Monday, December 17, 2012

My Show Opening at the Byrne Gallery

Byrne Gallery

MarthaSpak.com

          Great Opening night!

Thank you to everyone who came to my opening night reception at the Byrne Gallery.  It was a festive night on a balmy evening in December to kick off the holidays!  My works will be on display through the end of January.
   
Have a wonderful holiday season!
www.marthaspak.com

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Art for the Holidays

www.marthaspak
"Home for the Holidays", 24" x 24", oil

 

"Treasures of the Season" at the Byrne Gallery.

Please join me December 8 from 3-6pm at the Byrne Gallery, 7 West Washington Street, Middleburg, Virginia to view new works of art and celebrate the holidays at a special reception in this historic and inviting town.  

Twenty of my new paintings of winter landscapes and special still life works will be available December 2012 through January 2013.   Please drop by if you can, I would be lovely to see you~
www.marthaspak.com
"First Frost", 11" x 14", oil
www.marthaspak.com
"Butterflies in Limoge", 8" x 10", oil

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Two National Miniature Exhibitions

"Pieces of a Dream", 5" x 5"
I am very excited to announce that five of my miniature paintings have been juried into two miniature exhibitions!
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The Maryland Federation of Art's Small Wonders exhibition had over 647 total entries and three of my paintings were selected by Laura Amussen, juror for MFA’s national all media exhibition of small works.  There will be 55 works of art on exhibit and available for sale. 
"Water Reflections", 5" x 5"





Exhibition dates: November 30 - December 28, 2012.
MFA, Circle Gallery, 18 State Circle, Annapolis, MD Reception: Thursday, December 6th, 6-8 p.m. 


In addition, two of my miniature paintings were juried into the 79th Annual Fine Art in Miniature exhibition at the Mansion at Strathmore.  This is always an exciting show with more than 400 pieces of miniature art and sculpture displayed in the mansion.  I understand that last year, the entire show was purchased by just two avid miniature collectors.  I would like to see their display!  If you can't attend the reception, consider viewing the exhibition and having holiday tea at the mansion to kick off the holidays~


79th Annual Fine Art in Miniature
November 17, 2012 - December 29, 2012
While each piece in this amazing exhibition is produced in miniature, every one represents a massive dab of talent and tender loving care.

Opening reception Sunday, November 18, 2:00 - 4:00PM
"A Good Cabernet", 4" x 4"
The Mansion at Strathmore
10701 Rockville Pike

North Bethesda, MD 20852-3224


Friday, September 28, 2012

My Art Debuts in NC Art Gallery

My painting "Back Bay" (Martha Spak)

I am excited to announce that my art will be carried by the Village Smith Galleries in Winston Salem, North Carolina.

Village Smith Galleries is a lovely light-filled gallery with a collection of original fine art from artists around the world.  Each artist brings a unique style that complements and enhances the gallery space.  The gallery owner, Sue Poovey, dedicates her energy to identifying the right mix of art to appeal to her loyal clientele.

I am very happy to be part of this exceptional group.  When I returned from Winston Salem last night and was thrilled to hear a message from Sue that one of my paintings already sold!  A great beginning to our new partnership ~

"Through the Fields" (Martha Spak)
When in Winston Salem, plan to stop in the gallery to see my new work and the entire collection.  The gallery is located at 119 Reynolda Village, Winston-Salem, NC  27106.

"Seasons of Change" (Martha Spak)


Thursday, September 6, 2012

My Visit to Middleburg


Scenic Penmora in Middleburg
Last week I visited with friends in beautiful Middleburg, Virginia. We had a great time on the luscious grounds of Penmora, and seeing the wonderful art collection of our talented friend -sculptor and gracious hostess Jeanette Petite.

Ballerina in Repose, Jeanette Petite
Jeanette is an accomplished sculptor as well as an avid art collector.  She creates her sculptures in bronze and clay and in her nearby studio and displays her collection in her Frank Lloyd Wright home she shares with her husband Michael.  


Sculpture by Jeanette Petite

The stunning sculptures are captivating and reminiscent of both classical and modern designs at the same time.  An expressive ballerina filled with contemplation, a steer- solid, strong and imposing.  She told us of a new creation, a penguin, she had been working on but it was not quite ready for display.


