The Figurative Revelations of Otis Huband:
A Fifty-Year Retrospective
William Reaves Fine Art • September 10 - October 2, 2010
The Figurative Revelations of Otis Huband: A Fifty-Year Retrospective We begin our fourth year with a dynamic halfcentury retrospective of works by Houston artist, Otis Huband. Huband will be at once familiar to those acquainted with the arts in Houston. As a seasoned and accomplished veteran of the city’s art community, he has worked quietly and productively in his Montrose studio since his arrival in town in 1965. During this time in Houston, Huband has established himself as a teacher of note at the Museum School, Art League Houston, and the University of Houston. He has also produced a prodigious body of great art during this tenure, much of which is just now coming to light due to a self-imposed absence from the gallery scene over the latter half of his distinguished career. In efforts to restrict creative 2. Nude and Still Life distractions, which often confound art and artists through commercial enterprise, Huband has concentrated over the past thirty years on the production of work that complies entirely with his own aesthetic vision and artistic sensibilities. He has combined this professional drive with a disciplined work ethic, humanist philosophy, classical inspiration and dramatic brushwork to create exquisite paintings that celebrate the human form and figure. The resultant works are dramatic and sensual revelations in art; paintings through which figurative imagery emerges from kinetic oils rife with color and movement, as well as through superb collages reflecting elemental genius in their composition and form.
A Houston artist for over forty years, Otis Huband began life as a Virginian. Born in Fredericksburg in 1933, he spent his formative years in the capital city of Richmond. After high school in 1951, he entered and served four years in the Navy. Upon discharge from military service, Huband entered Virginia Commonwealth University. A circuitous higher-education route took the budding young artist briefly to California for stints at Ventura Junior College (195657), the California College of Arts and Crafts (1957-58) and then eventually back to Virginia Commonwealth, where he completed both his B.F.A and M.F.A. by 1961. Teaching briefly in the Virginia Beach public schools, Huband returned to his art studies in 1963, this time choosing the Academia di Bella Arti in Perugia, Italy. In Italy, the artist developed a life-long passion for figurative drawing and painting, perfecting over time his own figurative style as a mode through which to channel personal ideology and aesthetic expression as an artist. He returned home to Virginia in 1964, relocating shortly thereafter to Houston, where his wife Anne took a teaching position in the Houston Independent School District. His experiences in Italy and related travels through Paris not only informed Huband’s subsequent work, but also inspired an abiding regard for the art and culture of Italy and France. During his past four decades in Houston, Otis and his wife have made regular sojourns to these cultural destinations, returning often as a source of
personal renewal and continued study as an artist. Moving to Houston in the mid 1960s, Huband found work as an art teacher- first at The Museum School of Fine Arts (1967-1971), and moving later to the Art League of Houston (1971-1982). At various times, the artist also held adjunct appointments as art instructor at Rice University and the University of Houston. Aside from teaching, Huband painted often and diligently. Working daily, he created an impressive body of art over time imbued with vibrant observations on the human spirit in abstract form and figure. Huband’s emphasis on figurative subject matter gives him a distinctive place within Houston art history as one of only a few professional artists in the city to consistently explore the 7. Variation No. 3, human figure in art. Aside from a small handful of portrait painters, the Bayou City (or for that matter, Texas at-large) can not lay claim to a strong tradition of figurative painting. In pursuit of his humanistic visions, therefore, Huband has built a definitive niche for himself in the local arts milieu.
in the treatment of this preferred subject matter. Viewed retrospectively, one can readily observe his progressions and their application as creative statements on the human experience. While varying his artistic style over the half-century represented here, Huband has maintained a relative consistency in topic and structure throughout the various “stages” of his career, producing paintings during each period that are consistent in their capacity to engage the viewer. There is a certain force and energy in a Huband painting, eloquently manifested through his use of bold color and dramatic stroke. Spirited figures seem to emerge from his canvases, skillfully coaxed by an expert hand from frenetic overlays of paint. Out of a riot of color and chaotic barrage of brushwork, the human experience bursts forth in Huband’s work.
