heads were ordered to replace the originals, which had long since disappeared. The fountain was first placed in 1906, a gift to the Village from the National Humane Alliance (Hermon Lee Ensign, founder). The National Humane Alliance donated similar fountains—really horse watering troughs—to more than 100 cities and towns across the country to encourage kind treatment, including access to fresh water, for animals. (more information about these fountains is available here: http://electronicvalley.org/DERBY/QUIZ/pages/wateringtrough.htm although it would appear that more research is still wanting on this interesting byway of history). All of the granite fountains including this one, featured bronze lion heads, and had an upper trough for thirsty equines and a lower trough for dogs. They were quarried and manufactured on the island of Vinalhaven, Maine by the Bodwell Granite Company, which flourished from 1852-1922. In the 1991 restoration, the water trough structure was converted to a water fountain for passers by. Water comes out of the mouth of the two lions, placed on either side, and flows into the granite basin when the drinking fountain is used. The fountain now decorates the Old Bennington Village Green. A regal Village Lion makes a handsome addition to any garden space. It may be mounted on a wall or, as in Old Bennington, decoratively adorn a water feature. Placed outdoors it takes on, over time, a beautiful gray-green natural patina.

Medium: Bronze Size: 8” × 10” × 5.5” Price: $1,900

© 2009 Elaine Franz Witten

On Guard (Llama)

efwadmin1 — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:25:52 +0000
Guardian of an alpaca flock in Vermont, this male llama takes his job seriously. Yet it was his somewhat haughty air as he peered down over his nose at me from his great height, that captured my interest. A bit self-important and funny, I sought to capture the gentle side of his nature.

Medium: Bronze Base: Black Vermont Granite Size: 21.25″(H) × 14″ × 7″ Price: $4,500

This Elaine Franz Witten Bronze sculpture is limited to an edition of twenty-five.

© 2002 Elaine Franz Witten

Zachariah (Afghan Hound)

efwadmin1 — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 22:08:33 +0000
The grace, beauty and proud nature of a beloved gold Afghan hound is captured in this running moment.

Medium: Bronze Base: Vermont Verde Antique Marble Size: 25.25″ x 7.5″ x 16″(H) Price: $4,500

This Elaine Franz Witten Bronze sculpture is limited to an edition of 12.

© 2001 Elaine Franz Witten

Rosie

efwadmin1 — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 22:04:09 +0000
Rosie was a live model. I used a rough impressionistic technique to cover her bony skeletal structure. She seemed to display her personality and curiosity about me by tilting her head letting one ear hang free.

Medium: Bronze Base: Caledonia Brown Granite Size: 20″ x9 x 16.5″(H) Price: $4,500

This Elaine Franz Witten Bronze sculpture is limited to an edition of twelve. Size of sculpture may vary slightly due to different bases.

© 2009 Elaine Franz Witten

Prince William

efwadmin1 — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:58:48 +0000
Inspired by an otter frolicking off our boat in Prince William Sound in Alaska. The sculpture evokes the playful and curious nature of these mammals.

Medium: Bronze Base: Black Formica Size: 21.5″ x 10″ x 8″ (H) Price: $3,575

This Elaine Franz Witten Bronze sculpture is limited to an edition of twelve.

© 2001 Elaine Franz Witten

Gray Owl II

efwadmin1 — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:55:53 +0000
Back by popular demand (Gray Owl first edition sold out), Gray Owl II has the same eyes that captivated buyers but is in a different position.

Medium: Bronze Size: 10 × 7 × 4.5 inches Price: $2,100

© 2009 Elaine Franz Witten

Snowy Owl

efwadmin1 — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:31:47 +0000
This owl was created on request of a gallery owner for another owl to add to my popular owl series. The work captures the characteristic eyes and color of the owl.

Medium: Bronze Size: 8 ” x 5 ” x 9.75 ” (H) Price: $2,000

Snowy Owl is an edition of twelve.

