Testimonials

Testimonial 1

"Michael Budden has been an exhibiting Artist Member of the Salmagundi Club in New York City since 1999, and his oil paintings have graced the walls of nearly every exhibit held since he joined the Club. For a number of years he submitted mostly bucolic rural scenes marked by a graceful and elegiac style. From his riverbanks to his country farms, these landscapes won numerous awards and were very popular in both the Club Auctions and the annual Thumb-Box Exhibition. Recently Michael has begun to show New York City street and park scenes, and this new work is a departure and very exciting. He has a gift for capturing light so clearly that it defines a moment in time and space that is evocatively real. So good is this new work that his “Flatiron” oil painting was awarded the Salmagundi Club Purchase Prize, and it will be added to the Club’s Permanent Collection. The Salmagundi Club is honored to have such a fine artist among its roster of exceptional painters."

Claudia Seymour, President

Salmagundi Club

47 Fifth Avenue

New York, NY 10003

Testimonial 2
Dear Mike,
"Congratulations! I'm very proud to learn that you achieved this honor and I can see why the Salmagundi Club purchased this painting. What a nice way to end the year- Happy Holidays and may you have continued success in the New Year."
Best Regards
Cesar

Testimonial 3
"Dear Michael, Today we were able to take home "The Road To Centerbridge". We are absolutely thrilled and it looks awesome in our home. Thankyou so much for creating such a masterpiece!
With Best Regards"
Wendy and Doug Kale

Testimonial 4
"Michael Budden, I just bought your oil painting "Moonlight" after visiting it for two days. I love your handling of light- the moonlight on the field and trees and the artificial light in the two corner windows of the farm house. Thanks for attaching your bio to the back of the painting. It means alot to me to know something about the artist. I did see a number of your other paintings but this was my favorite."
Mimi Snyder

Testimonial 5
"Hi Mike, Missed seeing you at the Cooley Gallery opening last night. I really liked your painting that was up. though(Winter Shimmer) sold very quickly. I was actually thinking of buying it myself when the red dot appeared! Congrats. It had a really beautiful quality of light, and the landscape felt so familiar to me- and reminiscent of scenes I see(and try to paint) around here."
James Coe /artist

Testimonial 6
"Dear Michael, We love your wonderful painting-it will be enjoyed and well taken care of.
Thank You"
Carol and Phil Cane

Testimonial 7
"Hello Mike, Thank you so much for sending Wendy and me American Art Review. How exciting to see "The Road To Centerbridge" in such a prestigious magazine... and rightly so! Move over Redfiled and Garber! I took a peak at the "Road To New Hope" on your web site. Wow! You've done it again. Is the painting available and if so what is the price? I imagine that this may be featured in an upcomming show... how does that work? Do we have to wait to purchase at the show or can we do this ahead of time? Thanks
again, Mike. Wendy and I send our warmest wishes to your family for a wonderful holiday season. Best Regards, Doug"

Doug Kale

Testimonial 8
"Hello Mr. Budden, After becoming aware of an upcomming show at the Coryell Gallery featuring some of your works. I went to your website to see previous pieces and I have to tell you, I am actually quite astonished at your work. I've always been intriqued by an artists use of light and you seem to be a master of that. I'am interested in two pieces on your site that probably have been sold but it is worth it for me to ask if they are still available. They are: "Winter On Main Street-New Hope" and "Luscious Light-Lambertville". If you could possibly tell me the availability for both of them, I'd appreciated it."
Sincerely, Sean O"Connor

Testimonial 9
I hung your painting and find the use of light to be exceptional. I would most certainly acquire another work. As you know how hard it is to create that "great" work but I am sure that you have and will continue to do that. Thanks.
Robert Pless

Testimonial 10
"Dear Mike- I have been following your web site for some time having first come across your ad in American Art Review back a year or so ago. Among your many paintings "Winter On Main Street, New Hope" has always been my favorite becuase it reminds me so of my birthplace which is Bay Head, NJ. There is a bridge there on Bridge Avenue that crosses what was called Scow Ditch. My family owned a grocery store just a few steps away where my brothers and I grew up. We moved to Miami when I was nine years old but I remember many snowfalls that your painting recalls for me and walking home from church with my mother thru the snow. You have great talent and I wish you continued success. By the way, I did purchase your painting titled, "Hotel Pennsylvania" and enjoy having it."
John R. Schwartz
Vice President
UBS Financial Services Inc.

