Label Type
Object LabelLabel
Milton Avery (1885-1965)
The Research Studio, Watercolor on Paper, 1950
American modernist Milton Avery is celebrated for his color-filled canvases. Avery's fondness for using subdued, lyrical colors to evoke emotion in juxtaposition with flattened compositional shapes led him to be considered one of America's foremost colorists, paving the way for colorfield artists like Mark Rothko and Barnett Newman. In January 1949, Avery suffered a heart attack that affected the remainder of his career. His condition made keeping up with his intense painting schedule increasingly difficult. As his health continued to decline, his physician suggested the warm climate of Florida and in December 1949 Avery, and his wife Sally Michel, traveled to the Research Studio. During their time in Maitland, The Avery's enjoyed traveling the winding back roads of the state and frequented the beaches when not working on their art. Milton took to creating Monotypes, thanks to the instruction of fellow Research Studio artist Boris Margo. He became so inspired by the new medium that he applied the more simplified and swift process to his painting technique. This approach is visible in the watercolors he managed to paint while at the Research Studio. "Stone Angels" (1950) and this work showcase Avery's simplification of form and harmonious use of color. Both these works uncover unique vantage points from the artists' recreational area: The Courtyard and Garden Chapel, located across the street from the Main Gallery.