Artist’s Studio

Posted by millerfenwood in Flood Damage, Works on Panel

Fascinating work by Bill Olendorf (1924-1996) is the artist’s rendition of his own studio. The walls hold a number of his own works that, for this painting, it would have been necessary for him to paint them again in miniature. We can’t help but feel the playfulness of this gesture, as well as the lively atmosphere of his studio that is bristled with color, and how each work on the wall must also have an interesting story that goes with it. This is definitely one of those works one wishes they could step into.

Olendorf Vezelay

Posted by millerfenwood in Flood Damage, Works on Panel

Treatment of mold, and warping by adherence to honeycomb aluminum with a water-based epoxy. This is the first oil painting of Olendorf to receive treatment, of which there are many more. We are proud and excited to not only help repair these individual works, but to also do our part in restoring his legacy.

Olendorf Study of Harvard Building

Posted by millerfenwood in Flood Damage, Works on Canvas, Works on Paper

Study of Harvard Greek revival building by Bill Olendorf (1924-1996) is a great example for how an artist conceives of an idea in one medium and then builds on it in another. Most noticeably, the shift in point of view increases the dynamic presence of the building, and the inclusion of people shows an artist with an expanding command of subject matter. The oil painting is dated 1946, which we believe to be the year Olendorf graduated from Harvard.

Olendorf Watercolor Harvard Building

Posted by millerfenwood in Flood Damage, Works on Paper

Chemical bath for watercolor by Olendorf (1924 – 1996). The blue residue is actually from another watercolor which transferred during a flood. Problematic tape is along the left side which contains non-archival compounds that are problematic on their own, and worse when water spreads them. There is also green paint in a corner, which came from the front of the work.