Testimonial 11
"Congrats Mike! You continue to garner awards and kudos for your outstanding paintings. One day one of your great works I want in my collection."
"I love this landscape-you have done a masterful job of painting the density of the forest in the background. Many thanks for sharing your works with all of us."
With Regards,
Raghu

Testimonial 12
"Dear Mike, Just received the three small paintings. They exceeded my expectations. I was expecting great, but these are wonderful jewels. tremendous!"
Thanks so much
Bright Blessings
Barb Hughes
Hughes Gallery

Testimonial 13
"Easton Evening I"
Winner of "Honorable Mention Award" at the 6th Annual Easton Plein Air Festival"
Awards Judge Mr. Jean Stern
"Mike Budden paints places and scenes that are part of his everyday life experiences. When I looked at this evocative night scene, I could feel Budden's affinity to this specific place. The use of the light pole to define the space, and the overriding sense of calm evident in this painting is magical and, in my mind, truly captures the elegance of night."
Jean Stern
Executive Director
The Irvine Museum
18881 Von Karman Avenue, Suite 100,
Irvine California 92612

Testimonial 14
"Your work is so good and the article seems to be well written. I like your night scenes and I hope to see you and your wife at the Travis opening in September. Fondly."
Jan Maribito

Testimonial 15
"Mike, Iit is my pleasure to sponsor an artist of your caliber at the Sketch Club. Your paintings continue to inspire me. Adding the membership of the Philadelphia Sketch Club to resume will add dividends."
Best Wishes
Sharon Shaw

Testimonial 16

"Michael Budden's painterly and vibrant landscapes and cityscapes show a sensitivity to place and atmosphere. painting en plein air, he is one of today's most accomplished realist artists and offers a refreshing interpretation of the world around him."

Debra Force

Preseident,

Debra Force Fine Art

Testimonial 17

" The first time I saw a Michael Budden painting, it took my breath away. There are simply some painters, who paint so tenderly that we know we're in the presence of a great artist. For me, Michael is one of those. As an artist and an art gallery owner, I look at hundreds of paintings each year. There are millions of artists painting pretty pictures all over the world. For any of them to rise above, and paint in a manner commanding our attention, is more than just good luck. Its a combination of talent and sensitivity to the world around us. It's possessing the heart to paint what we all feel, when we're in the presence of beauty. And it's obvious to almost everyone who sees the work. For me, Michael Budden is one of those artists and I'm extremely proud to represent him.

Barbara Hughes

Hughes Gallery, Inc

Boca Grande, FL

Testimonial 18

On winning the "Gary T. Erbe Award" at the 98th Annual Exhibition, Allied Artists of America

"Dear Mike,
It was a pleasure to meet you and your wife on the occasion of the Allied Artists of America Annual Exhibition.
"Composition in Grey, Brooklyn Bridge" is an exceptional painting exhibiting your command of composition and color. Truly a master work of an iconic image.

Sincerely,
Gary"

Gary T. Erbe, President Emeritus, Allied Artists Of America

Testimonial 19

Dear Mike: Mary and I enjoyed seeing you again yesterday. I was not kidding when I mentioned that your affinity for the same artists that I admire and try to collect (Allen, Corey, Strisik, etc) figured into the equation and our decision to purchase your work at a price higher than where we originally planned to go. As an artist, you share with them many of their fine qualities. However, we already are enjoying the paintings, although they now reside on the floor until we figure out where they will finally star on our walls. Also, to clear up any misunderstanding about your wonderful collection, specifically the E. Maxwell Albert and Ernest Albert, Jr paintings. You are correct that they are both by the same artist, E. Maxwell Albert (1890-1955) who signed in both ways, Maxwell and Jr. I mistakenly thought that you meant E. Maxwell Albert was the same as his father Ernest Albert (1857-1946), another artist I highly admire. Keep up the good work and we wish you and your family all the best for the forthcoming holidays. Thanks and best wishes, Jack and Mary Wood.

