Today we’d like to introduce you to Gayle Printz.
Hi Gayle, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Thank you for having me. My name is Gayle Printz, and I am an incredibly lucky person. In May of 2020, I picked up my first paintbrush, and I have been creating abstract paintings ever since. I have no training. And I had no intention of starting a business. Painting was something I was drawn to and never had time to try. But because of COVID-19’s “Isolate in Place” regulations, I suddenly found myself with more time than I knew what to do with. I wanted to channel my energy into something creative that I could do from home. So, I turned to online shopping and bought art supplies. Using a paintbrush, I tried to reflect upon the beauty that remained in a world darkened by the pandemic.
I thought I had discovered a very private way to express myself. It just didn’t remain private for long. Two months later, two of my paintings, “FIRST” and “POND” were on exhibit in Europe. How did that happen? Well, on July 13, 2020, while looking for a way to properly archive my ever-growing Art portfolio, I happened upon a call for artists called Art-Resilience. It seemed to be asking for artwork reflecting resilience during the pandemic. I thought, “Hey, I’m resilient. Look what I just painted!” It was the first competition I entered, and all I had to do was email my name, address, and a few other simple facts with images of two paintings attached. I didn’t even have to pay unless my work was accepted. Prospective buyers would be sent directly to me, with no commission involved. So, I saw no downside to applying.
The deadline was July 15, and that is when I sent my submission; it was less than two months after receiving the paint I ordered online. A few hours later, I received an email from the extremely talented artist and architect, Ksenia Milisevic, requesting my photo for their website. I knew she was Founder of the Museum where the exhibition was to be held, so I asked if that meant one of my paintings was accepted. She said, “Yes, of course. They’re perfect. Both of them.” I was shocked.
As it turns out, the competition had absolutely nothing to do with COVID. I had unwittingly entered the coveted 2020 International Art-Resilience Competition that is held yearly as part of The International Art-Resilience Movement founded by Ksenia Milicevic. The stated purpose in selecting my artwork was in no way related to my personal resilience. It was “to present works characterizing the rigor in a search for artistic quality, creativity and technical mastery.” And although I thought at the time that I must have been one of the few that applied, it turns out they were overwhelmed by applications, and I was one of only eight American painters whose work was selected. The jury loved my work. But, before selecting it, they had no clue I began painting two months before. Or that one of my entries, “FIRST,” was literally my first painting — ever. It was akin to being on “The Voice” with artwork. All they judged me on was the quality of my artwork and how the jury felt upon seeing it. It is really the way things should be. But I have been told it is highly unusual for anyone other than a firmly established artist to be so warmly welcomed into the European art community.
My entry into the art world kept getting more interesting. After the European Exhibition, word seemed to spread like wildfire. I was offered solo exhibitions, which I declined because the offers came during a time at which I thought no one should be anywhere other than home. My painting “COLORS,” became part of the permanent exhibit of a Museum in France, Le Musée de Peinture de Saint-Frajou. Articles were published about my work, art lovers in Atlanta asked to see it, and art collectors around the world started buying it. I was swept up in a whirlwind. And although it seems impossible, I am now considered “One of the most important Contemporary Artists of our time.” I have won over 800 Juried International Art Awards. My work has been on exhibit all over the world, and I have been the subject of countless international contemporary art publications.
Named an “Important World Master Artist” by Circle Foundation for the Arts in 2021, I was also named one of 2022’s “60 World Masters.” I received a trophy in June of 2022 at the ArTTour International Magazine (ATIM) Award Ceremony in New York City—an event referred to as “The Academy Awards of the Art World.” As I made my televised acceptance speech, my artwork appeared on the Billboard at Times Square. Now, my paintings seem to be soaring in value on the walls of prominent art collectors, investors, and enthusiasts around the globe, and I’ve been told that my paintings rank among the most sought-after art investments in the world.
