One of Valentino Dixon’s portraits of No. 12 at Augusta National (AP Photo / David Duprey)
PRESS ASSOCIATED
Michelle Obama bought a picture of Golden Bell, the 12th hole at Augusta National presented in a richly colored pencil as a Christmas present for Barack. The animated image of the iconic golf hole protected by Rae’s Creek and a trio of green bunkers is the work of artist Valentino Dixon released in 2018 after spending 27 years behind bars at Attica Correctional Facility for a crime he did not commit. While Dixon, who was raised in central Buffalo, never even got over the sport of golf, he became enthralled by revealing course scenes after an Attica goalkeeper realized talent. Valentino designed to give him a picture of ANGC’s famous par 3. Another former golfer. the enthusiast then lent Dixon his Golf Digest cases and began designing fair and level paths that took him away from the monotony of prison life.
Obama was reportedly caught with a Dixon story after watching a section of the artist this fall on Real Sports HBO with Bryant Gumbel. Looking for a gift of sorts for her golf-loving husband, she bought “Augusta The Beautiful,” a 20-inch-30-inch section of the hole that plays a major role in all Masters tournaments.
“I hope you love your gift, and maybe one day you and your family can come draw and talk to me,” Dixon said in a video recording he made for the former President. to accompany the present.
“We have received a number of inquiries since the sale was reported. Because Valentino ‘s story is so fascinating, media attention tends to generate activity as well as the gallery’ s daily inspiration, ”says art salesman Andrew Edlin, whose New York-based gallery bears Dixon’s work.
According to Edlin, Dixon ‘s original paintings are priced in the $ 2500-10,000 range for medium – sized works of up to tens of thousands for his largest pieces. While Obama’s sales certainly help move the needle, it won’t immediately pop up the average price of a painter as a stock’s positive earnings surprise moves.
“One sale, despite the obviousness of the buyer, will not move the market. We have already raised its prices a few times based on demand. This is the cumulative effect of more collectors going up as a result of the hustle and bustle that comes with events like Obama sales that always lead to higher prices, ”says Edlin.
The inclusion in the personal collection of former President Barack Obama is another key testament to a rising artist and his work has already been exhibited at the New York Picture Center. and Burchfield Penney Arts Center in Buffalo. His reputation in golf circles has also invited the Masters in 2019 where he was welcomed by Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus.
“He has already received remarkable media coverage based on his artistic talent and the honor and grace with which he has passed on his fascinating history. Obama’s sale is another important milestone in Valentino’s career as an artist, and when combined with his other successes, he will continue to move the ball for it, “said Edlin.