Five First Growths

Wine connoisseurs will notice a small detail about this piece that might normally escape attention. The unusual detail of this piece is the label on the Chateau Mouton-Rothschild that is featured. Part of an artist’s series, the label features a reclining nude, and was considered too risqué for export to the United States. All bottles sold in the US were relabeled with a more conservative label. Thus, this bottle is from a true, or truly lucky, collector, someone who was able to purchase the wine while in France. Thomas Arvid Preeminent Painter of Wine Thomas Arvid possesses an unerring ability to refine a moment. In doing so he captures our wonder and has become an art world phenomenon. Named one of the top "25 Artists You Should Know" by US Art magazine, Arvid receives critical acclaim for his ability to portray centuries old traditions in a startingly fresh style. His oversized still life compositions of wine and the rituals surrounding its consumption are often called "photo-realistic." Arvid's images astound viewers with their intricate details and his mastery of light, depth and reflection. Arvid's influence on the art world has been the focus of an Art Business News cover story, profiles in Wine Spectator and the Los Angeles Times, and featured on the cable program "In Wine Country." Influential collectors of his work include many important wineries. Silver Oak Cellars, Shafer Vineyards, Diamond Creek Winery and Flora Springs Winery all display Arvids prominently. The magic of his painting is in Thomas Arvid's ability to visualize and chronicle an entire scene beyond the frame - to tell a story of enjoyment and the good life - using lush color and adroit composition. he illuminates and shares that moment with viewers. The aura surrounding the work of Thomas Arvid is palpable. Arvid's international appeal has created such demand that his work is represented by over 50 elilte art galleries in the US, Canada and Japan, and collectors are willing to wait years for one of his originals. In the span of ten short years, the artist has achieved spectacular success and no one has been more awed by the response than Arvid himself. "I'm so lucky that I get to make a living doing what I love. I paint because I enjoy the process and the surprise of creating something from nothing - just a vignette in my mind, a blank canvas and tubes of paint. It's amazing. Then my collectors are able to find a personal connection and fulfillment in a piece of my work. That is truly special." Thomas Arvid's natural charisma and infectious enthusiasm for art and wine guarantee his continued success and popularity. Arvid's work and philosophy is perfectly embodied in his famous phrase, "Life without art is like dinner without wine. Why bother?"