Money for Monet

Texas philanthropist's $250 million art collection goes on auction

Interior of Anne H. Bass's New York City home. From left to right: Mark Rothko, Untitled (Shades of Red); Claude Monet, Le Parlement, soleil couchant; Rothko, No. 1.

Photo courtesy of Christie's

A collection of 12 artworks owned by late Fort Worth philanthropist Anne Hendricks Bass is hitting the auction block in May in a sale that’s expected to fetch more than $250 million.

The dozen artworks come from Bass’ Fifth Avenue apartment in New York City. She was the ex-wife of Sid Bass, the Fort Worth investor and oil heir whose net worth is estimated at $3.4 billion.

Anne H. Bass died of ovarian cancer in April 2020 at the age of 78. A longtime resident of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, she was an avid supporter of local nonprofits and arts organizations, including Jewel Charity Ball, Junior League, Texas Ballet Theater, the Cliburn, Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, and the Modern Art Museum.

“These 12 works form a singularly compelling narrative that speaks to both the power of connoisseurship, and the enduring relevance and radicality that characterize the greatest works of art,” says Christie’s, the famed auction house selling "The Collection of Anne H. Bass."

The auction will take place in May during Christie’s annual week of 20th and 21st century art sales in New York.

Christie’s describes the collection as an assembly of “masterpieces that was profoundly rigorous yet deeply personal, shaped by her remarkably informed eye and female perspective in a world dominated by male collectors.”

“Guided by extensive knowledge and insight, Mrs. Bass acquired works and presented them in her home in a manner that established provocative dialogues across artistic periods — a poetic call and response spanning two centuries,” Christie’s adds.

Among the artworks being sold are:

Four paintings by Claude Monet collectively valued at $105 million to $165 million.
Two paintings by American artist Mark Rothko collectively valued at $105 million to $145 million.
A bronze sculpture by French artist Edgar Degas valued at $20 million to $30 million.
A painting by French artist Balthus valued at $4 million to $6 million.

The Anne Bass collection “represents everything that today’s buyers are seeking: masterpiece quality, rarity, incredible freshness to the market, and most of all, a reflection of a sophisticated collector who knew perfection when she saw it,” Bonnie Brennan, president of Christie’s Americas, says in a news release.

Ahead of the auction, selected pieces from the collection will be exhibited April 5-8 in London and April 20-21 in Hong Kong before being returned to New York.

“As a collector, Anne Bass was timeless,” says Alex Rotter, Christie’s chairman of 20th and 21st century art. “Truly passionate about art in all of its forms, she not only appreciated beautiful objects, but she lived with them. These paintings and sculptures were more than just possessions to Mrs. Bass; they were part of her home and her day-to-day life.”

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Outside the Lines

Buda artist releases intuitive drawing book with fun prompts

Photo courtesy of Ronald Gross

Artist Ronald Gross creates an intuitive drawing with crayon, which he considers a "joyful" medium.

Buda-based artist and writer Ronald Gross released a book in November called Unlock Your Creativity: A Guide to Intuitive Drawing, which will walk aspiring expressers through drawing without worry. On December 6, he'll be on hand to help in an intuitive drawing demo at Buda Public Library's Holiday Open House.

The book is a hands-on guide that teaches readers how to lean into their own desires and intuitions when drawing, whether they feel like an artist or not. In this way, intuitive drawing should feel relaxing, meditative, and ultimately, beneficial for mental health. If you find coloring books relaxing and meditative, intuitive drawing may have the same effect on you.

"Intuitive drawing is the practice of creating art without a specific plan or outcome in mind," says Gross. "It’s about letting your hand move freely, guided by emotion, curiosity, or subconscious impulses; not about making something perfect."

An intuitive drawing by author and artist Ronald Gross. Intuitive drawing is simple, joyful, and according to Gross can calm the mind much like meditation. Photo courtesy of Ronald Gross

This book presents exercises to access a mindful state: freeform doodling, blind contouring drawing, drawing from the imagination, and drawing from emotions. For artists feeling stuck, Gross also includes plenty of exercises for overcoming creative blocks and even discusses ways intuitive drawing can be applied to other creative projects and areas of life.

In the December workshop, Gross will give a quick demonstration on how to create an intuitive drawing using nothing but lines, shapes, and simple marks. Then participants can try it out with a variety of crayons, because crayons are "tactile" and can quickly transport people into a "playful, unselfconscious space," according to Gross.

"The workshop is all about creating a supportive, judgment-free space to explore intuitive drawing," he says. "Attendees will leave with tools to keep practicing on their own and, hopefully, a renewed sense of creativity and playfulness."

An intuitive drawing from author and artist Ronald Gross. In college Gross was taught how to take a doodle and elevate it into fine art.Photo courtesy of Ronald Gross

Gross's own journey into intuitive drawing started at a young age, when he would doodle and sketch throughout the school day. Years later at the Academy of Art University, a professor encouraged him to lean into this more intuitive and abstract style of art. Since then, Gross has been exploring intuitive drawing's ability to access a meditative state, as well as tap into the subconscious mind.

"When you draw intuitively, you’re fully present in the moment," Gross says. "Your mind quiets, and you become attuned to the flow of your thoughts, feelings, and physical movements. It’s akin to meditation, only instead of sitting still, you’re actively channeling your inner experience onto the page."

An intuitive drawing by author and artist Ronald Gross. Gross's intuitive drawings each evoke a different feeling through his simple use of color and linework. Photo courtesy of Ronald Gross

Gross adds that over time, doing some of the exercises included in the book may even help boost confidence, since intuitive drawing can help people learn to trust their instincts.

"Intuitive drawing can unlock creativity, reduce stress, and help people reconnect with their inner selves," he adds. "It offers a space to process emotions, spark ideas, and break free from perfectionism or overthinking."

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