December 1, 2011

John and Mary Wood

Testimonial 20

Mike: I just read a comment by an art critic that reminded me of our recent meeting at your home and studio. She wrote that one of the most interesting ways to explore an artist's sensibilities is through the art that they collect/own but did not make. That got us thinking about how best to exhibit the Buddens that we own in the Berkshires, so fyi, here's what we did: Winter Day at St. Patrick's is adjacent to a large William B.P. Clossen (attribution) painting of horses pulling snow called The Big Haul; All That Glitters is next to a Gifford Beal (estate) painting that we think probably is a view of the New York Central's old rail yard along the Hudson in New York; Composition in Grey posed a dilemma for us. I wanted to pair it with a Plaza Square nocturnal NYC view by John Grabach, but we decided finally to position it with a colorful impressionist scene of Monhegan harbor by Charles Ebert. It took a while to figure out how to rearrange things, but we succeeded. Normally I'm reluctant to mix works by "breathers" with passed painters, but your paintings are the exceptions. They look great and, I'm not stroking you when I say it, 'they hold their own in the company of past American masters'. When you get up to the Berkshires, you can see for yourself. Keep up the good work. Best, Jack Wood.

December 5, 2011

John Wood/ Art Collector and Owner of the Berkshire Art Gallery

Testimonial 21

Hi Michael - I see you have 3 bids on your painting for the 3rd. Auction. Although, I was in Phila. I heard you sold your painting for $1200 at the 2nd. Auction, if the info reached me correctly. Also in Phila, I visited the Parke Schaffer Gallery and saw your work. Nothing succeeds like success. All the best, Roger

Testimonial 22

Mike,

The paintings arrived safely just a few minutes ago and they are stunning! Since I expect their stay here to be brief, what can I tell my clients regarding the timetable for future paintings? Beautiful work, Mike! Looking forward to a long and enjoyable relationship.
Best regards,
Bob

Hands Of Time

Testimonial 23

I first saw Mike Budden’s painting, “Winter Trails” when I was asked to jury the Art of the Animal Kingdom 2012 show for the Bennington Center for the Arts, Bennington, VT. I was immediately attracted to it by its subtle hazy mood. It felt like the whitetail deer country of the northeast in winter. To be truthful, I didn’t even see the deer in the piece until I followed the path Mike provided with the compositional sweep of snow leading the eye into the piece and right around to the doe, standing right where you’d expect her to be if taking a walk in the woods. When I arrived at the center and saw the original it really came alive for me. Such is the disadvantage of viewing paintings in any other way than actually standing in front it. The color harmony – the soft purples, blues and earthy oranges revealed a true artists eye as Mike wove textures and colors into a magical little scene.

" I enjoyed meeting you and hope we cross paths again sometime".

Greg Beecham

Testimonial 24

Michael, I just want to share with you how impressive I find your artwork on your website. I was especially drawn to your wildlife artworks. You have some incredible skill and talent! I am an aspiring Texas wildlife artist and I will look back on your website periodically for updates. Thank you for the kind words. it means a lot. I first became aware of your artistic skill when I was actually in high school 13 years ago and I was given the "Best of Wildlife Art" book. A world apart down in Ft Worth, TX I was so impressed with the level of emotion your wildlife acrylic painting "Sanctuary" invoked and it really was an inspiration. Thank you and best wishes.

Jared Paul Wilson

Testimonial 25

Hi Mike,

I just saw the Salmagundian- great news great codo's-

Congratulations- I think you are developing a theme in your work- bridges- fog etc.

Could this be the New American Tonalism Movement!!!

Best

Alexander Katlan

Alexander Katlan Art Conservation, Inc.

Testimonial 26

Wow, wow and more wows! Wonderful work Michael!! I wish I lived closer to Pennsylvania! My brother lives there however, so I will forward this to him and his wife. Congratulations of the auction high bids also!