The exhibition also underscores Huband as a vital contemporary artist, whose present work at age 77 continues to improve and excel. In his efforts to continuously perfect the quality of his artistic The quality of Huband’s output, the artist made a deliberate painting also distinguishes his decision long ago (around 1980) work. He is known for fine to forego the distractions of composition and excellent commercial exhibition. Before brushwork. The paintings that, his works were found in assembled here will only an impressive array of public reinforce that reputation. His exhibitions, including such venues figurative renderings reflect a as The Virginia Museum of Fine personal style of expressionism Arts, The Lynchburg (Virginia) meticulously crafted over years Fine Arts Center, The Oak of careful and attentive work. Ridge Arts Center in Oak Ridge, The exhibition shows Huband’s Tennessee, The Museum of Print evolution over a fifty-year period History in Houston, as well as in from 1959 through present. academic venues at the University 35. The Egyptian Hairdresser The selections demonstrate his of Houston, Wisconsin State University and consistent endeavors to translate Circolo di Universita in Perugia, Italy. Huband also the human figure in art, as well the stylistic evolution exhibited in numerous private galleries early on, with
representation at various times in six states including Virginia, Florida, Arizona, Tennessee, Oregon and Texas. In Houston, he began with the fabled Ben Dubose, first at his Bute Gallery in 1965 and then moving with the noted gallerist to his opening of the Dubose Gallery in 1966-1967. Huband showed subsequently at the Erdon Gallery (from 1966-1970) and moved on to the Louisiana Gallery (1972-80) before abandoning commercial exhibition in favor of personal production. William Reaves Fine Art is proud to bring this esteemed artist and his remarkable body of work back to public view for the first time in over thirty years. Huband has made quiet, yet significant contributions to the Houston arts scene for many years. We trust that upon careful viewing of this artistic retrospective, you will judge as we do, that the collected works of Otis Huband are of quality and consequence, and that the artist merits renewed attention and respect. This exhibition, along with his broader acknowledgement as one of our state’s foremost figurative artists, is long overdue. We invite you to become reacquainted with an understated master in our own midst. Whether as artist, instructor or connoisseur, the city has been well served by the presence of Otis Huband. Enjoy the fruits of his labor! -William Reaves, Sarah Beth Wilson, Leslie Thompson, and Steve Gaskin
29. On the Rocks
Artist Bio: Otis Huband Selected Biographical and Career Highlights • • • • • • • • • • • •
1933, Born in Fredericksburg, Virginia, currently lives in Houston 1955-1956, Attends Richmond Professional Institute of the College of William & Mary (now the Virginia Commonwealth University) 1956-1957, Ventura Junior College, Ventura, CA 1957-1958, California College of Arts & Crafts, Oakland, CA 1958-1961, Virginia Commonwealth University, Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts 1961-1963, Art Instructor at Princess Anna High School, Virginia Beach, VA 1963-1964, Attends Accademia di Bella Arti, Perugia, Italy 1967-1971, Art Instructor at Houston Museum School of Fine Arts (now Glassell School) 1967-1972, Art Instructor at Rice University, summer school for high school students 1971-1982, Art Instructor at Art League of Houston 1975, Art Instructor at University of Houston, life drawing 1975-1976, Houston Parks & Recreation Department, sculpture
Selected One Man Exhibitions • • • • • • • •
1964, Circolo di Universita, Perugia, Italy 1965, Lynchburg Fine Arts Center, Lynchburg, VA 1965, Oak Ridge Art Center, Oak Ridge, TN 1965, Wisconsin State College, River Falls, WI 1974, University of Houston, Downtown, Houston, TX 1976, University of Houston, Health Science Center, Houston, TX 1989, Goethe Institute, Houston, TX 1993, Print Museum, Houston, TX
Selected Exhibitions • • • • • • • • • • •
1956, Virginia Museum of Fine Art, Richmond, VA 1958-1961, Pyramid Gallery, Richmond, VA 1963-1964, The Udinotti Gallery, Scottsdale, AZ 1965-1966, The James Bute Gallery, Houston, TX 1966-1967, Dubose Gallery, Houston, TX University of Houston Faculty Exhibition, Houston, TX 1966-1970, Erdon Gallery, Houston, TX 1966-1970, Frederick-Nila Gallery, Longview, TX 1968, Sol del Rio, San Antonio, TX 1968-1970, Cascade Gallery, Eugene, OR 1972-1990, Louisiana Gallery, Houston, TX
Selected Commissions and Corporate Collections • • • • •
Giacomo Colderone, Perugia, Italy Mitchell Energy and Development Corporations, Houston, TX Houston Grand Opera, Rigoletto painting for cover Merrill Lynch, Exploration & Development Department Emil Magliocco, Jr.
Exhibition Checklist Artist
Title
Date
Medium
Size (inches)
1. Huband
Seated Figure with Red Medallion
1959
oil/canvas
32 7/8x25 7/8
2. Huband
Nude and Still Life
1965
oil/canvas
25x33 7/8
3. Huband
Two Images
1966
oil/canvas
23 5/8x33
4. Huband
The Art Student
1968
oil/canvas
28x24
5. Huband
The Paper Hat
1968
oil/canvas
24x20
6. Huband
Santo Santo
1974
oil/canvas
50x40
7. Huband
Variation No. 3
1974
oil/canvas
50x40
8. Huband
Variation One
1974
oil/canvas
50x40
50x40
9. Huband
Midnight Blue
1975
oil/canvas
10. Huband
Night Questions, etc.
