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Contemporary Artist Paints with a Leaf Blower

Contemporary Artist Paints with a Leaf Blower
Melissa Ayr Paints “Poppy Collection” with Air

Melissa Ayr - Poppy Collection - Leaf Blower - Golden Gate Bridge 75th

Contemporary Abstract Artist, Melissa Ayr is an artist who paints with air. Ayr has emerged from her studio with a fresh perspective on contemporary painting with her unique practice of using a leaf blower to push paint on canvas. Ayr releases her latest works as a collection inspired by California, the Poppy Collection sets the tone and elements of this floral series with vibrant luminosity. Classically trained in the elements of composition, color and perspective, Ayr creates her own canvas and color pallet with a mixture of pigment, oil and acrylic. The Poppy collection is a body of work created entirely using air. Her instrument of choice is her signature leaf blower which enables Melissa to move layers of paint across the canvas with swift strokes creating an ethereal style that is neither tempered nor deliberate.


Video: Painting with Air – In the Studio with AYR


Ayr is not new to the concept of layering. There is a natural evolution that has taken place that has developed painting by painting and continues to evolve still. With experimentation comes new ground as she defines the style of work she builds. Ayr will often start with the colors at hand and expand. Pushing, pulling and mixing to create her unique art. Paint flows, it dries, it lies somewhere betwixt a liquid and permanence. With the addition of paint, layers form to create a background ripe for expansion or content to be present. Ayr applies the paint in translucent layers on the Canvas and is able to control the air to bend and shape into the essence of floral.

Melissa has been known to use non-traditional methods to produce her works. She has painted with her fingers, hands, arms, breasts, feet and her entire body often bathing in the colors she uses to create. Drizzling, pouring, flowing, throwing have been in her artistic repertoire as tools in her arsenal. Melissa is not attuned to any prescribed method, but chooses to be sporadic, spontaneous and unabashed in her approach to a new piece.

The art world awakens in Miami during the month of December for a host of premiere art fairs, events and all night parties. Art Basel Miami Beach, Red Dot, Pool, NADA Art Fair, Verge Art Miami Beach, and Art Miami will all be on view in early December.

The Poppy Collection will be featured at Red Dot Miami, DECEMBER 5th-8th, 2012. in Florida. Wynwood Art District, 3011 NE 1st Avenue (at NW 31st Street), Miami, FL 33137.

To find out more about the upcoming exhibition and artist Melissa Ayr visit http://www.melissaayr.com.

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About Artist Melissa Ayr:
Melissa Ayr, born in New York, is an international contemporary abstract artist. She was nationally recognized and selected as one of ten artists represented by Ruinart Champagne, a brand of Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessey. Her art is on the cutting edge of color with bold flowing blends of light and dark. Her style is colorful, vibrant, and full of texture. She incorporates high energy, fluidity, growth and life. She’s known for her rich vibrant color and her ability to create dimension on a flat canvas. http://www.melissaayr.com.

“Eighths,” By Melissa Ayr, Divides New York and the Country

“Eighths,” By Melissa Ayr, Divides New York and the Country
Ayr Collection Released to a Chelsea Champagne Reception on the Eighth

Melissa Ayr Eighths

New York CityMarch 6, 2012 — Today, Melissa Ayr, a Brooklyn-born contemporary abstract artist releases her latest works “Eighths” and “Buttergirl.” “Eighths” is an ode to the exacerbated state of affairs of the American economy, the drug economy as well as the world. The motivation behind the collection was to see an artwork as a complete thought, yet be divisible into many pieces. With a colorful base derived in oil; spread only by her fingers, Ayr created an extraordinary piece that is greater than the sum of its parts. The dark sprays and overlays provide foreground to the rich depth behind an ever-changing image, where the light that strikes the work, changes the very mood of intent.

The American economy has been taken down by a collision of irrational exuberance, Wall Street and the American dream. Fractions of the bond market drove the mortgage crisis into a giant inferno that took out both Boardwalk and Park Place. Thinking in scarcity brought to life the worst nightmare since The Great Depression. Often the currency of the underworld, “Eighths” takes the pieces of American will and determination and aspires to deliver a single united front.

“Eighths”, a collection of eight unique yet connected pieces embodies, a dimensional whole, yet brings out the individuality of the room. This latest masterpiece by Ayr has the versatile ability to be hung in multiple rooms or as one unique piece. As a single work of art end to end, “Eighths” is an extravagant eighty inches of creativity. With spacing, “Eighths” creates an interpolation of light, darkness and balance as the painting consumes any wall and adds instant personality with room to provoke thought.

The art world comes alive in New York during the month of March for a host of premiere art events.  The Armory Show, The Art Show, The Whitney Biennial, the Cindy Sherman retrospective, the New Museum’s triennial, and Choices at the Guggenheim will all be on view in early March.