I can only imagine the endless inspiration at Penmora and creating in a fabulous studio.   The panoramic views of rolling hills and manicured gardens, along with a few tranquil cows, could bring the art of carving, cutting, or hewing wood, stone, metal into glorious works of art!  Thank you Jeanette for a wonderful afternoon.  

Next stop, the Byrne Gallery in downtown Middleburg.  I stopped in this lovely gallery to meet the gallery owners, Susan and Bill Bryne and to see the current exhibition.  "Art Goes Here", a special exhibition of paintings, mixed media and sculpture by Stephen Saff.  Don't miss this great show which runs September 7th - September 30. 

Byrne Gallery, 7 West Washington Street, Middleburg VA 20118



Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Art Opening for Richard Diebenkorn: The Ocean Park Series

Ocean Park #79, 93" x 81"
Last night I attended the preview for the Richard Diebenkorn: The Ocean Park Series at the Corcoran Gallery of Art and College of Art + Design.  This stunning exhibition named after the Southern California beachfront community where he created these works is a retrospective of the artists' work created between 1967 and 1988. 
MS at exhibition
 
Richard Diebenkorn (1922-1993) created large-scale luminous paintings of saturated jewel tones with layers and layers of translucent paint.  

Seeing more than 80 of these imposing paintings close up gives the viewer a key to his process.  Shown through these layers is a grid-like geometric pattern made of charcoal that provides the framework for his color panes.  
Ocean Park #122, 75" x 75"
 
There are also smaller paintings all under 8" created on cigar boxes..inside, outside, lids.  A cigar box ~ a surprising element until I read that he was an avid cigar smoker and liked a good cigar while he painted.  It is also rumored that he created these pieces as gifts for friends.
 
The power of these paintings for me comes from the imposing size, use of space and the color panes.  What is missing is equally as important as what is there.  Even the small paintings are breathtaking to me.  It is something about the chalky sheerness of the paint ~it is edible.  
This exhibition is a must see.  

The Corcoran Gallery of Art is located at 500 Seventeenth St., NW, Washington DC.  Hrs. W-F-Sa-Su 10-5p, Th 10-9p.  Visit www.Corcoran.org for full details.  
 
Aside:  While at the Corcoran, take a look at the exhibtion "The Deep Element"--a mysterious and haunting photography exhibition of powerful contrast of the unknown.  http://www.corcoran.org/exhibitions/deep-element/

Friday, June 15, 2012

Art Reception and Exhibition ~ McLean Project for the Arts

Last night was the opening reception at the McLean Project for the Arts exhibition "Something and Nothing ~ Activating the Void".   The standing room only crowd gathered to view 53 works by 42 artists and listen to the juror J.W. Mahoney speak about the exhibition, his selections and comments.
J.W. spoke of the title of this exhibition as trying to "solve" a kind of spiritual puzzle.  Each artist arrived at their own unique answer to the title.  And all of their responses seem to involve the "in-between spaces and conditions".  Transitional and not-quite-complete.  
By artist Rachel Jeffers
  
By artist Martha Spak
Throughout the show, we see mysterious landscapes, a breaking wave, a blooming flower, an unusual architectural feature or sheer abstractions.  Often we are seeing a restless, activating emptiness that isn't at all empty, but filled with forms, options, transformations and possibilities. 

As I looked at the show and studied each work of art, I understand more of J.W.'s explanation of transitional themes.  There were some stand out pieces that were mesmerizing- truly an exciting show.

Visit June 14 - July 28 at the McLean Project for the Arts, 1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean, VA.

By artist Lillian Hoover

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Azalea Festival This Weekend~

"Style with a Little Shade"

 It's that time of year! 


The azaleas are blooming and the Azalea Festival is this weekend.  I will be at the festival Friday, May 4 through Sunday, May 6 from 10 am - 5pm.  I have new original works, prints and photography.  (The Azalea Festival takes place at the Landon School,  6101 Wilson Lane,  Bethesda, MD 20817)

I will also be debuting my abstract works.  I loved creating these color driven pieces because the colors and their patterns will evoke some kind of sensory input that you have experienced when viewing my other work.  The random splashing of color gives the same vibrant elegance as my traditional stills and landscapes but with current home decor trends in mind.   