© 2009 Elaine Franz Witten

Gray Owl

efwadmin1 — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:29:02 +0000
I sought to focus on the interesting face and characteristic swivelled head to give this gray owl a sense of movement, humor and alertness. Mine sits on my desk peering out from among the plants.

Medium: Bronze Size: 10″(H)x9.5″x4.5″ Edition SOLD OUT

This Elaine Franz Witten Bronze sculpture is limited to twelve editions.

© 2001 Elaine Franz Witten

Cormorant

efwadmin1 — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:20:34 +0000
The simple, dark, slender, sleek almost free-form shape of the Cormorant inspired this sculpture. The design element used is that of a simple S shape. The irregular piece of granite found in my seach of a quarry yard in Vermont seemed to complement this work.

Medium: Bronze Base: Vermont Granite Size: 13″ x 15″ x 19″(H) (Size of sculpture may vary due to irregular base sizes) Price: $3,475

This Elaine Franz Witten Bronze sculpture limited to an edition of twelve.

© 2001 Elaine Franz Witten

The Nestling (Penguin & Chick)

efwadmin1 — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:14:38 +0000
Mother and chick form an S shape in front which changes to a reverse S shape design in the rear. The sculpture suggests a pure free form shape with contrast between the black of the birds and the white of their bellies.

Medium: Bronze Base: Danby White Marble Size: 13.5″ x 8.5″ x 17.5″(H) Price: $5,500

This Elaine Franz Witten Bronze sculpture is limited to an edition of twelve.

© 2001 Elaine Franz Witten

Family Gathering (Penguin Group)

efwadmin1 — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:07:05 +0000
A family grouping incorporating sculptural elements such as juxtaposition of varying planes as well as dark and light masses to show the interrelationship of the five birds. This piece can be enjoyed from all angles.

Medium: Bronze Base: Danby White Marble Size: 11.5″ x 15.25″ x 13″(H) Price: $4,000

This Elaine Franz Witten Bronze sculpture is limited to an edition of twelve.

© 2009 Elaine Franz Witten

Doves

efwadmin1 — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:03:24 +0000
The Doves were included in the 2003 National Sculpture Society Exhibition “Wings of Hope, Wings of Peace.” This large, impressive and hopeful show was reviewed by Louis Torres who said the following at the end of a long write-up about the whole exhibition: “I save for last mention Elaine Franz Witten’s Doves (titled The Mourners in the exhibition)—the work that touched me most, the one among all that I would wish to own. There is no drama here—no posing, no dancing or fishing or flight, no death—just two mourning doves, each atop its own mahogany pedestal (one slightly higher), looking at one another. Witten’s comments on the work are as apt as the simple title she gave it: ‘The mourning dove has a beautiful and simple silhouette, pure form and long tail. I emphasized these elements minimizing detail in the design of this small sculpture. I chose a pair since this is how they are invariably seen in nature.’” You may read the entire review at: http://www.aristos.org

Medium: Bronze Base: Mahogany Size Higher Dove: 9.5″(H) x 10.75″ x 3.75″ Size Lower Dove: 8.5″(H) x 10.75″ x 3.75″ Price: $3000/pair

This Elaine Franz Witten bronze is limited to an edition of twelve of each patina, and may be placed on either wood or granite bases

© 2001 Elaine Franz Witten

Swan Door Pulls

efwadmin1 — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:56:23 +0000
These pulls were ergonomically designed to fit the hand. They may be used either singularly or as a pair. They also make fine robe holders for a bath or spa.

Medium: Bronze Size: 4.25 ” x 5.5 ” x 9.25 ” (H) Base: Champlain Black Marble Price: $1,570 each

Swan Door Pulls are an edition of twelve.

