Abstracts by Annie Lee on exhibit until March 10, 2010 at Laura Moore Fine Art Studios
McKINNEY, TEXAS - A funny thing has been happening in the studio. After a lifetime of painting in the "black Americana" style, the renowned artist Annie Lee has ventured into the realm of abstract art. Lee started painting at the age of nine when she was accepted into a children's painting program at the Art Institute of Chicago. Her style has remained consistent, throughout her 60+ year painting career. However, newfound styles emerge from this seasoned artist as she embarks upon a new painting process in the studio of local artist Laura Moore.
Moore says, "I've been blessed to be a part of this" [painting alongside Lee in her downtown McKinney studio].
Over the course of the last several months, Lee has wanted to push the development of her work by moving into a new style far removed from her trademark faceless figures.
"I'm always painting something because I have to, for somebody, but this is fun!" Lee observes. "I'm usually so uptight. It's totally fun to let loose. It feels like a relief to do abstracts."
Moore likewise has enjoyed the opportunity to paint with this art legend and relishes each opportunity to absorb, watch and learn alongside Lee including the occasional tidbit of painterly wisdom offered by Lee, such as, "Don't you know a painting will tell you when it's done?"
Lee's work has long been a staple in any African American art collection and indeed does grace the collections of Will Smith, Bill Cosby and Eddie Murphy to name but a few of her notable collectors. This world premier of Lee's abstract art is a must see and provides an interesting testament to this phase in Lee's artistic career.
The resulting show "Abstracts by Annie Lee" opens with an artist's reception on Saturday, February 13th 7-10pm at Laura Moore Fine Art Studios, 107 S. Tennessee in historic downtown McKinney. The exhibit will be on display through March 10th. Gallery is open Mon-Sat 1-5pm.
Photography by Imaging on the Square.