I knew I wanted to be an artist at a very young age. So, as a kid, I was consumed by art books and enjoyed them every chance I could, mainly the Renaissance artists and realism art. While in eighth grade, I discovered an artist who would change my world and inspire my passion.
When I first found a book on artist Audrey Flack, I was immediately blown away by what she created with an airbrush on canvas. Her epic work featured larger-than-life portraits, often of Marilyn Monroe, and exciting items like playing cards, fruit, and jewelry. Her work inspired me to want to do that, too. In many ways, I can attest that she inspired me to purchase an airbrush and choose an exemplary art life, although it would take many years before I would achieve anything even close to her scale and detail.
“Art is a calling. Artists are not discovered in school. Artists do not just paint for themselves, and they don’t simply paint for an audience. They paint because they have to. There is something within the artist that has to be expressed . Every creation reveals something more about the universe and about the artist.”
Audrey Flack holds a unique place in the history of American contemporary art. With her unwavering spirit and boundless creativity, she has proved to be a feminist, a rebel, and an inspiration to many. A mother, a painter, a sculptor, and a teacher, Audrey’s career spanned over 40 years and evolved from abstract expressionism in the 1950s to photorealism in the 1970s. She made a name for herself as one of the first women ever included in the celebrated Janson’s History of Art.
Despite any controversies, Audrey continued to forge forward, creating, exploring, and pushing boundaries in ways that intrigue and inspire. She has proven to be a provocateur and a rebel, often paving the way for other artists to follow in her footsteps (including me). Her unique style and tireless spirit remain to this day a powerful example for all, proving that overcoming obstacles is possible with hard work and sheer determination.
Interview Video from Apr 13, 2021 – NASSAU COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART
Audrey Lenora Flack (May 30, 1931 – June 28, 2024) was an American visual artist. Her work pioneered the art genre of photorealism and encompasses painting, printmaking, sculpture, and photography.
- Civitas sculpture by Audrey Flack © Adobe Stock. Licensed for editorial use.
-
‘Queen’ by Audrey Flack on postage stamp © Adobe Stock. Licensed for editorial use.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
- More info
A.D. is an artist who started drawing at a young age. Throughout his life, he has worked with different creative tools in traditional and digital art and design. His art and writings have been showcased in various publications such as Airbrush Action Magazine, Airbrush Magazine, American Art Collector, Art & Beyond, Dream To Launch, Easyriders, Las Vegas City Life, Las Vegas Weekly, L’Vegue, ModelsMania, Quick Throttle, and The Ultimate Airbrush Handbook.
