Articles
Watkins Glen NY & A Conversation Long Ago
Greetings! I would like to share with you a detail portion of an early John Stermer oil painting of Watkins Glen, NY. Watkins Glen is not too far from where John grew up in Elmira, NY and I think it was a favorite place for him. Not surprising, then, that Dad took us (his family) there a couple of times when we were in the area visiting. As I was looking at this painting, I remembered a conversation I had with Dad when I …
Drawing Of A House, 1946
Greetings! I would like to share with you a drawing of a house John Stermer did back in 1946. It is a of drawing of a house across the street from his parent’s home in Elmira NY. The drawing is unusual in that it has some notes and corrections around the house. I don’t know who did the corrections. In looking at the writing, my guess is that some of the notes are from John – for example the type of pencil he used is …
John Stermer Presentation At New Mexico History Conference
We are happy to say that Dorothy, John Stermer’s daughter and estate manager, will be one of the presenters at the New Mexico History Conference this weekend, March 30th through April 1st. Hosted by the Historical Society of New Mexico, the conference will be in Silver City, NM which, coincidentally, was where John Stermer and his family lived the last 20 years of his life. Thanks! We would like to extend a huge thank you to the Historical Society of New Mexico and Susan Berry, Board …
John Stermer Presentation At New Mexico History Conference Read More »
Artist Yen Chu, Winner WNMU John Stermer Art Scholarship
Greetings! On behalf of John Stermer Fine Art, we would like to extend a huge CONGRATULATIONS to Yen Chu of Silver City, New Mexico! She is the recipient of the Western New Mexico University (WNMU) John Stermer Art Scholarship for 2022/2023. And, we would like to share with you some of Ms. Chu’s artwork and her artist’s statement. Yen Chu Artist’s Statement. “I create representational art designed to push the boundaries of cultural stigma. I investigate the expression of uncomfortable emotions like rage, helplessness, and …
Artist Yen Chu, Winner WNMU John Stermer Art Scholarship Read More »
Happy New Year & 3 Scratchboard Drawings
Greetings! I would like to take this opportunity to say express my thanks for another wonderful year! I am grateful to all of you who follow this John Stermer blog. Whether you are friends of the family or find this website via internet search, I appreciate your interest and support! About the Scratchboard Drawings As I was considering what image to post for today, Dad’s scratchboard work of wine bottles popped into my head. He enjoyed working with scratchboard (or scraper board as it is called …
On Becoming An Artist
Greetings! I would like to share with you some insight on what I learned about becoming an artist from my dad, John Stermer. Yes, You Need An Education. Years ago, when I was young, I wanted to be an artist like my Dad, John H. Stermer. From my point of view, it seemed like the perfect life. That is to say, all you had to do was draw and paint. Yes, in my day dreaming world, the artist’s life I envisioned was naive and simple. …
“Mr. Brandtner”, A John Stermer Portrait From The Early 1970s
Greetings! I would like to share with you a portrait John Stermer painted in the early 1970s. I remember my father painting this portrait of Mr. Louis Brandtner when I was a teenager. What struck me was all the brown colors in the painting. Also, this was the first time that I remembered Dad painting a commission in his home studio. Just to be clear, John Stermer was not new to portraiture. I was just young at the time and was not aware …
“Mr. Brandtner”, A John Stermer Portrait From The Early 1970s Read More »
Two Cats
Greetings! Today’s post features two cats. What makes them special? Well, from time to time, I come across a John Stermer painting that I don’t remember seeing before. This is not so surprising as often Dad would sell painting directly from his studio. Sometimes, the paintings were still wet. And, like many artists, John Stermer created more paintings than he ever displayed in shows or galleries. In any case, one of my sister’s came across a cat painting that neither of us remember seeing before …
Closing Thoughts: Team Stermer Retrospective
Greetings! And, how are you? We, Team Stermer Retrospective, are still “glowing” from our successful exhibition at Western New Mexico University’s Francis McCray Gallery of Contemporary Art this past November and December. The number of old friends and new friends who joined us for the reception was just amazing. It truly felt like a celebration. Breaktime. Afterward, the team, and this writer in particular, needed time to work on projects that were put aside during retrospective preparation time. Now, with a little bit of time …
Retrospective Gallery Hours Through December 9th.
Just a quick update. We had a fabulous and fun retrospective opening. Thanks to all of you who were able to come and share the artwork and social event with us; you made it special! And, thank you to the wonderful people at Western New Mexico University Public Affairs and Francis McCray Gallery of Contemporary Art. Speaking of which, we wanted to publish the gallery hours through the end of the show. Also, there are paintings for sale and a portion of any …
Retrospective Gallery Hours Through December 9th. Read More »