Best wishes for your exhibit, it looks stunning!

Diane Overmyer

Testimonial 27

Thanks Mike, the two snow scenes arrived safely today and they are far more impressive than the photos. Great work!

Have a good evening.

Bob

Testimonial 28

Dear Mike,

Enclosed is a check for "Dressed in Silver, Philadelphia Waterfront' and "Pretty Evening". When they arrived they were far better in person and I hung them right away to surprise my wife. Thanks for helping us to own two of your paintings.

Michael and Diana

Testimonial 29

Dear Mike,

I have had my painting "Winter on Wall Street" for a week now, and I love it more every day. It hangs in a special place in our home, and brings me great pleasure to look at it each day. It evokes memories of the great cityscape painters of the early 20 th century, especially Guy Carleton Wiggins, my favorite. I hope that you continue to paint these wonderful NYC snow scenes, and I hope to be able to purchase another at some point in the future.Best personal wishes.

W.David England, M.D.

Knoxville, Tn.

Testimonial 30

Dear Mike

Your baby has arrived!!! OH MY GOSH-I cant believe how ominous it is---absolutely breathtakingly stunning. The photos of it never could have prepared me for its beauty in person...amazing!!!

I can assure you that your baby has come to a good home---I will email you photos of it when we get it hung.

Mike, I sincerely so much appreciate all of your time and effort to allow me to own such a magnificent masterpiece. You are beyond wonderful and I am so in love with it!

Thank you does not even begin to express or describe how much it means to me to have this treasure.

Danni Jane

Testimonial 31

Painting arrived...wonderful. The Union Square piece has sentimental value. My uncle Gregory, who recently passed, owned Sabrette. The company was started by my grandfather when he came from Greece.

Greg

Testimonial 32

Mike,

It was great to meet you and thanks for spending the time with me on Sunday. More over, thanks for deciding to purchase the painting.

I owe you an apology. I don't know why I didn't make an immediate connection between you and your work. Perhaps, I was preoccupied, but I wasn't connecting the dots. Of course I know your work! I'm very familiar with your paintings and consider you a very fine painter. The atmosphere and mood you capture is tremendously evocative and there aren't many painters who can do it. I've enjoyed your work for a long time and I know what a big contribution you've made to the club over the years.

It's great to meet you and make the connection. I'll look forward to varnishing up your painting and sending it along to you. It's flattering to have such an accomplished colleague buy the painting.

Many thanks. Look forward to keeping in touch.

Regards,

Don Demers

Testimonial 33

Mike,

Thank you! We love the painting. Its already up in our living room.

I can't wait to see how some of your other Monhegan/Port Clyde works come out!

Also, thanks again for accommodating my schedule and meeting last night.

Have a great weekend.

Best,

Emmett

Testimonial 34

Painting arrived safe and sound. Very nice work and especially like your touch on the sky. Will ship back the crate hopefully tomorrow. Also, great packing job.
Paul

Testimonial 35

Hello, "Sunrise, Venice" arrived today and I am absolutely delighted with it. It has been a pleasure working with you and the gallery to acquire this painting. It looks very much at home in my living room. Many thanks for your help. Regards, Lorraine Daudelin.

Testimonial 36

Michael Budden is a national treasure. My wife and I have just recently discovered Michael and his fantastic talent for art (and I'm sorry it took this long). To view Michael's artistry, it is as though he has the ability to capture the viewer's eye and have him feel "this work was created just for me". There is something in each of his paintings we all can relate to and feel the emotion of the setting. Michael's work will move your emotions and should you be so fortunate to own any of his renderings whether originals or limited copies, it will give you a life time of warmth and happiness.
Thank you Mike, Ed and Mitzi Forrest, Wilmington, NC