“Eighths” will be featured during the month of March and will be showcased at a Gala Champagne Reception on Thursday, MARCH 8, 2012. 6:00-8:00 pm in Chelsea.  511 West 25th Street #406, New York, NY 10001.

To find out more about the upcoming exhibition and artist Melissa Ayr visit http://www.melissaayr.com.

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About Artist Melissa Ayr:

Melissa Ayr’s mission is simple; create with passion, open the World’s mind to creativity and become the highest valued female artist of our time.  Melissa offers high end fine art using hand crafted custom made canvas, the finest quality paint and artist talent to make every original painting unique.  Melissa sells original abstract paintings in oil, acrylic and mixed media and keeps her indelible oath to grow her brand, maintain value and hold true to the trust that many collectors have placed in her.  http://www.melissaayr.com

About The Armory Show:

The Armory Show, a leading international contemporary and modern art fair and one of the most important annual art events in New York, takes place every March on Piers 92 & 94 in Manhattan. The Art Show, organized by the Art Dealers Association of America (ADAA) and the third edition of Independent will again join The Armory Show in March. http://www.thearmoryshow.com

Melissa Ayr Presents Painted Baby Grand Piano “Live Energy”

Melissa Ayr Art Painted Piano "Live Energy" Young Chang“Live Energy”
Acrylic on Baby Grand Piano
Young Chang

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Piano Provided by the  Piano Gallery
"Piano Gallery"Images Courtesy of Skipping Stone Studio

Sign the Ayr Art Guest Book

See more about the making of the Painted Piano “Live Energy”
See a sneak peak Video of Melissa Ayr’s hands on process

Liverpool Biennial

Melissa Ayr has received professional accreditation from the Liverpool Biennial.  The 6th International Liverpool Biennial is “Touched”.

Liverpool Biennial

“Liverpool Biennial is the UK’s largest as well as one of the most exciting contemporary visual arts events, and with 960,000 visits in 2008, it is one of the best attended in the world.”

Thanks Biennial team

Liverpool Biennial is the UK’s largest as well as one of the most exciting contemporary visual arts events, and with 960,000 visits in 2008, it is one of the best attended in the world.

Ayr Art Transformation Tour Dallas

Ayr Art Transformation Tour

Ayr Art Transformation Tour – Dallas

Featuring Artist Melissa Ayr, Benefiting the Book Bank Foundation
Social – Join us for an evening of Fine Art, Live Performance and Giving.

Featuring: Contemporary Abstract Artist Melissa Ayr & Concert Pianist Elida Dakoli

Benefiting: The Book Bank Foundation: Promoting Literacy to Eradicate Homelessness

National Tour Kickoff Exhibition:

Piano Gallery
13520 Inwood Road
Dallas, TX 75244

Date: Saturday August 21st, 2010

Time: 6-9pm

Sponsored by Ruinart Champagne, Chopin Vodka, The Piano Gallery & Central Market

“Monarch”

Melissa Ayr Original Art Painting Monarch

“Monarch”
Mixed Media Painting on Canvas
48″ x 96″ x 3″

“Monarch” is the latest painting produced by prolific abstract artist Melissa Ayr.  Monarch represents the transition from somber funk to joyous exuberance.  Melissa Ayr has always been inspired by Pablo Picasso and originally worked to produce an homage to Picasso with this large eight foot canvas.  Underneath the many layers of paint on this painting is a sketch of Picasso’s ‘Guernica’ done in purple soft chalk pastel.  The spirit of Picasso was present.

While inspired by Picasso, Melissa’s mood was more focused on the free flowing energy of the music she heard in her studio.  During the painting of this piece Melissa was listening to Black Eye Peas and was dancing to “Imma Be” at her peak of inspiration.  Her painting transformed from ‘Guernica’ to ‘Monarch’ and drove forward an extension of Melissa’s unique colorful style.

This painting employs several techniques and media.  While keeping true to painting with her body, she also uncovered a new method to produce powerful poignant splatters across the divide of the canvas frame.  This piece is a true multimedia journey as Melissa worked Oil, Acrylic, Latex, Gloss, and Soft Chalk Pastel into the custom made hand stretched natural cotton duct canvas. 

This piece was created during the months of March and April of 2010 in Melissa’s studio, as well as, plein air.  While outside a butterfly flew by and landed on the canvas, which inspired the name ‘Monarch’.

