The arrival of Elaine Wesley’s artwork at the James Cox Gallery was a momentous occasion. In 2008, we were referred to appraise the estate of the recently deceased New York painter. What we found was astonishing—more than five hundred oil paintings, along with countless prints, drawings, and works on paper. The task of cataloging and photographing such an extensive collection was daunting, yet our excitement only grew. This was a major discovery.
Over the next two years, we delved into Wesley’s past, uncovering details about her training, her life, and the mystery of why such a brilliant artist, despite living in the heart of New York’s art world for nearly fifty years, remained largely underrepresented in major galleries.
Elaine Wesley began her artistic journey in 1946 at the Art Students League, studying under Harry Sternberg and Nahum Tschacbasov. She continued her education at Pratt Institute, which led to a career in New York’s advertising industry—a path she soon found stifling. Determined to pursue her true passion, she left the graphic arts world to paint full-time.
Throughout her career, Wesley exhibited at institutions such as the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, The Brooklyn Museum, Artists Equity (NYC), Terrain Gallery, and the Waverly Gallery. Yet, despite these moments of recognition, her work remained largely undiscovered by the wider art world.
Today, the James Cox Gallery at Woodstock administers the Elaine Wesley Estate, ensuring that her extraordinary body of work receives the recognition it deserves. The 2011 exhibition Seeing is Believing was both a critical and commercial success, following strong sales at the Woodstock Artists Association & Museum’s 2009 annual exhibition and public auction.
Stay connected with us for updates on future exhibitions and new developments as we continue to celebrate the legacy of this remarkable artist.