Gabe Langholtz
A Game of Chance, 2020, mixed media on canvas, 36 x 36”
Describe your artistic style in three words.
Naïve. Modern. Painting.
What's inspiring you right now?
I’m currently in the process of preparing work for my second NYC solo show. I’m motivated by opportunity so whenever something like this comes up, I always tend to have a surge of inspiration and productivity. It’s invigorating.
What do you do when you're feeling uninspired?
I have a large collection of art and art books that I regularly glean inspiration from. Outside of that, I think it’s important to just get in the studio and work. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that inspiration is a byproduct of creation.
Of course, there are always the administrative details to tend to as well (e.g., social media maintenance, show submissions). There are many ways of being productive when creating isn’t an option.
Tell us something unique about your process.
These days, when I get stuck on a painting, I’ll often take a photo of it and use the iPad app Procreate to work through various ideas until I find some direction. The ability to add and remove layers is liberating, and as an added bonus it conserves my paints.
What advice do you have for other artists?
Pace yourself and take time to enjoy your successes. In 2018 I had a very well received one-person exhibition in NYC. Immediately following, I was part of a three-person group show in Austin which was a little flat in comparison. Afterwards, I was left feeling somewhat indifferent about the whole experience. That ambivalent feeling lasted almost the entire next year, and my career suffered as a result. I even briefly entertained the idea of throwing in the towel.
That experience taught me a lot about myself, and what is important to me. I’m in a much better place now, savoring each accomplishment and enjoying the ride.
Anything else?
You can find my work in the upcoming publication of New American Paintings, issue 144. I'm honored and excited to be checking that one off the bucket list.
The Last Word, 2018, acrylic and charcoal pencil on canvas, 24 x 24”
Cans, 2020, mixed media on canvas, 36 x 36”
In Deep, 2020, acrylic on canvas, 30 x 24”
Old Ghosts, 2020, acrylic on canvas, 36 x 36”
Out of Sight Out of Mind, 2019, mixed media on canvas, 36 x 36”
Arrangement, 2019, acrylic charcoal pencil on canvas, 24 x 18”
Trio, 2019, acrylic on canvas, 24 x 24”
There Will Be Blood, 2018, acrylic on canvas, 12 x 12”
Lone Star Picnic, 2015, mixed media on canvas, 12 x 12”
Gabe Langholtz is an American painter, living and working in Austin Texas.
His work, although primarily representational, is indebted to American Color Field painting, focusing on color relations, pattern making, form and line with little concern for depth and proportion.
As a recurring theme in many of his works, Langholtz explores traditional subject matter presented in nontraditional ways. These paintings are an amalgamation of color, texture and pattern, with a heavy emphasis on the two-dimensional surface of the canvas. As a result, the paintings have a playful quality that’s reminiscent of children’s art.
In line with many of his artistic influences, Langholtz’ paintings are rugged, imperfect, yet heavy with the human spirit.
Langholtz is influenced by the work of Mary Fedden, Philip Guston, Agnes Martin and Gary Bunt, while folk art and collage heavily inform his distinctive style.
Gabe Langholtz is a long time studio tour artist, participating in both EAST and WEST.