Make an “Ugly Painting”

A Developing Environment

Oil on Synthetic Paper   

20 x 20 in

$ 1,150.00

"The process is interesting and presents challenges in itself, compositionally with balance and color.  For example, Space Composition has a funny story to it.  While I was studying at VCU in the summer of 2013, I was challenged to make an “ugly painting” because my paintings were “too beautiful”, with not enough behind that visual aesthetic.  I created this piece in an attempt to try the assignment, yet I didn't truly believe in what I was doing because I couldn't support the act of making a piece ugly just to see if I could (of course that was not the point of the assignment but like many things it took me some time to see the value of the exercise).  Nevertheless, I made this attempt and still people who came to critique me praised its beauty.  Diving into what beauty really is, in life and as it applies to art, is a long conversation that we could have another time.  But through this piece, I realized that compositional aesthetic is important to me, while “beauty” may not be the goal, balance and cohesiveness are; and often that harmony pleases us." - Amy Harris

Virginia Art Chat with Mr. Duane Keiser

Virginia Art Chat October 18, 2014    1:00pm

Mr. Duane Keiser will round out the 2014 Virginia Art Chat year, speaking on Saturday, October 18th, at 1:00 pm, at Gallery Flux in Ashland, Virginia. Duane Keiser started the 'Painting a Day' movement that has spread world wide. Artists create a painting every day and post them on the internet for admirers and purchasers. The movement is changing how art is viewed and sold in the 21st century. Duane Keiser was born in Beaufort, South Carolina. He received his BA from Randolph-Macon College in 1988. He then earned his MFA in 1990 from Brooklyn College in Brooklyn, New York. Currently, Keiser is an Adjunct Professor of Art at Randolph-Macon College. Keiser has participated in a number of one-man shows and group exhibitions, as well as receiving numerous awards and honors. His "Painting a Day" movement has sparked the interest of many publications, including USA Today, The New York Times, and The Huffington Post. Visit Gallery Flux on Saturday, October 18 at 1:00pm for the Virginia Art Chat with Duane Keiser! The Chat will be held in our Annex, which is location just across the street from the main gallery! Gallery Flux Annex 302 England Street, Ashland, VA 23005

A Group Show Elements

Three artists from Virginia Commonwealth University will be participating in an upcoming Thesis Exhibition at the Gallery Flux Annex. The work by artists, Coleen Shepherd, Hope Harding, and Mary Dickerson, will be on display from November sixth until November twenty-ninth. The Opening Reception will be held on Thursday, November sixth, from 5:30-8:00pm.

The body of work includes multiple mediums, such as wood, glass, oil, acrylic, and clay. A Group Show Elements is made up of paintings, sculptures, and quilts, which portray elements in nature. Visit our website to see work by the participating artists.

'Call for Entries' 3rd Annual Miniature Show

Gallery Flux is currently accepting entries for the upcoming 3rd Annual Miniature Show. The deadline is November 1st and all work must be 8" x 8" (image size) or smaller & under $400 (retail price). For more information and submission requirements, please visit our submission link.

Important Dates:
Exhibition runs from December 4, 2014 - January 3, 2015
Saturday, November 1st: Submission Deadline
Saturday, November 8th: Artist Notified of Acceptance
Friday, November 28th & Saturday, November 29th: Drop off Artwork to Gallery Flux
Thursday, December 4th:Ashland First Thursday Opening Reception
Saturday, January 3rd: Artwork Pickup

Jos Biviano painting selected for concert tour

Gallery Flux resident artist Charles Jos Biviano's recent painting "Veteran's Day Flag" has been selected as the poster image for Jethro Tull's upcoming concert tour "Helping The Heroes." Known for his expressive and often dramatic US flag paintings, Biviano's work pays homage to our military men and women returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.