Shangri-La Exhibit for Jeff Bass

President George H W Bush

Shangri-La is pleased to welcome nationally honored artist, Jeffrey W. Bass, for a special exhibit opening this coming May, in conjunction with the founding of the United States Presidents Center in Ithaca, New York.

Artist Jeff Bass was recently commissioned to do a painting to commemorate the seven Americans who recently received one of France's highest awards -- the Legion of Honor. The painting, "Earthquake's Final Flight," is on display at the CIA Museum at the agency's headquarters in McLean, Va. A print also hangs in the Washington office of French Ambassador Jean-David Levitte.

In 2000, Jeff Bass won Second Prize from the American Society of Portrait Artists for his large 3/4-length portrait of former President George W H Bush, which now hangs in the National Museum of Naval Aviation. The original print proof will be on exhibit in Shangri-La along with an original watercolor and a pencil sketch, which are part of the permanent collection of the United States Presidents Center. Jeff Bass painted yet another portrait of former President Bush, which now hangs in the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery. Bass's work has also been exhibited at the National Academy of Design in New York.

The opening reception for this show in Ithaca is from 5 to 9 PM, at Shangri-La Gifts and Publications, 156 E. State Street (The Commons), 6 May 2005. Exhibit is open daily from May to July of 2005.

Earthquake's Final Flight

Bass, a history buff and licensed pilot, conducted 300 hours of research before ever picking up a paint brush. Here he is pictured next to his meticulously painted wooden model of the C-119 with the exact markings of the plane that McGovern and Buford flew. Based on interviews with witnesses, Bass also made sure his wooden model was damaged in the same spots as the real plane. It took Bass five months to finish the oil painting that measures 31 inches by 43 inches.

Jeff Bass has been painting since age nine, and credits his mother - an artist herself - as his most significant influence. At age thirteen, he began formal lessons in drawing and painting with Martha Simpson, a portrait painter and instructor from Scotland. Before he graduated from high school, Bass was already working as a professional illustrator for a department store.

Arab Head Study

Jeff Bass's range of subject matter is not limited to portraiture; landscapes, still life and equestrian subjects also fill his canvases, such as this Arab Head Study, 2001. Watercolor/drybrush. Private collection, Surrey, England.

Cheetah

Cheetah

Jeff Bass is also well known for his renderings of wildlife, such as this Cheetah, 2000. Watercolor/gouache on watercolor paper. Private collection. His frenetic schedule also includes teaching watercolor and oil painting workshops and leading groups to museums for lectures and demonstrations.

George H. W. Bush, 41st President of the United States

As honorary Chairman of the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, George H. W. Bush has enjoyed a long standing affinity with the National Museum of Naval Aviation. Earning his wings at 19, George Bush was one of the youngest Navy pilots in history. Bush flew 58 combat missions in the TBM Avenger torpedo bomber and was shot down twice-once during the "Marianas Turkey Shoot" and later during the raid on Chichi Jima, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

This official portrait, commissioned privately, was donated to the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation in 2000, and subsequently donated by the foundation to the National Museum of Naval Aviation. Mr. Bass had the privelege of traveling to Houston to meet the former President and make preparations for the portrait.

Jeff Bass Exhibit at Shangri-La on The Commons, Ithaca NY
May to July, 2005, opening reception Friday May 6th!
His artwork has been published around the world in the
Associated Press and his work has been featured on CNN.

Click HERE to view other amazing art at Shangri-La, located at 156 East State Street, on The Commons, Ithaca, NY. Open daily from Noon to 6 PM, except Sunday. For more details call 607-272-6156, or 570-395-3423.