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Question: Gordon McGlothlin Biography
Answer: Contemporary Abstract Design
Gordon McGlothlin is an American master whose "no-smoke" training began at the University of Colorado. Before devoting himself to fine art, he was a powerhouse in the commercial world, working for Leo Burnett (then the world's 4th largest agency) and founding his own award-winning design studio. His style, Contemporary Abstract Design, is a synthesis of his graphic expertise and a lifelong observation of natural forms. Since 1994, McGlothlin has been a staple of major exhibitions like Art Miami and ArtExpo New York. His work is characterized by "meticulous production"—he is one of the few artists who personally handles every stage of the printing process to ensure his archival pigmented inks meet museum standards. His art is held in the prestigious corporate collections of Apple Computer, Xerox, Nationwide Insurance, and Eli Lilly, as well as the executive offices of Time Warner.
At Herndon Fine Art, we have been a primary source for Gordon McGlothlin for decades. Our collection features In-House Inventory (identified as [In House]), Vetted Dealer Networks (identified as [Partner]), and Vetted Consignments (identified by the first names of our private sellers). Because McGlothlin's work relies on precise color gradients and Somerset paper textures, our vetting process ensures that the Giclée surfaces are pristine and free of "ink-drag" or handling marks. We stand behind every signature with our 40 years of experience and A+ BBB commitment. |
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Question: What makes his Giclees different from "standard" prints?
Answer: The "no-smoke" fact is that McGlothlin is his own master printer. Most artists send a file to a lab; Gordon prints each piece himself using archival pigmented inks on Somerset 100% Cotton Watercolor Paper. At Herndon Fine Art, we verify this "Artist-Printed" status in your database, as it ensures a level of color control and longevity far superior to mass-produced digital prints. |
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Question: Why is his work favored by major tech companies like Apple?
Answer: McGlothlin's background in graphic design gives his work a structural balance that appeals to modern corporate environments. His compositions, like Totem and Silk Road, are designed to anchor large spaces without overwhelming them. His market remains active in early 2026; while his large-scale originals can realize up to $3,000, his hand-signed limited editions consistently realize between $450 and $1,900. |
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Question: How do I distinguish between his "Fine Art" and "Design" work?
Answer: In addition to his gallery pieces, McGlothlin has designed patterns for textiles and greeting cards for companies like Day-Timers and Century Greetings. We provide factual provenance to distinguish these commercial "pattern designs" from his Limited Edition Fine Art, which are hand-signed and numbered for the collector market. |
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Question: What is the significance of the "Triptych" formats?
Answer: McGlothlin often works in multi-panel formats (Diptychs and Triptychs) like Cloudscape III. These allow collectors to fill massive architectural walls—sometimes up to 13 feet wide. We identify these Suite Works in your database to ensure you are acquiring the complete set for maximum visual impact. |
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Question: What are common condition issues with Somerset paper?
Answer: Because 100% Cotton Watercolor Paper is highly absorbent, the primary concern is "cockling" (waviness) if exposed to humidity. We also check for "ink-scuffing" on the saturated color fields. We physically inspect every piece—whether [In House] or from a Vetted Consignment—to ensure the paper is flat and the pigmented ink surface is unmarred. |
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Question: What is the value of a "Large Format" McGlothlin giclee?
Answer: McGlothlin is known for his large-scale contemporary giclees (e.g., Totem, which is 78" x 38"). These large pieces retail for around $2,800. For collectors, the "Scale" is the primary value driver, as his work is designed for modern, high-ceiling architectural spaces. |
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Question: Why is the "Somerset Watercolor Paper" designation important?
Answer: McGlothlin personally prints his limited editions, often on Somerset paper. This "Artist-Controlled" process is a mark of quality. Collectors should look for his pencil signature and edition number (often out of 150) to distinguish his fine art prints from commercial decorative reproductions. |
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Question: Are his "Rose Garden" series more liquid than his abstracts?
Answer: Yes. His Rose Garden and floral-themed giclees (like Majolica) have a more consistent secondary market demand. They are seen as "Accessible Contemporary" art, making them easy to resell to residential buyers who want vibrant, high-quality color without the "Marketing Smoke." |
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Question: Why should I buy Gordon McGlothlin from Herndon Fine Art?
Answer: Yes. Values for Gordon McGlothlin’s works vary based on rarity, medium, edition size, condition, provenance, and subject matter. |
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1. EVERY piece of art receives my personal verification of condition and authentication.
2. I WILL NOT ship artwork that isn't in a condition I would accept into my own collection.
3. An A+ Rating from the Better Business Bureau
***** ALL PRICES are set by each Seller based on their Unique Motivation to Sell ***** We have a low commission structure of only
25 % above each Seller's asking price or a $minimum commission. This allows us to provide buyers with the best price, sellers a better opportunity to sell, and still keep the lights on. In almost all cases, artwork is shipped unframed (UNLESS The ARTWORK IS ON CANVAS or 3-DIMENSIONAL), as I need to personally verify the artworks' authenticity and condition. Artwork that is shipped Framed is shipped framed to protect the work during shipping. Framing is considered USED
NOTE: Inventory is continuously changing so view your favorite artists pages often. For information on having your inventory added to our Website, contact us at the address below.


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Every client has different motivations for selling and as such we don't offer pricing on the pieces clients sell
If you are looking for the value of your limited edition artwork -- we have a $50 charge for certificates of value if you provide the title, the number of your piece, and an image of your artwork. Original one-of-a-kind pieces require a formal appraisal. Please see our Appraisal Services page.
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