Testimonial 37

	Joseph Deaner
	Dear Sir, I just wanted to let you know that this past week I was down in Boca Grande, Florida to check out my friend's father's gallery show. (You may know him, actually: Neal Hughes?) Anyway, I was in the Hughes Gallery and I came across your painting, "Evening Rain, Madison Square Park". I kept coming back to that painting. And each time I kept staring at it longer. That, sir, is a fabulous work of art. I do not have the financial ability to purchase fine art - and I probably never will - but I wanted to pass along this note as my way of letting you know that I greatly enjoyed that piece and the talent that it took to create it. I sincerely thank you for that moment. - Joseph Deaner

Testimonial 38

Hi Mike,

I just had the nicest phone call that I promised I would pass along to you. A woman just called about the Freedom Tower painting. She is a security guard somewhere in Newtown and was sitting at her job reading the Herald. I have an ad with both the Freedom Tower & the Winter Afternoon Brooklyn Bridge piece featured. She asked the price and said it was out of the realm of possibility, but she asked me to tell you how much just the photo of it moved her and that she thought it was one of the most striking images she had seen.

So, not always a sale, but you affected someone quite a bit.

Best,

Lauren

Testimonial 39

Dear Mike, It was a pleasure meeting you the other day. I can't tell you how much I'm enjoying having your beautiful painting, Winter Night, Wall Street, in my home. It is lovely! You have captured the feel perfectly, from the movement of the figures to the lights glowing on the snow covered street. I feel very lucky to have it, as well as another of your paintings, a seascape, that I bought a number of years ago. I will continue to follow your work in 2017 and wish you good health and happiness in the New Year. Best regards, Maryann

Testimonial 40

Michael Budden says...
I'm truly honored to receive this new distinction of Fellow Maxima Cum Laude from the American Artists Professional League and having my work selected as an Award Winner again here at the 88th Grand National Exhibition. It is a honor to be included with such a wide range of talented artists and look forward to future exhibitions.

Peter Rossi, Prseident of American Artists Professional League, says...

Congratulations on your new American Artists Professional League status of Fellow Maxima Cum Laude. Only 28 artists in the world have earned this distinction.

Testimonial 41

Mike,

I received the well packaged painting last evening. It looks great on the wall. Thanks for all your efforts.

Gerry

Testimonial 42

"I was first attracted to one of Mike's New York City paintings because of the personal nature of the subject matter. The mood, atmosphere and subtle details of the painting grabbed me and I just had to have it in my personal collection".

Lauren Travis

Testimonial 43

Received the painting - it is beautiful. My mother is going to love it. Thank you again.

Micahel P. Schmiege

Law Office of Michael P. Schmiege

Testimonial 44

Hello Mr. Budden,

My wife and I just purchased one of your prints. We love it. It’s proudly hanging in our home’s library loft. We’d love to know the title of the picture, if there is one, and when you painted it. We’ve been unable to find anything on the internet about it.

It looks similar to your “Solitude, Egret” – but it’s a lone Canadian Goose, behind several reeds with a dark sky.

We love your work. You’re a very talented man.

Randy and Rene Walker

Eagle, Idaho

Testimonial 45

Dear Mr. Michael Budden,

Congratulations! The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences is pleased that your work, "Evening Approach Study", was selected for the First Prize Classic Plein Air Award sponsored by Plein Air Magazine. This award was selected by our juror, Stewart White. Stewart White is a renowned Plein Air Artist as well as the current President of the Mid-Atlantic Plein Air Painters Association. The revered awards were competitive, and we congratulate you for your honor.

Kindest regards,

Bernadette Fitzgerald

Gallery Coordinator

LBIF of the Arts and Sciences

120 Long beach Blvd, Loveladies, NJ 08008

Testimonial 46

Good Morning, Michael

Birds In Art opened with great success. Nearly 70 artists attended and a thousand guests filled the galleries. It was wonderful. The collections committee met yesterday and I'm happy to ask if The Lunch Crowd is still available for the museum to purchase. If so, it will become part of their permanent collection.

I look forward to hearing from you to confirm the purchase.

Jane

Jane Weinke

Curator of Collections/Registrar

Woodson Art Museum

700 North Twelfth Street

Wausau WI 54403-5007

Testimonial 47

Mike,

Sorry that you weren’t able to attend this year’s International show. We had a great crowd of about 200.

