Jim Klein’s largest painting, “Corn”, has found its home in the heart of corn country.
A massive agriculture corporation has recently purchased one of Jim Klein’s largest pieces of artwork. The combined 144-inch wide, double-canvas painting is now hanging in the company’s corporate office in Illinois. Jim took a few minutes to express his gratitude and answer a few questions.
What does this sale mean for J Klein Gallery?
Jim: Sending “Corn” to the headquarters in Illinois means global exposure for J Klein Gallery as this successful company conducts business all over the world. While it is obviously a win for the gallery, on a personal note, I am so grateful this painting found its home in an agriculture-based company. It’s simply the perfect spot for “Corn”.
As someone with an extensive agriculture background, do you find you have a stronger connection to artwork centered around agriculture?
Jim: Agriculture is in my DNA. The majority of mine and my family’s lives have been centered around agriculture so I will always be drawn to that. In fact, “Corn” was my first attempt to paint on a large canvas and the art came together. It was fitting that such a large project was so successful and agriculture happened to be the subject. The reactions to “Corn” by other folks have been interesting to see, especially those that have backgrounds in agriculture. The painting is not as abstract for them; they always see the corn.
You have a few pieces that are two canvases, making up a larger image when hung together. Do you find painting multiple canvases more difficult than a single canvas?
Jim: When working on two canvases, I visualize them as one and thus I paint the piece as one. It doesn’t make painting much more difficult, but because of the size, it does often take more time to complete.
Would you ever sell an intended two-piece artwork as single canvases or must they always be a set?
Jim: The two-canvas paintings I create fit so well together they are like a right and left foot. If you take away one, the art won’t be able to stand on its own. These pieces almost always need each other.
Would you like to share how long “Corn” took you to complete?
Jim: A lifetime of experience in the agriculture world.
To view more agriculture-inspired artwork by Jim Klein, click here.
To visit the Online Gallery, click here.