Awesome Abstract

This monumental painting is by Richard Stout (1934-2020), a Texas artist renown for his abstract works, often incorporating landscape and architectural elements, and his masterful blending of vibrant colors. Born in Beaumont, Stout studied at the Art Academy of Cincinnati and the Art Institute of Chicago, attaining his MFA from the University of Texas at Austin. Stout arrived in Houston in 1959 and was an instructor at the Museum School of the Houston Museum of Fine Art until 1967. He taught as an associate professor of art at the University of Houston from 1969 through 1996. Stout was an important figure in the Houston art community for 60 years, mentoring many younger artists. His works have been exhibited in museums throughout Texas, the United States, and abroad, including the Houston Museum of Fine Arts, the Witte Museum, the Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, the El Paso Museum of Art, and the Contemporary Arts Museum. The Houston Art League named Stout the Artist of the Year in 2004. His works are in many private and public collections, including the Huntington Gallery at the University of Texas in Austin, Kupferstichkaabinett, Museum of Fine Art in Dresden,The McNay Museum in San Antonio, The Menil Collection in Houston, and Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

 This work is not signed, but in an email exchange with the consignor, Stout confirms that the painting is definitely his work and dates between 1996 and 1967 when he was studying for his MFA. A copy of the emails will be included with the artwork (the consignor's name is blacked out for privacy reasons).

All listed items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

15634-382

Pretty Bird!

This superb sculpture of a beautiful bird perched a leafy branch is by Texas artist Siggi Munk, one of the pioneers of modernist southwestern sculpture in the 1960s and 1970s. Although born in Germany, Munk spent most of his adult life in Texas, with a studio in Grand Prairie.  Working in bronze, iron, and copper, Munk was inspired by nature, especially birds. He was an important influence in mid-century modern sculpture and was awarded a Special Jury Commendation for Sculpture at the 1962 33rd Annual Dallas County Exhibition of Painting, Drawing and Sculpture.

   Since his death, there has been a growing interest in Munk's pioneering modernist sculptures and as well as recognition of his influential role.

A skilled sculptor, Munk melded natural movement and stylized modernism.

His works often feature bases of rough stone.

The sculpture is signed on a plaque affixed to the stone base.