© 2009 Elaine Franz Witten

Fishing On Equinox Pond (Blue Heron)

efwadmin1 — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:47:55 +0000
I have studied the great blue herons which are somewhat frequent, elusive, but always treasured visitors to our pond outside my studio windows in Vermont. My goal was to capture the grace of the magnificent bird. I used the design element of an S curve. I cut the marble base in a curved shape to evoke my pond and to contribute to the continuous flow of the sculpture as a whole.
This sculpture was awarded First Prize in a Northeastern States exhibition entitled “The Great River” in Greenfield, Massachusetts 2001. Fishing on Equinox Pond won First Prize at the Annual Competition Equinox Resort, Manchester, Vermont,1994

Medium: Bronze Base: Champlain Black Marble Size: 28″ x 24″ x 14″ (H) Price: $7,000

This Elaine Franz Witten Bronze sculpture is limited to an edition of twelve.

© 2001 Elaine Franz Witten

Royal Flush (Pheasant)

efwadmin1 — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:43:46 +0000
This is a Great Argus pheasant in courting pose. I was moved to sculpt this bird because of the beauty of the form of the fanned out wings, and chose to depict the circular feather pattern, or spots, as negative space for the viewer to look through. This treatment gives the wings a lacey feel.

Medium: Bronze Base: Black Vermont Granite Size: 23″ x 12″ x 15.75″ (H) Price: $6,000

Royal Flush is an edition of twelve.

© 2009 Elaine Franz Witten

Courting Ecstasy

efwadmin1 — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:29:54 +0000
A heron in a rarely seen pose raises his head to the sky, evoking a dancer. The elongated grace of this pose allows for one continuous sweep of line from beak through neck, body and legs. The grace of this silhouette on my pond inspired this work.

Medium: Bronze Base: Vermont Granite Size: 13″ x 32.5″ x 21.75″(H) Price: $6,000

This Elaine Franz Witten Bronze sculpture is limited to an edition of twelve.

© 2001 Elaine Franz Witten

Courtship Strut (Blue Footed Booby)

efwadmin1 — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:42:46 +0000
Courtship Strut depicts a mating dance of the Blue Footed Booby. I tried to capture the comical and endearing qualities of their courtship.

Medium: Bronze Base: Vermont Slate Size: 15.5″ x 13.5″ x 23″ (H) Price: $7,000

This Elaine Franz Witten Bronze sculpture is limited to an edition of twelve. Size of sculpture may vary slightly due to different bases.

© 2001 Elaine Franz Witten

The Hunters (for Oban – Harris Hawk)

efwadmin1 — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:23:47 +0000
Visits to a falconry school in Manchester, VT, inspired this sculpture of a Harris hawk named Oban. The handler’s gauntlet from which the hunting bird takes off and lands seemed like an appropriate perch for this bird in the heads up take off position. Her head is turned in the direction of her impending flight. This sculpture is life-size. The Harris hawk has a 40″ wing span. In designing The Hunters I used an triangular motif which gets repeated throughout the work. The entire sculpture is a triangle formed by the bottom of the gauntlet and traveling up to the two wing tips. At the rear of the sculpture the tail also forms a triangle in it’s fanned out position.

Medium: Bronze Base: Cambrian Black Granite Size: 40″ x 18″ x 25″ (H) Price: $17,500

This Elaine Franz Witten Bronze sculpture is limited to an edition of twelve.

© 2001 Elaine Franz Witten

Summer Solstice (Dancer)

efwadmin1 — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 21:03:55 +0000
I imagined how a choreographer would depict the subject of summer solstice, when the sun reaches its limit furthest from the equator. The dancer is fully extended reaching her furthest limits except for the upper hand which is holding the imaginary sun. Her straight lines and elongated slender form suggest striving for fulfillment. She is joyous and at the same time balanced and inwardly reflective.
Summer Solstice, as part of the Centered Women Series by Elaine Witten, was awarded The Manhattan Arts International, New York, NY, “Herstory 2004″ Award of Excellence.