When I began painting, it never occurred to me that sales or recognition would be part of my experience. So, I can only say that I have been extremely lucky. Now, my hope is that by translating the colors of my world into the universal language of art, I can help promote unity and inspire all People to celebrate the beauty in life.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
To answer this, I have to return to The 2020 International Art-Resilience Competition deadline of July 15 of 2020. After I emailed the only picture I had of myself to Ms. Milicevic, she asked me for a copy of my CV. I sheepishly told her I didn’t have one. She very gently told me to send her what I had, and she would work with it. I created a “CV” with my education, past jobs, the titles of books I have written, the three Bar Associations from which I am retired (Georgia, New York and New Jersey) and, realizing she probably wanted information relating to my non-existent artistic background, I included the eight summers I spent as a child at Interlochen Arts Academy. As that only amounted to two pages, I put in photographs of my artwork. Ms. Milicevic was very pragmatic. She took out everything law-related, all of my work experience, and all of the images, posting only my education, Interlochen, and the names of children’s books I have written.
She then asked for my website. Once again, I sheepishly told her I didn’t have one. In fact, having never intended to show my work, I had no pictures of my paintings other than what I had taken with my phone. Enter my husband who, lucky for me, is a great photographer. He took pictures of all my paintings, meticulously ensuring that each image was an accurate representation of the piece, and posted them on SmugMug. When I gave Ms. Milicevic the link, she very gently told me that, although my paintings looked beautiful on SmugMug, I really should set up a website before the Exhibition because collectors would want to see my work. So, I established www.GaylePrintz.com an online modern art gallery exclusively comprised of what has become a Modern Art Portfolio in which every painting is an international award winner.
Setting up GaylePrintz.com was the most difficult part of my artistic experience. So difficult in fact, that it will always have a disclaimer reading “This website is under construction,” because I am sure there is always something wrong with it. And, although I am thrilled to have it, GaylePrintz.com took me so much time to set up that I didn’t have time to paint until October. I should have hired someone.
So, please look at GaylePrintz.com because I worked really hard on it. But, mostly because, as a resident of the Atlanta area, you can arrange to see my work before purchasing it. There is no better way to appreciate the true texture and beauty of a painting than in person. Find something you love, or take a picture of the area you are trying to decorate, and email me at Sales@GaylePrintz.com. I am happy to give you ideas and set up a time to meet. It is my hope that when you look at one of my paintings, it captures your eye, it captures your interest, and it creates an intrigue and value that differs from what you might usually see and feel.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a World Master Artist who specializes in creating contemporary abstract paintings. Using color, flow, three-dimensionality and movement to draw the viewer in, I try to blend beauty with universal significance. As I am what you might refer to as a blank slate, I can be myself when I paint. I don’t have anyone else’s style to unlearn in order to express my own. I consider this to be a big plus because when there are no rules to follow, the possibilities become endless. It gives me the freedom to create a painting completely my own — without expectation or judgment. Although my work is not purely abstract, it does create a non-literal view of the world. It allows me to explore freedom of expression in an untraditional way. It is that freedom of thought — freedom to develop your own opinion— that I hope to transfer to the viewer by inspiring others to assign personal meaning to my work.
WHAT AM I KNOWN FOR?
I seem to be known for breaking the rules and deviating from anything ever seen in the art world. But, lately, I am known for all sorts of other wonderful things:
I am known for being a World Master Artist:
I was named one of the Top 60 World Masters of 2022 by ATIM; I was also named one of their Top 60 World Masters for 2023; In February of 2022, my work was in the juried hard-cover coffee table book entitled IMPORTANT WORLDWIDE ARTISTS, Volume 5, released by World Wide Art Publications. Their goal is to present the work of “noteworthy artists from around the World whose art represents mastery of the medium and contains originality, vision, and inspiration;” and, in November of 2022, “SECOND” was on the Cover, and “JACK,“GORDONS,” “UNICORN,” “BUZZ,” “CONTROL,” “PURPLE,” and “TOTEM” were assigned to the first four pages of the juried World Wide Art Publication entitled CURRENT MASTERS VI.
