houston
STYLE MAKERS
fine art Carly Allen-Martin orchestrates her brushes in a way that bestows paint with a lyrical quality. The Dallas-based artist and founder of Allen Martin p o r t r a i t : t e r r i g l a n g e r . o p p o s i t e : r o n s ta r r . t o p r i g h t : c a r ly a l l e n - m a r t i n .
Studios is known for her vibrant, abstract oil-and-pastel panel paintings with an emphasis on bright hues. “Color is so infinite and imperious,”
Currently being shown at Laura Rathe Fine Art, Allen-Martin’s painting Everything Turns radiates balance and is a statement of positive growth and change.
she says. “Each painting has a complex narrative that allows the viewer to construct their own interpretation.” Allen-Martin, who allocates at least six weeks to working on each piece, trusts her intuition to guide her as she applies multiple layers of paint to canvas, juxtaposing pigments with a “mad scientist” flair—a skill that took her close to 15 years to perfect. The result: a mesmerizing strata of color that commands attention and lures you in, like the tale-spinning Scheherazade. “Putting an unfiltered story out there for the world to see is a liberating, exhilarating experience,” she says. “In every piece there’s an underlying optimistic tone, but my work isn’t naïve to the intricacies of every experience. I want my paintings to tell a story as purely and authentically as possible.” allenmartinstudios.com; 817.584.7745
i n s i d e s to ry
carly allen-martin I became Interested In paIntIng because…
My father loved to draw. My mother was an interior designer and taught me to experiment with color and design from a young age. I have many early memories of nightly drawing classes at home. What Is InspIrIng you noW?
Design is gaining mainstream momentum. While Dallas can be very traditional, I love that places like Shinsei Restaurant give the city a modern, glamorous vibe. FavorIte decoratIng sources:
Quadrille for beautiful textiles, Mecox for an eclectic mix of old and new and Calypso St. Barth for its fresh energy. current projects:
“The moment you stop creating, you stop claiming your place as an artist,” says painter Carly Allen-Martin, shown in her Dallas-based studio. Opposite: The RitzCarlton, New Orleans is Allen-Martin’s favorite getaway. The hotel’s beautifully manicured courtyard is pictured here.
I am currently finishing several commissions and will soon release a line of limited-edition giclée prints on my website. greatest Indulgence:
Treating myself to a luxurious spa day at The Joule Dallas hotel. FavorIte hotel:
The Ritz-Carlton in New Orleans. It captures the jazzy, old-world feel of the city. luxe interiors
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phone
817.584.7745
allenmartinstudios@gmail.com
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