Friday, September 28, 2007

Shows




The group show, "Femme" at the Russell Collection Sept. 8 in Austin was really well attended. Four women artists, myself, Jill Pankey, Vicki McMurray, (both very accomplished painters) and Kathrene Watts Martinez who had spectacular photographs of horses. Over 200 people attended. There were multiple sales for all the artists but most came before the actual opening. The opening was pretty exciting for me but the owner pointed out that it is difficult to sell art when it is so crowded because people can't see the work. People will come back however. My friend Gale Wiley did a cool video of the show. If you'd like to see it click on this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEqw_9m3DtM

By the time it was made I had talked to so many people that I had almost lost my voice. I don't sound like I have too much of a Texas "twang", however, so that is good. Then the next weekend my husband Frank and I went to Dallas for a group show at Thornwood Gallery. I've shown with Thornwood in Houston for about 8 years and this was the grand opening of their new gallery in Dallas. It is in the design district which has had a lot of galleries move into old warehouses that have been updated to make very cool showrooms. That day was also a gallery walk and there was good attendance at that show as well. One side of the gallery walls are of old brick and the paintings and sculpture look great against that background. See photo above.

I was sick for the last two weeks so have been slow painting for my next show which is Nov. 9 at Thornwood Gallery in Houston. Make me anxious but I have done a few pieces and finally got started on the new Black and White series that I've been talking about. As you know I've been collecting black and white designs in anticipation for this series. The idea first began in 2005 when we took a trip to Washington DC. I took a lot of photos of the streets as we were crossing. I have since lost the files because my computer crashed but those images have stuck in my memory. Also, as I have mentioned, in every publication I pick up lately black and white designs jump out at me. Another influence has been the quilts of Gee's Bend that I saw a couple of years ago and MOMA Houston. Such graphic images. So with all these things gelling I finally set out this week. Since I fancy myself to be a colorist, my idea was not to use stark black and white only but to have color coming from beneath, add a few smaller blocks of other colors and to use simple graphic designs. I am pretty pleased with the first piece which is a diptych, two pieces at 24"x24"x 2.5"d and now I'm excited to see what more I can develop with this idea.

Thursday, September 6, 2007

The last three weeks

I'm thinking of changing the title and focus of this blog. Don't know just what or how yet.



I have been working on commissions for the last three weeks. Have completed two paintings that are 48"x48" each that are going to California and today I will finish up on a 32"x32" painting to go in a new hospital in Austin. I'd love to start on my new series today. We'll see how things go.

I woke up early this morning and went out to my studio while it was still dark to work on my newsletter some more. I discovered that I was doing things wrong and that my first attempt did not go out at all. I finally got it out today and hope the response to it will be good. Part of my problem is an old computer.



Two days from now, Sat., Sept. the 8th, is my show opening at the Russell Collection Gallery in Austin and I am excited about the show. It will be 4 women artists, Jill Pankey, Vicki McMurray, and Kathrine Watts Martinez. From the responses I am getting it will be really well attended even though it is on a University of Texas home football game night. Being UT EXs we will tape the game and watch it later and hope no one at the show tells us the score. Six paintings of mine from the show have already sold and there have been good sales for the other women as well. They are all very accomplished. I haven't seen the show up yet but my husband, Frank, went by the gallery yesterday and said it looks smashing. It is so exciting to walk in the gallery and see your paintings that have been in the studio for weeks hung in a gallery setting and with gallery lighting. I will try to remember to take my camera.

I am meeting a couple of collectors who are going to the game early at the gallery and then Frank and I are having an early dinner with a dozen friends before the show. I'll give a report on my next blog.
Max
www.maxineprice.com