Artist: Donald Roller Wilson
Title: Wondering At It
Medium: Original Oil Painting
Size: 12" x 9 1/2' oval
Edition: Original
Year: 2013
Inscription: Signed and dated on back
Condition: Good condition overall, request condition report for specific information
Documentation: Includes Gallery Certificate of Authenticity
As impressive as they are odd, the works of Donald Roller Wilson are unlike anything else in the art world. Painted in the style of the 16th century Dutch masters, his “Wondering at it” features a dog in a traditional portrait setting, complete with costume. Combining elements from a range of artistic influences, including surrealism and photorealism, Donald Roller Wilson’s style is as unexpected as his subject matter. “Wondering at it” comes with the original gold frame, which serves as an important part of the storytelling process for the artist. The piece is signed and dated on the back, with a personal inscription to “Richard,” and comes with a gallery certificate of authentication.
While Donald Roller Wilson uses classical techniques and compositional qualities, the whimsical, tongue-in-cheek subject matter transition his art into the modern era. The classical style is not just the backdrop for Donald Roller Wilson’s sense of humor, but it’s an integral part of pulling off it off. His art features a rotating cast of characters including Miss Dog America, Jane the pug, and Cookie the orangutan staged for traditional portraits, and often in period appropriate costume. Combining a host of historical influences including the 16th century Dutch masters and the 20th century surrealist movement, Donald Roller Wilson has found a style as unique as the stories he tells.
Donald Roller Wilson considers himself a “gothic storyteller,” and his art is often accompanied by elaborate tales about his character’s lives. His work can be found in a number of significant museum collections, including the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, the Chicago Art Institute, and the Brooklyn museum. His art was featured on a several Frank Zappa album covers and has been collected by numerous of celebrities including Jack Nicholson, Steve Martin, and Elizabeth Taylor.