Carly Allen-Martin | Across Land and Sea | Artspace111

Media: Oil on Panel, 60" x 48"

Location: 111 Hampton St.

Hours: noon to 9 p.m.

Colors dance off the paintbrush of Carly Allen-Martin, a TCU alumna whose abstract oil paintings are designed with a conscious optimism that nudges the viewer in a joyful, bold direction. Across Land and Sea showcases Allen-Martin's elegant sense of the interplay between form and color, an oscillating palette of pastels and gestural lines that bring out the lightness of being.

The painting began as a drawing with soft pastels and charcoal. Layers of oil paints were worked onto the maple wood panel, then further developed by drawing into the wet paint. Rich details and thoughtful intricacies contrast with open spaces, creating a soul-pleasing balance. Interconnected elements allow the eyes to flow around the painting, as thoughts gently touch on forms suspended in blue. A distinct depth of emotion enhances the painting's radiance.

"My work is about resiliency," the Dallas-based artist says. "It's about facing whatever obstacles stand it your way, embracing what life has thrown at you - and thriving in spite of it." Intentionally upbeat, Allen-Martin's artistic approach has been refined by many lessons on the long road to success. Struggling to define her purpose and direction while earning her fine arts degree at TCU, she received valuable guidance from her professor, Jim Woodson, the celebrated Fort Worth artist:

"Carly," he said, "go make some damn paintings." It is priceless advice that has continued to motivate the artist to get to work and focus her daily practice - and it's no coincidence that her son is named Woods.

While building her business, Allen-Martin worked as an elementary school art teacher for grades K-5. Her experience as a teacher inspired her to create cheerful, light work - and it impressed upon her the importance of grit and a hard work ethic. "Nobody works as hard as teachers," she reflects. But she kept focus on her goals as an artist, transferring her tenacity and positive outlook into ebullient paintings - her signature style.

Today, Allen-Martin is a busy mother of two whose artwork is collected publicly and privately around the world. Her colorful paintings have been featured everywhere from the Dallas Morning News to Food Network Magazine and the Cooking Channel. Painting is "as critical to me as breathing," she says. Allen-Martin works on four paintings at a time, and it takes 4 to 6 weeks to complete each group. She is inspired by the palettes of Texas" wide-open landscapes, the cultural and artistic access of Dallas, and the museums of Fort Worth - especially The Modern.

See Across Land and Sea at Artspace111, a gallery that has featured the artist's works for four years, including a solo exhibition in 2016. Carly Allen-Martin will be present on Fall Gallery Night, along with other Artspace111 artists including featured painter John Hartley. Live music and a food truck will be onsite.