I hope you have a chance to stop by to enjoy all the activities and visit me~

Abstract Miniature
Abstract Miniature
 
Abstract Miniature

Monday, April 16, 2012

Boston Expressionist ~ Jason Berger

Last weekend, my friend invited me to the art opening and reception of Boston Expressionist Jason Berger.  I was not familiar with his work until I received the invitation and decided to do a little research on the artist.  

The Harbor St. Valery-eu-Caux
Berger was a Boston painter who is connected to the Boston Expressionists.  He died in 2010 at the age of 88.  He painted en plein air landscapes in the United States, Europe and Mexico and used those motifs in abstracted studio paintings. His approach was direct, his vision clear, his paintings full of structural elegance with the results a positive and optimistic expression. Renowned for his humor, love of jazz, and his upbeat approach to painting, his work expresses the joy of life and love of place. 
"Canal Edam"

He said he and his colleagues were "trying to touch people's hearts".  Having seen his colorful abstract landscapes and energetic brush strokes up close and in person, I realized he succeeded.  Berger's paintings are magical in a unexpected way.  Most of the paintings shown were created over a twenty year period but they are as current and pleasing to this viewer as ever!

The show continues on view until May 4 at the French Embassy in Washington, DC.  Plan to visit the show before it goes...

In addition, the new exhibition, Impressionism" is now open at www.LeadingArtistsGallery.com 

Monday, March 19, 2012

Houston's Art and Architecture



Hotel Za Za
Last week, I traveled to Houston for an art experience.   This eye (and mind) opening experience enabled me to see stunning private art collections and dramatic and ethereal architecture.   For three full days, we packed every minute with art.  Including unique works in our hotel in the museum district.  It is hard to choose just highlights!

Day One ~ We visited three private art collections in the River Oaks neighborhood not far from our hotel.  Each art collection reflected the owners diverse taste and style.   Upon entering the first house, we saw a 20' x 30' painting by abstract expressionist Helen Frankenthaler (Dec 12, 1928 - Dec 27, 2011).  The enormous size conveyed free style and bold colors.  Here we also saw an incredible sculpture made of what looked like a floating cloud of spun steel wool.

Next, the masterworks of John Singer Sargent, Mary Cassatt and John Peto.  Capping off the day, we heading to the Live Oaks Friends Meeting House designed by James Terrell at sunset to experience the artist's "Skyscape" architecture.   His skyspace projects are experiments with light and space.   In fact, his optical illusions have been so real that some visitors took them for real walls or beams, causing them to lean on them and fall or trip.   In this space, the ceiling opened to the sky and we watched as dusk turned the sky and internal walls multiple hues within minutes!  The calm and ethereal experience was breathtaking.

Helen Frankenthaler
We concluded our first day at the Hiram Butler Gallery to see the installation by artist Nic Niscosia, "Light...In Black and White".
 
Day Two ~ Highlights began at MFAH and the major works by Jules Olitski.   He created brilliant color harmonies and chromatic shifts in his enormous paintings.  His classic modern style is mesmerizing and timeless.  What also struck me was the iridescent colors conveyed airiness and beauty. 

Onto another private collection filled with floor to ceiling portraits by John Singer Sargent, prolific American Impressionist painter, Childe Hassam, noted for his urban and coastal scenes and sculptures by Henry Moore.  The inspiration was overwhelming and I wanted to get painting right then!

Day Three ~ Onto the Asia Society Collection where we escorted through their new building of serene beauty.  An exceptional opportunity to see it before it opens to the public next month.  Next we toured through Houston's unique architecture in unexpected places --spectacular!  Who knew a city could function with no zoning laws! 

Dramatic "Earthscape"
Onto the Menil House and Menil Collections.  Another exceptional visual experience -from their mid century home to their museum.   Upon arriving at the museum, we saw an exceptional "earthscape" at least twenty-five yards long.   However, the highlight had to have been the paintings by Cy Twombly.  These paintings of the artist's chaotic and random thoughts interspersed with paint made a deep and thought-provoking impression.

Add a walk to the Rothko Chapel and I was left numb.   As we were leaving the museum, a huge collection of Byzantine and Russian icons was also concluding its' exhibition and leaving for Sicily.  Most don't realize when moving major works of art, each piece has to be escorted from location to location.  There we met the Byzantine priest who was chosen to travel with this art back to Sicily.  He said a prayer over the well packed crate and hopped in the cab of the semi truck- fascinating!!