Collecting art is one of my favorite things to do. My most meaningful pieces have come from friends and artists I’ve worked or connected with in a personal way. When I look at each piece of art in my collection I see its visual impact and physical attributes, but then there is also my memory of how I acquired it and the joy of the relationship with its creator.

Almost as enjoyable is the search for lost or unnoticed art treasures waiting patiently to be rescued from a thrift store or estate sale. In years past I made a point to visit stores and sales weekly in search of artworks that might be valuable or a nice addition to my collection. When Goodwill was still doing auctions, allowing people to bid on their nicest donations every Saturday, I would scout the offerings ahead of time and research anything that looked promising. I’ve developed a pretty good eye for original and unique pieces.

One of my favorite stories is of a painting of a rural scene with trees and a colorful house and fence. That stood out as an interesting choice by the artist. It was in a Goodwill auction, but the starting price I felt was too high. It would be nice to have but I wasn’t totally sure. So I let the auction pass and said that if that evening I went into the store and it was discounted and on the sales floor after no bids, I would buy it.

The painting was found in a bin waiting to be shelved post auction, at a cheaper price, so I happily bought it. After researching the signature I discovered that the artist lived in San Angelo, Texas. I gave him a call and he said he would be happy to meet with me. Later that year on my way to Marfa for my 40th birthday, I made a detour to see Mr. Hugh Campbell III. We had a very nice visit. I was thrilled to have made such a connection, but I don’t think Hugh was thrilled that one of his paintings ended up in a Goodwill. He didn’t remember that specific piece but was glad that I liked it and that I decided to rescue it and hang it on my wall.

His website is not working so I am not sure if he is still around or not. But I am very thankful that a bit of synchronicity at a thrift store connected me to him and that we got to meet.

Painting from 1996 by Hugh Campbell III, found at goodwill.

A Second Story - The painting you see here of The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood in Saint Petersburg, Russia, I found at an estate sale on the last day when everything was half off. Seems it was overlooked because there appeared to be damaged, but I was able to tell that the glass in the frame just made it look that way. It’s an approx 8”x12” pristine watercolor, possibly with gouache accents. The fun part was trying to figure out what it was a painting of and then getting to learn all about the history of this gorgeous structure. The artist is unknown so there is still more to the mystery. I put the painting in a better frame with museum glass and I just love it. And I got to discover a new place to visit someday.