Ev and I went to Santa Barbara for the day about a year ago. It was early Sunday morning and he had to drop off something for work so I decided to join him. It was such a gorgeous day we decided to do some exploring and came across an art fare. We strolled around, not looking for anything in particular when we noticed these great car paintings by an interesting older man, who told us he was from Switzerland. We got to talking about life and marriage and love. We introduced ourselves. One thing lead to another and thankfully we walked back to the car with these two incredible paintings by our new friend, artist, Jean Nerfin. They are both hanging in Ev’s office and I love them. Every time I walk in there I am reminded of that day, me and Ev, adventure, Jean, and the ocean. I am so grateful Evan is the kind of man that loves art and appreciates a magical experience and takes a chance. I’ve always been told you have to truly love art to buy it. It has to speak to you. These pieces do just that for me.
ps 1912 was the year my grandpa, Harry Goldstein, was born. That’s another reason I love them so much.
Hello,
What a lovely story!
Jean is now living with me in Switzerland, and still remembers you well.
Anyway, I hope you are still enjoying the paintings!
Have a nice day
Eric Grivel (the newphew)
Wow, how fantastic to hear this. Please send our love to Jean. He made an important impression on both me and my husband. We actually just moved his amazing paintings to a much more suitable spot in our den so now everyone can enjoy them more often. I will have to do another post. You’ve inspired me. My blog is so outdated now. We are expecting our first child in June and I am now ready to get back into blogging. Wishing you and your family all the best. Thank you so much for getting in touch and all the best to Mr. Nerfin. Meri
Hello – I recently acquired a very large – 48X24 inch wonderful abstract painting of what looks like a disjointed clown juggling balls. Is there an email address I can send a photo to so Jean can identify it for me – give it a name maybe? dalydoo@gmail.com Thank you. Dale.
sorry, i don’t have one. sounds cool. enjoy.
I have a small painting of a cityscape signed Nerfin 56. It was given to my parents who lived in New York at the time by the artist, who was a friend of their’s. They told me the artist’s name was Jean Nerfin. Do you know if this could be the same Jean Nerfin? Did he ever live in New York during the 1950s?
It sounds like it could be him. I’m not really sure. If you want to email his nephew and ask, I have his contact info. Message me at meri z cherry @ gmail.com
Thank you for your promt reply. I would indeed like contact information for Mr. Nerfin’s nephew. Other than the painting Jean Nerphin gave my parents back in the 1950s, I am not familiar with his work and would like to know more about him, and possibly this painting.
I tried replying to meri z cherry @ gmail.com but it came back as an invalid address.
Many thanks,
Mark Williams
Mark, I apologize, I thought I had his info but can’t find it. I will continue to look and get back to you!
I have a Jean Nerfin painting ‘center stage’ in my living room. The scene looks down on rooftops, grain or water towers, and a sign (billboard), with the letters C, A, and a partial N visable. I would like to know what Mr. Nerfin named the piece. My hunch is Monterey’s Cannary Row.
The ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ of first time viewers is a sight to behold!
Blessings and thanks, James Davis in Eugene, Oregon
jdavis@sone.us
I’d love to see a picture. Every year I love our paintings more and more and feel so grateful we got to meet Jean. All the best. Meri
To: Eric Grivel (the newphew): you mentioned Jean is living with you in Switzerland, I just bought a painting he did in 1965 and sent a photo of it to an email address I found online for your uncle (his name at gmail . com) , I was inquiring about him, the online information and his work had given me great interest in finding out more about him, can you provide an update? Much Thanks!
today is Jean’s 90th birthday! August 1st
Happy Birthday Jean! Hope he’s celebrating in style! Please send our love.
Hello,
I too have what I believe to be an original Jean Nerfin painting (48″ x 20″) depicting island people wearing sun hats, carrying baskets etc, a horse , palm trees and buildings on stilts. It looks like a scene from a tropical island village. I would love to know more about the painting from Jean if possible. It was passed on to me by my mother who received it a gift from her sister sometime in the 1950’s – 60’s. Any information you could tell me about the painting’s history, whether it has a name and where the scene relates to would be very much appreciated.
Kind regards
Brian Clarke
Christchurch
New Zealand
Hi i just bought a original painting of nerfin it is beautiful with churches and streets with the ocean in the back ground…from I think his home town in a lot of pink tones! can you tell me about this painting.. Thank you!
I just found a beautiful pen, ink water color of sailboats on the water and a pedicab signed by Nerfin. I picked it up at a local thrift shop, wondering who would let this treasure go ?? All primary colors with some black outline and a bit of palm tree green. Lovely, simply lovely …
I have Nerfin’s 3 ladies. It was one of my father’s favorite modern painting. He purchased it in 1976 in Santa Barbara. It now proudly resides in our sunroom over the fireplace.
I have two Jean Nerfin prints that are acrylic on heavy art paper. They are vibrant scenes on the beach of people living their lives and enjoying the beach front. He was such a diverse artist.
Your art studio sounds amazing! My kids are grown now but I may bring my grandchildren when they come down to visit!