1975
oil/canvas
Not Silver
1981
11. Huband
oil/canvas
46 1/8x36
52x30 1/2
12. Huband
Window on Rapallo
1983
oil/canvas
50x40
13. Huband
August Evening
1987
oil/canvas
56x40
14. Huband
Venerated Object
1988
collage
73x44
15. Huband
404 Granite Ave.
1989
oil/canvas
56 1/4x48 1/4
16. Huband
Balcony Seats
1989
collage
48x40
17. Huband
Blue Figure
1989
collage
53x44
18. Huband
Five Large Considerstions No. 3
1989
collage
68x44
19. Huband
Five Large Considerstions No. 5
1989
collage
68x44
20. Huband
Gertrude Stein
1989
collage
56x44
21. Huband
Troubadour
1989
collage
65x42
22. Huband
280 Lucile
1990
oil/canvas
40 1/4x56
23. Huband
Interior with T.V.
1993
oil/canvas
56x42
24. Huband
Vanity
1995
oil/canvas
55 7/8x40 5/8
25. Huband
Salome
2000
oil/canvas
61 1/4x50 1/8
26. Huband
Flight
2005
oil/canvas
48 1/4x38 3/8
27. Huband
Baroque Painting
2006
oil/canvas
64 1/8x52
Artist
Title
Date Medium
Size (inches)
28. Huband
Mountain Road
2007
oil/canvas
29 6/8x39 5/8
29. Huband
On the Rocks
2007
oil/canvas
69 1/4x41 1/4
30. Huband
The Long Walk
2007
oil/canvas
35x26 3/4
31. Huband
Figure in an Interior
2008
oil/canvas
69x43 1/2
32. Huband
Lucy on a Hill
2008
oil/canvas
56x43 1/2
33. Huband
Exit Left
2009
oil/canvas
56x40 1/4
34. Huband
Garden with Green Sun
2009
oil/canvas
51x39 1/2
35. Huband
The Egyptian Hairdresser
2009
oil/canvas
56 1/4x41 1/2
36. Huband
The Porch
2009
oil/canvas
69x44
1. Seated Figure with Red Medallion, 1959 oil/canvas 32 7/8x25 7/8 inches
2. Nude and Still Life, 1965 oil/canvas 25x33 7/8 inches
3. Two Images, 1966 oil/canvas 23 5/8x33 inches
4. The Art Student, 1968 oil/canvas 28x24 inches
5. The Paper Hat, 1968 oil/canvas 24x20 inches
6. Santo Santo, 1974 oil/canvas 50x40 inches
7. Variation No. 3, 1974 oil/canvas 50x40 inches
8. Variation One, 1974 oil/canvas 50x40 inches
9. Midnight Blue, 1975 oil/canvas 50x40 inches
10. Night Questions, etc., 1975 oil/canvas 46 1/8x36 inches
11. Not Silver, 1981 oil/canvas 52x30 1/2 inches
12. Window on Rapallo, 1983 oil/canvas 50x 40 inches
13. August Evening, 1987 oil/canvas 56x 40 inches
14. Venerated Object, 1988 mixed media collage 73x 44 inches
15. 404 Granite Ave., 1989 oil/canvas 56 1/4x48 1/4 inches
16. Balcony Seats, 1989 mixed media collage 48x40 inches
17. Blue Figure, 1989 mixed media collage 53x44 inches
18. Five Large Considerstions No. 3, 1989 mixed media collage 68x44 inches
19. Five Large Considerstions No. 5, 1989 mixed media collage 68x44 inches
20. Gertrude Stein, 1989 mixed media collage 56x44 inches
21. Troubadour, 1989 mixed media collage 65x42 inches
22. 280 Lucile, 1990 oil/canvas 40 1/4x56 inches
23. Interior with T.V., 1993 oil/canvas 56x42 inches
24. Vanity, 1995 oil/canvas 55 7/8x40 5/8 inches
25. Salome, 2000 oil/canvas 61 1/4x50 1/8 inches
26. Flight, 2005 oil/canvas 48 1/4x38 3/8 inches
27. Baroque Painting, 2006 oil/canvas 64 1/8x52 inches
28. Mountain Road, 2007 oil/canvas 29 6/8x39 5/8 inches
29. On the Rocks, 2007 oil/canvas 69 1/4x41 1/4 inches
30. The Long Walk, 2007 oil/canvas 35x26 3/4 inches
31. Figure in an Interior, 2008 oil/canvas 69x43 1/2 inches
32. Lucy on a Hill, 2008 oil/canvas 56x43 1/2 inches
33. Exit Left, 2009 oil/canvas 56x40 1/4 inches
34. Garden with Green Sun, 2009 oil/canvas 51x39 1/2 inches
35. The Egyptian Hairdresser, 2009 oil/canvas 56 1/4x41 1/2 inches
36. The Porch, 2009 oil/canvas 69x44 inches
Houston’s Gallery for Early Texas Art
2313 Brun Street • Houston, Texas 77019 • (713) 521-7500 • www.reavesart.com