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Question: Michael Godard Biography
Answer: The Punch Line on Canvas
Michael Godard (born 1963) is a Southern California native who redefined the conservative art world by giving it a sense of humor. Educated at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena and UNLV, Godard’s "no-smoke" career began after stints as a mechanical engineer and commercial illustrator. The iconic "Godard Olive" was born in a hospital room—while his daughter was in a coma, he began sketching humorous olives in bright colors against a black backdrop to keep himself afloat emotionally. This whimsical perspective exploded into a global phenomenon, making him one of the top-selling artists in the U.S. His work is permanently installed in the Officer’s Lounge at the Pentagon and displayed on every U.S. Navy aircraft carrier. Despite his "Naughty Artist" persona, Godard is a major philanthropist, dedicating his career to raising millions for St. Jude’s and cancer research following the loss of his daughter to brain cancer in 2006.
At Herndon Fine Art, we have followed Michael Godard’s explosive career since his early days in Las Vegas. Our collection is a vetted selection of Vetted Consignments and Vetted Dealer Networks, focusing on his out-of-print "S Series" serigraphs and hand-embellished canvas Giclees. Because Godard’s work is heavily collected by celebrities and rock stars, our vetting process ensures that every signature and Certificate of Authenticity (COA) is legitimate. We stand behind every "Godard-ism" with our A+ BBB commitment. |
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Question: Why are the olives always on a black background?
Answer: Godard discovered that a rich black background creates a "dramatic stage" that allows the colors of the olives, pimentos, and martini glasses to glow with an almost three-dimensional intensity. For a collector, this is the "vetted" Godard look. At Herndon Fine Art, we verify the background quality to ensure it is free from the scuffing that can plague high-gloss black canvases. |
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Question: What is the "7 Deadly Zins" series?
Answer: This is one of Godard's most famous collections, where he uses purple grapes to portray the seven deadly sins—pride, envy, anger, avarice, sadness, gluttony, and lust. His market is incredibly liquid; while unique original acrylics like Bar Open have realized values of $20,000, his hand-signed limited edition Giclees like 7 Deadly Zins consistently realize between $2,000 and $8,500 on the secondary market. |
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Question: What does "Hand-Embellished" mean for a Godard Giclee?
Answer: Godard (or his studio assistants under his direction) often adds original paint to the canvas Giclees to highlight the martini splashes or the pimentos in the olives. Some "Deluxe" editions even include hand-drawn doodles by Godard on the back or in the margins. We distinguish these "Embellished" pieces from standard prints in your database to ensure factual accuracy for your collectors. |
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Question: Why are "The Olives" his absolute "Brand"?
Answer: Godard is the "Rockstar of Art." His original acrylics featuring "Naughty Olives" (like Caught the Cork) have asking prices as high as $149,000. His "Wine Shower" originals retail for $18,000. |
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Question: What is the value of a "VIP Godard Party" edition?
Answer: Godard frequently holds "VIP Art Parties" (the next one scheduled for November 2026). Pieces purchased or signed at these events carry a premium of $2,500+. For a dealer, a giclee with a hand-painted "Remarque" by the artist is a high-value multiple. |
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Question: Does "Whimsy" drive the market?
Answer: Absolutely. The more "Funny" or "Vegas" the theme (Olives, Grapes, Flamingos), the higher the demand. His work has a high "Resale Liquidity" because it appeals to a massive retail fan base. |
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Question: How do "Vetted Consignment" and "Vetted Dealer Network" listings differ?
Answer: At Herndon Fine Art, we value talking with you directly. Vetted Consignments (RH code) are pieces sourced from private collections—often from Vegas-area collectors—that we have physically inspected. Vetted Dealer Network (TAC or AE) listings come from our trusted partners. Regardless of the source, our 40-year reputation stands behind every signature. |
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Question: Why should I consult with Herndon Fine Art for a Godard purchase?
Answer: Because Godard’s work is so popular, there are many "merchandise" versions (posters, kiosks) that lack fine art value. We use our 40 years of experience to identify official Godard Fine Art stamps and COAs. We don't do "shopping cart" sales; we want to talk with you directly to ensure you are getting a verified investment-grade piece that truly "rocks." |
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1. EVERY piece of art receives my personal verification of condition and authentication.
2. I WILL NOT ship artwork that isn't in a condition I would accept into my own collection.
3. An A+ Rating from the Better Business Bureau
***** ALL PRICES are set by each Seller based on their Unique Motivation to Sell ***** We have a low commission structure of only
25% above each Seller's asking price or a $minimum commission. This allows us to provide buyers with the best price, sellers a better opportunity to sell, and still keep the lights on. In almost all cases, artwork is shipped unframed (UNLESS The ARTWORK IS ON CANVAS or 3-DIMENSIONAL), as I need to personally verify the artworks' authenticity and condition. Artwork that is shipped Framed is shipped framed to protect the work during shipping. Framing is considered USED
NOTE: Inventory is continuously changing so view your favorite artists pages often. For information on having your inventory added to our Website, contact us at the address below.
Click on the Link below and Join us as a Friend for ongoing featured information
Every client has different motivations for selling and as such we don't offer pricing on the pieces clients sell
If you are looking for the value of your limited edition artwork -- we have a $50 charge for certificates of value if you provide the title, the number of your piece, and an image of your artwork. Original one-of-a-kind pieces require a formal appraisal. Please see our Appraisal Services page.
All information contained in these web pages is trademarked and copyrighted by Herndon Fine Art (c). All visual copyrights belong to the artists. All rights reserved. |