“Bee Bop”

Melissa Ayr Art Abstract Bee Bop

“Bee Bop”
Original Oil Painting on Canvas
72″x60″x1½”

“Bee Bop” was created in two phases.  The background was created first.  Then many months later Melissa came back to this painting to finish it.  Melissa used her hands to create the background and the overlay was painted with a brush using broad strokes.  The painting is done in oil on cotton duct canvas.  It took over 9 months to create this painting.  This painting represents joy at the present moment.  The title “Bee Bop” represents the happy bouncing movement that was coursing through the artist listening to Jazz music.  This painting is gallery wrapped and was created in the year 2009.  This painting was featured at Melissa’s exhibition Pure Creativity at the Goodrich Gallery in Dallas near the Heart of the Arts District.

Melissa Ayr Art Abstract Bee Bop Room

“Water Garden”

“Water Garden”

Melissa Ayr Oil Abstract Painting Art Artist Water Garden Monet Frankenthaler

“Water Garden”
Original Oil Painting on Canvas
60″x48″x1½”

“Water Garden” is a heavy textured original oil on canvas. This painting took over 9 months to create.  The artist used her hands to put down the texture over the cotton duct canvas.  This painting was formerly known as “Inferno” and was hung in the Galerie Blu’u inside the Montbleu Casino Resort in South Lake Tahoe.  “Inferno” was inspired by the Angora Fires around Lake Tahoe in 2007.  “Inferno” was painted outside as ash and soot fell over it and is embedded in the painting.  “Water Garden” was inspired by the impressionist painter Monet and is considered a transitional piece for Melissa’s career as an artist.

Melissa Ayr Oil Abstract Painting Art Artist Water Garden Detail

Detail View

Ayr Art Transformation Tour – a Toast of Dallas and a gift of Music

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ayr Art Transformation Tour – a Toast of Dallas and a gift of Music

DALLAS, TX August 31, 2010 — Saturday August 21st, signaled both the start of the Ayr Art Transformation Tour and the rise of contemporary abstract artist Melissa Ayr. The tour is a solo art exhibition featuring new and existing works of art created by painter Melissa Ayr. The tour also raises awareness and funding for the Book Bank Foundation to continue promoting literacy and community programs.

The Dallas event on August 21st was a special night as the evening was also the unveiling of a painting created exclusively for Champagne Ruinart, a brand of Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessey Group. Featured at the Event was a special toast of Champagne Ruinart to unveil the new painting by Melissa Ayr titled “Be Ruinart.” Melissa Ayr has been selected and will be represented by Ruinart at Art Basel in Miami later this year.

Melissa Ayr shared thoughts about her latest painting “Be Ruinart” and was able to reach many with her personal story of transformation. As a child Melissa was in a severe automobile accident, fell into a coma and had a near death experience. When she awoke from her coma she was told she could never walk again, could never go to college, could never have children and could never hold a job. Melissa has overcome all of these. Melissa’s drive is model of courage and determination and through her personal trials was able to find art and creativity as her outlet for self expression.

The Founder of the Book Bank Foundation, Glenn Toby spoke about his own transformation of living on the streets of New York as a child to reaching a level of huge success. He is a thriving celebrity/sports agent who has focused the non-profit organization he founded to provide over 100,000 hours of community service across the United States.

The Ayr Art event was held at the Piano Gallery in Dallas which showcases world class pianos. Concert Pianist Elida Dakoli performed a lively set of songs showcasing her talent and skill as one of the best pianists in Texas. Owner Bob Rosenthal stated “It truly was a wonderful event (you can always tell the success of an event by how late the guests stay), and for the most part, they did not want to leave.”

At the end of the evening, Bob Rosenthal made an announcement that brought tears of joy to Melissa Ayr. The evening ended with an amazing surprise donation of a Grand Piano from the Piano Gallery to be painted by Artist Melissa Ayr. Once the Piano is painted, the Piano artwork will then be given to Musical Angels.  Musical Angels is a non-profit organization created for hospitalized children to actively participate in the joyful and healing process of making music with their own hands and hearts.

The evening was a sponsored by Champagne Ruinart, Chopin Vodka, Piano Gallery and Dallas Central Market. The Tour will continue onto Los Angeles, San Francisco and end in New York City on December 11th.

To find out more about the Ayr Art Transformation Tour and artist Melissa Ayr visit http://www.melissaayr.com.

# # #

About Artist Melissa Ayr:

Melissa Ayr’s mission is simple; create with passion, open the World’s mind to creativity and become the highest valued female artist of our time.  Melissa offers high end fine art using hand crafted custom made canvas, the finest quality paint and artist talent to make every original painting unique.  Melissa sells original abstract paintings in oil, acrylic and mixed media and keeps her indelible oath to grow her brand, maintain value and hold true to the trust that many collectors have placed in her. http://www.melissaayr.com

About The Book Bank Foundation:

The Book Bank Foundation is a national organization that is dedicated to creating solutions for individuals that lack the educational and/or socio-economical resources required to function in society.  http://www.thebbf.org/