Artist’s Notes on the Centered Woman Series
Doing a series of sculptures entitled Centered Women was a natural for me for a number of reasons. One is that the healing arts have been one of my life-long interests. I am, among other things, an RN, having studied anatomy and physiology and practiced nursing for years. Also, as a young woman, I studied both ballet and modern dance, including master classes from José Limon. I grew up in a household with a sister who was a professional dancer. Finally, I currently study and practice Iyengar yoga. The model I used for the Centered Women series has practiced yoga all of her adult life. I studied T’ai Chi books and video tapes before beginning Form and Spirit and got insights from a critique of the work at an early stage by Rich Marantz, a T’ai Chi instructor in Manchester, VT. The female form has been a universal theme in the history of sculpture. What I bring to the genre is a fresh approach, using the female figure in contemporary, yet timeless, dramatic, energetic and centered poses. These figures incorporate sculptural elements such as pure simplified forms, attention to silhouette and interesting use of negative spaces.

Medium: Bronze Base: Black Vermont Granite Size: 41″(H)x9″x9″ Price: $6,800

Summer Solstice is an edition of 30.

© 2002 Elaine Franz Witten

Form and Spirit (T’ai Chi)

efwadmin1 — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 20:55:05 +0000
In this sculpture, I sought to capture the unity of form and spirit which is essential to T’ai Chi. The lower body is grounded, the arms willowy, suggesting how the movements follow circular paths. The entire body is strong, centered and focused.
Form and Spirit, as part of the Centered Women Series by Elaine Witten, was awarded The Manhattan Arts International, New York, NY, “Herstory 2004″ Award of Excellence.

Artist’s Notes on the Centered Woman Series
Doing a series of sculptures entitled Centered Women was a natural for me for a number of reasons. One is that the healing arts have been one of my life-long interests. I am, among other things, an RN, having studied anatomy and physiology and practiced nursing for years. Also, as a young woman, I studied both ballet and modern dance, including master classes from José Limon. I grew up in a household with a sister who was a professional dancer. Finally, I currently study and practice Iyengar yoga. The model I used for the Centered Women series has practiced yoga all of her adult life. I studied T’ai Chi books and video tapes before beginning Form and Spirit and got insights from a critique of the work at an early stage by Rich Marantz, a T’ai Chi instructor in Manchester, VT. The female form has been a universal theme in the history of sculpture. What I bring to the genre is a fresh approach, using the female figure in contemporary, yet timeless, dramatic, energetic and centered poses. These figures incorporate sculptural elements such as pure simplified forms, attention to silhouette and interesting use of negative spaces.

Medium: Bronze Base: Black Vermont Granite Size: 24″(H) × 24″ × 7″ Price: $6,800

Form and Spirit is an edition of 30.

© 2002 Elaine Franz Witten

Extended Bow (Yoga pose)

efwadmin1 — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 20:51:51 +0000

The extended bow is a very advanced yoga pose. I sought to capture the serenity, purity and simplicity of the form. The negative spaces give the form a cathedral feeling. The oval position suggests continuity, eternity, the feminine principal.
Extended Bow has been the recipient of several national awards. The sculpture won second prize in The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts, Fredericksburg, Virginia, juried national exhibition in 2005. Extended Bow was also awarded a Manhattan Arts International, New York, NY, “Herstory 2004″ Award of Excellence.

Artist’s Notes on the Centered Woman Series
Doing a series of sculptures entitled Centered Women was a natural for me for a number of reasons. One is that the healing arts have been one of my life-long interests. I am, among other things, an RN, having studied anatomy and physiology and practiced nursing for years. Also, as a young woman, I studied both ballet and modern dance, including master classes from José Limon. I grew up in a household with a sister who was a professional dancer. Finally, I currently study and practice Iyengar yoga. The model I used for the Centered Women series has practiced yoga all of her adult life. I studied T’ai Chi books and video tapes before beginning Form and Spirit and got insights from a critique of the work at an early stage by Rich Marantz, a T’ai Chi instructor in Manchester, VT. The female form has been a universal theme in the history of sculpture. What I bring to the genre is a fresh approach, using the female figure in contemporary, yet timeless, dramatic, energetic and centered poses. These figures incorporate sculptural elements such as pure simplified forms, attention to silhouette and interesting use of negative spaces.

Medium: Bronze Base: Black Vermont Granite Size: 20″(H) x 13″ x 6″ Price: $6,800

Extended Bow is an edition of thirty.