“Art can reveal a bit of who you are,” says Veronique Hammons-Leemans, owner of Gallery Veronique. “It can also provide an atmosphere for relaxation or work. It can set the tone for your lifestyle.”
But many aren’t sure about what artwork is right for their home—that’s where Veronique comes in. “I tell customers to take the time to see a lot of art—it’s important to develop a sense of what touches their hearts,” she says. “Once you decide what touches you, it gets easier to be confident about buying a piece.”
Annual visits to the New York Art Expo and routine appearances at other exhibitions around the world enable Veronique to source the best, brightest, and most trendsetting artists today.
“My personal collection is made of surrealist prints from famous artists, most of them European,” she explains. “I also have African masks and contemporary works. I love warm colors, orange in particular.”
Of course, the right kind of art for each home can vary quite a bit. “I have clients who have mostly soft colors of light blues and gray to create a relaxing, peaceful environment. I also have clients who are passionate about being surrounded by memories, or events they relate to—particularly with sports fans, but it’s also true of families who cherish artwork that has been passed down from a previous generation.” And then there are the works that light up a room with bright, vibrant colors. “Those works contribute to a festive mood,” Veronique says, “for parties and pleasant gatherings.”
Veronique loves her job as an art consultant and collector—and it shows. “I see beautiful things all day,” she smiles. “How can this not be the best job in the world? I bring beauty, peace, and joy. What’s not to like?”
The Bains
“Veronique has always been very patient when we’ve been uncertain about a piece,” Melody and Mike say. “She’s been able to help us choose pieces that not only complement the spaces in our home, but also reflect our tastes—and sometimes helps us to venture artistically where we may never have considered before!”
“This particular painting was displayed at HOMEARAMA, and we immediately knew it was perfect for our bar area. The whimsical, pop art painting was fun at first glance, had loads of nuances the longer you looked at it, and it’s been a big hit with friends and family at every gathering.”
ARTIST: Craig Alan, Jack Nicklaus Populus
Kevin Shepherd
“A while back, I was talking to Veronique about my passion for golf and being a member at professional golfer Jack Nicklaus’ premier club,” says Kevin. Veronique shared a portrait of Nicklaus with Kevin, but he needed time to consider. “It was so different, and I kept thinking how wonderful this unusual piece would be in my collection. Once we determined the size of the piece, the rest was easy.
“I’ve been working with Veronique for a while now, and I pretty much let her do her thing,” Kevin laughs. “I trusted her to advise me well, and related my taste to the artist working on the commission piece. It’s special to me—I was even able to have it signed by Jack.”
ARTIST: Craig Alan, Jack Nicklaus Populus
Lisa Silverthorne
“Veronique paid attention to what we were drawn to,” says Lisa. “She gave straightforward guidance that helped us become confident we were making the right choices for our home.”
“Our primary guest bedroom has a tranquil vibe—we wanted a painting that would honor that yet add character to the room; the frame Veronique helped us choose makes sure the piece stands out yet ties it into the rest of the room. Conversely, in our main living area, we wanted a large, bold, colorful piece to add vibrancy. It’s now the room’s centerpiece.”
“Art is beauty,” Lisa adds. “Veronique has helped us bring more beauty into our home so we can enjoy it every day.”
TOP: Ursula Brenner, Abstract | BOTTOM: LunTse, Simplistic Garden
GalleryVeronique.com | 11364 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati | 513.530.5379