Our cover this month, Orville Bulman’s “Chant du Coq, 1960” (19 7/8 in. by 18 in.), sold for $9,375 at Doyle’s Impressionist & Modern Art auction in New York City on May 3, 2016. A distinguished artist, Bulman successfully juggled an art career with his role as president of his family’s business (a manufacturing company).
Unable to ignore his artistic calling, Bulman pursued his passion for painting alongside his duty to carry on his father’s company. His jovial, colorful paintings were greatly inspired by the scenery of his Palm Beach, Fla. winter home, his travels to the Caribbean islands and the work of Henri Rousseau, the self-taught French painter. Universally appealing, Bulman’s one-man shows always sold out both in the United States and Europe. He counted the Duchess of Windsor and U.S. Presidents Gerald Ford and Robert F. Kennedy as collectors of his works. Bulman also had a philanthropic side, establishing a foundation with his wife that’s dedicated to helping other artists and museums. The proceeds from every painting sold went to funding this cause; he would also purchase works by other artists and donate them to various museums and galleries.
Given Bulman’s endeavors as an artist, businessman and philanthropist, his estate likely required intricate planning and detail. Whether planning for families with substantial art collections or helping clients maintain their wealth throughout retirement, this month’s issue covers topics of interest for advisors working with Renaissance man-type clients like Bulman.
