Sunday Morning Series by Simeonov
I admit it; I hit the art racks at resale shops when I get a chance. Remember the guy in 2003 who bought a painting of workers in a field at a flea market that turned out to be by Vincent van Gogh, it sold for $3.6 million? What about the woman last year in West Virginia who launched a firestorm of controversy when she found a Pierre-Auguste Renoir at a flea market for $7?
Last week I stumbled across a small piece at Goodwill signed “Mihail”. The pastel on paper was in a cheap looking frame but I could tell that the artwork did not belong in a thrift shop—the mastermind behind it was no Sunday painter. Upon further rummaging I found a second piece in matching frame.
It only took me 5 seconds to find the artist online. For $3 each I scored original pieces by Mihail Simeonov.
Mihail Simeonov was born in Bulgaria in 1929. His uncle was an artist so he grew up in the atmosphere of an active art studio; he earned his PhD at the Academy of Fine Art in Sofia; and was known for nationally significant sculptures in Bulgaria.
Sunday Morning Series by Simeonov
He immigrated to the USA in 1970 and set up studio. Signing his American works “Mihail” he was represented primarily by galleries in New York. One of his most interesting projects consisted of casting a live elephant in order to promote environmental preservation. After four years of preparation he travelled to Africa in 1980 where he cast a sleeping, wild bull elephant. He incorporated the cast in creating Cast the Sleeping Elephant bronze sculpture given to the UN as a gift from Kenya, Namibia, and Nepal.
“Mr. Broussard,” says the artist, “the two little works you saved … are from Sunday Morning series, works that originated during my residence in Tunisia (1965-1971). Several images appeared in my mind one Sunday morning, hence the name of the series.”
“Later on, in New York the series developed into a vast body of works from drawings to large bronzes,” Mihail explained. “As recently as last year I made another pilgrimage to the idea in the form of large works on paper titled Sunday Morning Papers.”
I was quite honored by his personal response to my inquiries. He has indeed had an amazing internationally recognized art career and I am pleased to know that at the age of 86 he is still active in the studio. Below you will find a link regarding the Sunday Morning series that the artist provided.
I found examples of Mihail’s work online ranging from $630 to $23,000, though most of the pieces I found for sale are either oil on canvas paintings or bronze sculptures.
After a modest sum for frames these magnificent little treasures are now attractively displayed on my walls. Isn’t it fascinating where a $6 investment can lead?
May 26, 2018 I received the following email from Mr. Simeonov: I was amused by ”Mihail Simeonov: Pleasant Surprises BY TROY BROUSSARD – PUBLISHED: 07/29/2014 – SECTION: ARTISTS” ..and the story of finding two of my prints in a thrift shop. Greetings, Mihail www.mihailstudio.com
Wow! Very cool.
Wonderful! I too made my “find” for just a small amount at an auction. Coincidently my piece of art by Mihail is of the Sunday Morning series. Mine is of a face, with the ladder done in the HoSho process he developed. Mine is large in a gallery frame and is my pride and joy. I hope you enjoy your find.