Mid 20th Century Houston Artist Pat Colville (B. 1931) "Floral Arrangement" Abstract Still Life Oil Painting, Framed

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This is a large oil painting on masonite titled “Floral Arrangement” by noted Houston artist Pat Colville (b. 1931). It … Read more This is a large oil painting on masonite titled “Floral Arrangement” by noted Houston artist Pat Colville (b. 1931). It features a modernist still life of white and pink flowers in a green vase set against an orange background. What a vibrant, fun painting in bright tangerine-oranges and greens! If you want striking color in a collectible piece of artwork, then this is it. Painted in a 1950s style reminiscent of Bernard Buffet, this work features its original Hollywood Regency style matching green and gilt frame embossed “MADE IN SWEDEN” on the reverse. In combining high-style modernism with the traditional, it would have been right at home in the de Menil house.

Colville showed her work at the James Bute Gallery in Houston in the 1960s, and this piece retains two original gallery labels and the remnant of another. There is an indistinct inscription in pencil at the left of the vase that appears to be dated 1971. However, this piece looks to be in her style of the late 1950s and early 1960s. The label shows Ben DuBose as the director, and he left Bute in 1966 to open his own gallery (according to the recollection of Houston artist Henri Gadbois in an interview). So this piece likely dates from the late 50s to early 60s.

Pat Colville lived and worked in Houston during the 50s and 60s before moving to New York. She taught at several colleges including The Cooper Union in New York City for 29 years along with time at Bennington College and Sarah Lawrence College. She returned to Houston and currently resides there. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Houston and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Oklahoma.

Awards include a Pollock-Krasner Grant, 2010; Benjamin Altman Award in Painting, New York, 2008; Creative Arts Public Service Program Fellowship in Painting, New York State, 1978; National Endowment for the Arts Grant, 1976; National Endowment for the Arts Grant, 1975; and American Association of University Women Fellowship, 1975. Her work is in numerous public and private collections including the Dallas Museum of Art and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Much more info on Colville is available on the the web.

This painting would be a great addition to any collection of Texas art or Southern art. Condition is excellent with no noticeable flaws only minor wear to the frame consistent with age.

Framed dimensions: 37” H x 28.5” W
Painting on board: 30” H x 22” W See less