I am known for creating artworks which impact the future of the art world:
In May of 2022, I won THE VOICES OF TOMORROW ART PRIZE and was told “ETHEREAL” and “MUSIC” will appear in THE VOICES OF TOMORROW ART BOOK published by The Contemporary Art Curator Magazine in the Winter of 2023. The Voices of Tomorrow Art Book will be “the definitive guide on outstanding artists, offering both art collectors and art admirers an insight into the exceptional talent that will most likely influence the art world’s future;” and, also in May of 2022: “MUSIC” won The 2022 GALLERIUM INTERNATIONAL ART PRIZE.
My work is also known for having an impact on social issues:
—The Economy:
In April of 2022, I was asked if “AUTUMN” could be used to illustrate a chapter in a book on “The impacts of Covid 19 on the economy and the lessons that can be drawn from it.” Of course I said yes. The book, entitled, EXPERT EYE: HOW LONG TERM ESG STRATEGIES CAN HELP A MULTINATIONAL FIRM TACKLING THE COVID-19 CRISIS, will be published by The Econogy Project, an ecological organization in France.
— For creating artworks that contribute to Peace and the Good of Humanity:
In the Summer of 2022, I won THE 2022 COLLECTOR’S CHOICE AWARD from ATIM; “BRIDE” was on the Cover (with other artworks), and my work and I were featured all over the ATIM 2022 SUMMER ISSUE. This publication was dedicated to “Promote arts and culture [while] spread[ing] the message of these artists to raise peace awareness worldwide;” in August, I won the INTERNATIONAL ART FOR PEACE AWARD from the International Cultural Management (ICM) of Barcelona, Spain, and my work was chosen for publication in the February 2023 ART FOR PEACE BOOK, published by ICM; and in August, I also won the Contemporary Art Curator Magazine FACES OF PEACE ART PRIZE, which “Awards distinguished artists whose work significantly contributes to peace and human development and incites changes through their talent and creativity to restore balance to the relationship between humanity and the natural environment.”
— For creating works that represent the existence of good and beauty in a world filled with conflict:
In September, my work was chosen for publication in THE FACES OF PEACE ART BOOK to be released in the Spring of 2023 by Contemporary Art Curator Art Management of the United Kingdom. This publication will be dedicated “To those who seek refuge from the destruction brought by conflict, world problems and threats to the environment, reminding us that the beautiful and the good still exist in the world, leading humanity to victory over evil.”
— For creating works that incite change to restore the balance between nature and humanity:
In February of 2022, I was made an Honorary Member of METAVERSE ARTISTS FOR A GREEN PLANET, and my work was published in the ATIM “EARTH” Spring Edition, 2022.
— For works which have a positive impact on the fight against Cancer:
In September of 2022, “SHE” was chosen for publication in THE BOOK OF ARTS 2022: CANCER PUBLICATION by Biafarin Publications, Ontario, Canada.
To all of this, I can only say “Wow. Thank you.”
WHAT AM I MOST PROUD OF?
On a social level, I am most proud that my work has had an impact with regard to important world issues.
On a personal level, I am most proud that my work has had such a positive impact on those who own it. I say this because every collector who has purchased my work owns more than one of my paintings. I am incredibly proud that clients return because my work has touched them so powerfully.
WHAT SETS ME APART?
I can only answer this from the vantage point of what the art critics say.
From the beginning, I have been told I have a very distinctive style, such that when people see my work, they will recognize it as mine. It was liberating to hear that I could just be who I am. First, because I can’t be anyone else. And, second, because I feel the world doesn’t need more of the same. Rather, we need to explore the unfamiliar. When you embrace being in an unfamiliar world, there is a richness and tranquility that can fill your soul. That is why the meaning of my work must be left to the viewer who, instead of trying to figure out what I was thinking when I created the piece, must be willing to consider what that piece means to them.
