Matson Ambroise

Old Man #1, Oil Painting

2023

Artist Comments
Inspired by the 1903 book "Sundial Mottoes," artist Matson Ambroise illustrates a man with a long, white beard and weathered features. Applying thick gestural layers, they create dynamic textures that reveal portions of the lighter background. The lower right side of the composition features a faint pencil inscription that reads, "Look Upon Me. Though Silent, I Speak. For the Happy and the Sad, I Mark the House Alike. I Warn as I Move. I Steal Upon You. I Wait for None." The painting comes with an unlacquered brass frame.

About the Artist
Husband and wife artists Amber Flora and Matt Reid paint contemporary portraits characterized by a combination of distinct palette knife work and detailed figurative renditions. After a decade of on-and-off collaborations, they decided to create a series of paintings. The outcome exceeded their expectations, leading them to continue as a professional team, and merge their creative forces under the artistic persona named Matson Ambroise. "It is the culmination of two lives lived together in the pursuit of pure creativity," says Amber. Matt grew up passionate about art, with his mom and uncle being artists. Amber Flora completed her BA in Art History at California State University, Long Beach. Today, their studio is a spacious, brightly lit space overlooking miles of California's high desert. While they work, the background hums with 60s samba music as their pit bull, Marlin, keeps them company. When they're not in the studio, they enjoy adventures with their three young children and spend half the year at Manhattan Beach, where they both grew up. Additionally, Matt is a musician who tours with his rock band called NORMANS, and Amber is a devoted long-distance runner.

Words that describe this painting: contemporary, portrait, profile, texture, palette knife, large, poetry, man, people, contemporary, oil painting, black

Old Man #1
Matson Ambroise
Oil painting on stretched canvas
Painting wraps around edges
Ready to hang
One-of-a-kind
Signed on back
2023
60 in. h x 50 in. w x 2 in. d
40 lbs. 0 oz.