This question comes up a lot. Many times clients will come into the gallery and notice that some artists tend to go back to the same subject time and time again. Thomas Loughman, curator of European Art of the Phoenix Art Museum said it well. There are many reasons for multiples, ?but they fall into three large categories; market expediency, pursuit of perfection and experimentation.?(1)

Market Expediency: In my 26 years in the art field, Loughman couldn?t have said it any better. In many cases, an artist may paint a picture that is so well received that it sells right away. Being aware of his or her market, the artist will often repaint the piece realizing the appeal of the subject. They may also change the size to accommodate a variety of tastes. In either case, the artist will never paint an identical image so that each can stand on its own.

Pursuit of Perfection: Christian Nesvadba was best known for his vibrant floral paintings before his untimely death in the fall of 2008. In speaking with him a year prior during his US debut show in our gallery, he told me that he will paint his florals until he feels that they are perfect. This in itself is an oxymoron. I believe that as an artist and a perfectionist, he knew that he would never achieve the perfect painting.

Experimentation: Sticking with Christian, I believe one can argue that his abstracts grew out of the need to experiment. In looking at his abstract oils, many clients have commented on how it appeared as if he took the flowers in his bouquets and charged them with an energy which eventually led to the explosion of color that appears in the abstract works.

In any case, as a collector, the repetition should be something that is embraced. It shows the artists commitment to his subject and his dedication to achieving perfection!

James LaMantia
Co-Owner of LaMantia Gallery


(1) The article appeared in The Arizona Republic, January 20, 2008.