Artist: Barbara Martin

The Red Hot Series : A Retrospective Exhibition

exclusively at BarbaraMartinArt.com/Red-Hot

Many fine artists resist using the color red in their paintings, perhaps because it is such an eye-catching or  "strong" or "hot" color.  Always ready for adventure, I challenged myself to create an exciting series of abstract paintings exploring red in its many forms.

I began each piece without a plan but rather with the idea of intuitively finding a way to express how a certain shade of red feels.  Using  brushes, improvised tools, and even my bare hands, I dug into so many reds! 

These paintings pulse with sensations vividly transmitted through color, mark-making, and texture --  ranging from the passion of Valentine hearts and hot summer nights to the frenzied acrobatics of a hummingbird; from the first luscious strawberry in spring to the softening russets of autumn; from the darkening reds of anger and confusion, to the earthy reds of brick and rusty metal. Consider too the sweet perfume of crimson roses, the waning hues of a sunset,  the allure of a certain red lipstick....

I am delighted to bring this series into view once again for this special retrospective exhibition. These pieces have been in storage for a time due to a cross country move (and of course the pandemic).  I'd nearly forgotten how vibrant and alive they are, how much positive energy they can bring to a space. Unwrapping each piece in person and then virtually arranging them on the internet gallery walls has been a labor of love.

How do you feel about the color red? Art brings us new perspectives and ways of seeing and, for me, successful art reminds us of moments and experiences, dreams, desires, and what it is to be alive. In this Red Hot Series, whether used as a bold primary element, as the backdrop, or as a subtle accent, every stroke of red brings strength and emotion to the work. I suppose that's why red is considered a hot color, nearly too hot to handle – and that's what I love about it.

Do you feel the heat?