People also comment on the breadth and scope of my work. They ask how I can paint works that range from modernism (“IMPRISONED”) to abstract geometric (”SHAPELY”), to abstract expressionism (“JACK”), to contemporary landscapes (“BRUSH”), to post-Impressionism (“BRIDE”), and then go on to paint something that reminds them of the 19th Century Masters (“FIRST”). I suppose I can do this because, when it comes to painting, I am not afraid to try something new.
Another aspect of my work that is said to set me apart is the deliberate yet unrestrained movement of the brushstrokes within my paintings. Though I am known to blend colors to create smooth transitions, each brushstroke is visible in the final composition. “This approach results in highly expressive artworks, testifying to the artistic freedom with which Printz creates her paintings.”
It has even been said that if you look closely, you will notice a magical quality to my work. My paintings are known to somehow change completely depending upon the angle at which you gaze. To me, that makes perfect sense. For, as with life, the meaning in my work depends upon the way you look at it. One example of a painting that changes, depending upon the distance from which you view it is “AVERY.” “AVERY” has an exceptionally light Monet-style background with an abstract formation over it. If you look at “AVERY” straight on from a distance, you can see the left-facing profile of a very young girl with a ponytail. But, as you get closer, the profile disappears, and the face of a woman looking straight on emerges. When you are face to face with “AVERY,” all of that disappears and the abstract formation becomes the primary aspect of the painting. “AVERY” is truly magical.
And, finally, everyone (myself included) is amazed at how quickly I was able to come this far. To this, I can only say that when hard work is recognized, it ceases to be hard. It creates a real sense of freedom to find out who you really are. If there is a silver lining in the pandemic, for me it was having the time to discover what is inside of me.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I like the people of Atlanta and my basement, home of my easel and the paintings I have yet to part with.
The only thing that may be a negative about Atlanta is that we are landlocked. But, given the recent hurricane situation, being landlocked may not be such a bad thing. Once again, it all depends on how you look at it…
Contact Info:
- Email: Sales@GaylePrintz.com
- Website: www.GaylePrintz.com
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/gkprintz2
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/gayle.printz www.facebook.com/Artist@GaylePrintz.com www.facebook.com/FineArtSalesAbstractArtbyGaylePrintz/www.facebook.com/Gkprintz2
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/Gayle.Printz
- LinkedIn: www.LinkedIn.com/in/fineartsalesabstractartbygayleprintz
Image Credits
Painting Name and Credit: Image #1: “POND” ©2020 by Gayle Printz; Photography by Steven Printz Image #2: “MUSIC” ©2021 by Gayle Printz; Photography by Steven Printz Image #3: “FIRST” ©2020 by Gayle Printz; Photography by Steven Printz Image #4 “JACK” ©2020 by Gayle Printz; Photography by Steven Printz Image #5: “COAST” ©2021 by Gayle Printz; Photography by Steven Printz Image #6: “SHAPELY” ©2021 by Gayle Printz; Photography by Steven Printz Image #7: “BRUSH” ©2020 by Gayle Printz; Photography by Steven Printz Image #8 “ETHEREAL” ©2021 by Gayle Printz; Photography by Steven Printz Image #9: “MYSTICAL” ©2021 by Gayle Printz; Photography by Steven Printz Image #10: “AUTUMN” ©2021 by Gayle Printz; Photography by Steven Printz Image #11: “IMPRISONED” ©2021 by Gayle Printz; Photography by Steven Printz Image #12 “AVERY” ©2020 by Gayle Printz; Photography by Steven Printz Image #13: “BRIDE” ©2021 by Gayle Printz; Photography by Steven Printz Image #14: “SHE” ©2020 by Gayle Printz; Photography by Steven Printz Image #15: “UNICORN” ©2020 by Gayle Printz; Photography by Steven Printz Image #16“GORDONS” ©2021 by Gayle Printz; Photography by Steven Printz Image #17“FLAMINGO” ©2020 by Gayle Printz; Photography by Steven Printz
