June 18th, 2024
This month, we’re thrilled to introduce our much-anticipated “Artist Drops”: a curated selection of fresh artwork hitting our gallery walls throughout June, like a series of delightful surprises waiting to be discovered. This month, we’re excited to feature the latest artwork from Gallery MAR artists Ron Russon, Laura Wait, and Jane Maxwell.
June’s “Artist Drop” artwork: Ron Russon, “Monarch in the Making,” acrylic, 48″ x 36″ | Laura Wait, “Three Graces,” mixed media, 60″ x 48″ | Jane Maxwell, “Handle with Care,” mixed media, 48″ x 16″
Ron Russon’s artwork captures the essence of nature through vibrant colors and bold, dynamic brushstrokes. His unique style blends realism with abstraction, creating visually stunning pieces that evoke a deep connection to the natural world and its intricate beauty.
Laura Wait’s artwork merges text and image through layered mixed media compositions. Her distinctive style combines calligraphy, abstract forms, and vibrant colors, creating intricate and contemplative pieces that explore themes of language, history, and human experience.
Jane Maxwell’s artwork focuses on mixed media collages, often highlighting themes of female identity and empowerment. Her distinctive style blends vintage imagery, text, and bold colors, creating visually striking and thought-provoking pieces that explore societal standards and personal narratives.
June’s “Artist Drop” artists Ron Russon, Laura Wait, and Jane Maxwell
In honor of our first summer “Artist Drop,” we asked these three beloved Gallery MAR artists about their latest work, inspiration, and what they love the most about their fellow “Artist Drop” artists’ work. We hope you enjoy learning more about these works below, and be sure to see them in person in the gallery today.
Jane Maxwell, “2 Racers,” mixed media, 36″ x 48″
What can our collectors expect from your latest work?
Ron Russon: Collectors can expect color and texture. I have begun to work on more limited and neutral palette work. I call it my “Chiaroscuro” series. I’ll have a few of those as well as the colorful work I’m known for.
Laura Wait: A hope always to have a continued evolution into intuitive communication and improved simplicity with my mark making.
Jane Maxwell: I continue to use layers of torn billboard papers to create energy and power with all of the women I depict.
Ron Russon, “Grizzly Way,” acrylic, 36″ x 72″
What have you been most inspired by of late?
Ron Russon: Inspiration lately has been with more experimentation and responding to the work as I create it.
Laura Wait: My work is inspired by a sense of space and meditation. I also want it to be beautiful, and hope that it would enhance your life.
Laura Wait, “Hexagram XV,” mixed media, 40″ x 40″
Is there anything else you would like for our collectors to know about this fresh work?
Ron Russon: I am trying to work on following intuition, or immediate inspiration more. I like the unexpected energy and interest that comes into the work through a more intuitive approach. For me at this time, it’s good to plan somewhat but let go and see what happens at a certain point.
Laura Wait: I have been working on Canvas and paper to make larger free-form paintings that are somewhat inspired by Helen Frankenthaler, but also a continued evolution of the calligraphist. I had a vision of some of these about six months ago and saw the color fields without as many marks. Less is more on most of them. Sometimes in color, sometimes in imagery.
Jane Maxwell, “Ski Jump Red,” mixed media, 36″ x 36″
What do you love about your fellow June art drop artists’ work?
Ron Russon: What stands out to me from Jane Maxwell’s work is the strong use of silhouette and iconography. I enjoy that you can look at her work and have fun as well as looking deeper and bring a more contemplative meaning or commentary.
Laura Wait’s work has interesting rhythms. I enjoy a variation on a theme within a work. I also enjoy the energy that her work creates through the patterning and almost impromptu composition.
Laura Wait: I love the simplicity of the paintings by Jane Maxwell called “Alone”… the black background is very abstract.
I also love the large simple shapes Ron Russon uses, especially in his large bull painting.
Jane Maxwell: I so admire Laura Wait’s talents. The depth and layering of her work and her intricate mark making is beautiful.
I love Ron’s use of negative and positive space. I am especially drawn to the abstraction in his pieces.
Written by Veronica Vale and Gallery MAR artists Ron Russon, Laura Wait, and Jane Maxwell
Inside Out -- in Fine Art
Our Artists' Guide to Park City
June's "Artist Drop" at Gallery MAR