I wanted to let you know that your painting sold during the opening. Congrats! In fact, we had two couples that wanted to buy it but only one was the lucky winner that evening.

Best,

~Monique

Monique Foster

Gallery Director

The Maritime Gallery

Mystic Seaport Museum

P.O.Box 6000

47 Greenmanville Avenue

Mystic, CT 06355

Testimonial 48

Hi Mike

Thank you so much for the tour and delightful visit. I absolutely love the painting and cant wait to take it and find the right frame. You have an amazing talent.

I cannot wait until we get that condo in the city so I can buy some of snowy New York scenes. Just love them, Michael!

Donna

Testimonial 49

"The packing was perfect, the art was even better in person . Absolutely great work of art. I would buy from him again. "

A New Collector

Testimonial 50

Mike -

Bravo!! My Wall Street painting arrived safe and sound and is already hung and admired by my quarantined family! My wife, Laura loves it as do I. Even my 18 year old son likes it - and he commits to nothing! Thank you so much; its been a fun journey with a wonderful ending.

Darby

PS - love the Washington Square painting on your note card.

Testimonial 51

Dear Mr. Budden,

The painting Park Plaza Hotel just arrived and is now the centerpiece of our art collection. It is absolutely superb.

Thank you for shipping the painting promptly and securely.

Burt Saxon

Milford CT

Testimonial 52

I've been a collector of Michael's art for 30 years. I am thankful everyday for the joy his paintings bring to me. They always make me smile and take me back home to my South Jersey roots. Thanks for your inspirations!

Joanne

Testimonial 53

Expert packaging and protection of my lovely artwork. Arrived quickly! The painting is beautiful and very happy with this purchase. Seller/Artist made it very easy and a special purchase

A California Collector

Testimonial 54

Hi Mike, the painting has arrived safely - and it is delightful, I absolutely love it! The frame suits it perfectly.

It's a lovely work, Mike, I feel as though I could step right into the scene. Definitely now my favorite piece!

Thank you so much, and best wishes on your continued success.

Beth

Testimonial 55

Not only is Michael Budden's painting "Moonlight Seascape" breathtaking, but his persoanl communication and crating/shipping was above and beyond. I can't say enough good things about our experience with him.

A Florida couple

Testimonial 56

Your painting arrived safe and sound and I love it. Put another way, I could not bear to return it. What a lovely piece.

It is gorgeous.

A Private Collector

Testimonial 56

Mike,

It's perfectly fine (great packing!).

I know she's going to love it.

Herb

Testimonial 57

James5:15 PM

Mike, the painting arrived today ! As always; the real painting is so incredible compared to a photograph of it. I appreciate you allowing me to purchase your art at a budget that I can afford. You are a very talented and gifted artist. It is a delight to see your originals hanging in my apartment.

The following review was listed on 1stdibs and for the purchase of my third painting for James's collection. So honored.

Exceptional artist that captures the spirit of the image at a moment in time. A delight to have Michael Budden’s original painting hanging in my home.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you. Best Regards, Jim

Testimonial 58:

Good morning Michael Just a note to let you know how much I appreciate and love your artwork. In October/November 1983, while shopping at the Quakerbridge Mall in NJ, there was an art exhibit. One of those framed paintings caught my eye, (2 Canadian geese rising out of a marsh with dark storm clouds approaching, all except one corner of a brighter sky. It was so simple, but striking, you could even see the feathers on the geese) I went home and told my husband how much I loved this painting by a NJ artist named Michael Budden.
He surprised me by going to the mall and purchasing the painting for my birthday. This painting is one of my most prized possessions. I just wanted you to know how your painting makes me happy every time I look at it, and how much I enjoy your work. Thank you for using your gift of talent so wonderfully. Janet Marshall Hampton, NJ

Testimonial 59:

Hi Mike

I was so happy to see the painting when I arrived home yesterday! It’s great and I definitely want to keep it! It’s a special piece and I am thrilled to be able to enjoy another work from you!

Private Collector