old, and already the art community in Southern California was abuzz about this amazing figurative artist with talent reminiscent of John Singer Sargent. Lipking has gone on to win a string of prestigious national awards for his sensitive interpretations of the figure.
In the following pages, we catch up with Lipking and 19 other artists we featured early in their careers to find out just how far they’ve come since then. In many cases the achievements are remarkable: Consider Mian Situ, who first appeared in Southwest Art in 1997, when the average price for one of his mid-size pieces was $4,000. Today a painting of the same size goes for $22,000, and his auction record stands at a jaw-dropping $576,000!
Dollar figures are hardly the only way to measure success, though. Find out which accomplishments mean the most to the artists themselves as you share in their stories of success. We’re so pleased for them, and pleased that you saw them here first. You can always count on Southwest Art to spot artists who are on their way to the top.
One of the first things a viewer notices about Joshua Tobey’s animal sculptures is that they often emanate an almost human-like sense of humor. His bronze bear cubs are reminiscent of playful toddlers, and his bunnies can take on the demeanor of a gangly teenager slouched on the floor. Tobey didn’t dream of becoming an artist as a child, but rather envisioned life as a ski instructor or a professional fly-fishing guide. He credits his father, noted sculptor Gene Tobey, for never pushing him or his siblings toward careers in fine art. In fact, it wasn’t until he took an art course at Western State College of Colorado that the art bug bit him. He soon switched from pursuing a degree in recreation to earning a degree in sculpture. Tobey, who now divides his time between Texas and New Mexico, chalked up accolades and kudos early in his career and hasn’t looked back.
Price change since then: They’ve gone up at least 25 percent.
duSter, Bronze, 7 x 16 x 8. 
Palm Springs, CA; Astoria Fine Art, Jackson, WY; Bronze Coast Gallery,
Cannon Beach, OR; Exposures International, eAcH 8 x 5 x 7. Sedona, AZ; Gallery 822, Santa Fe, NM; Lynch
& Kennedy, Skagway, AK; Sacred Dancing Gallery,
Bigfork, MT; www.joshuatobeystudios.com.
UPCOMING SHOWS
Contemporary Masters, Adagio Galleries, January 9, 2010.
Valentine’s Show, Gallery 822, February 12-13, 2010.
Anniversary Show, Gallery 822, May 7-8, 2010.
As featured in SouthwestArt December 2009 © Southwest Art, Inc. • Reprinted by Permission • Permission does not imply endorsement.