07.02.21 Alyce Frank

Fauvist Painter Of New Mexico

By Rebekah Powers | July 2021

Born in New Iberia, Louisiana, where Tabasco sauce is made, Alyce refers to her own birth as her first artistic experience. She had a solid education and was admitted into the University of Chicago when she was only a sophomore in High School. Later she studied at UCLA and in 1953, she married Larry Frank, a filmmaker. They collaborated on producing and editing educational films for 9 years and in 1962 they moved to New Mexico.

“From the moment I saw it, I adored New Mexico.” She and Larry lived in the old Penitente morada above Arroyo Hondo and her studio was attached with a view that compelled her outside, into the landscape. Initially, painting for Alyce was a way to spend time in the vastness of northern New Mexico. Lycee, as she was known by her friends, would paint sitting on the tailgate of her station wagon. Scouting for painting spots brought Alyce Frank to some of her favorite places around Taos, including the rim road above Valdez, Sopyn’s orchard in Rinconda and closer to home, the view from her studio window in Arroyo Seco.

She began every landscape with her signature red underpainting. Some called her a Taos Expressionist, some said of her that she was a Fauvist painter, but whatever the label, Lycee’s paintings breathe, exuding the color and vibrancy of New Mexico and beyond. She began having painting adventures with Barbara Zaring, studied for years with Ray Vinella and under Bob Ellis at UNM. She even attended a workshop master class at the Santa Fe Art Institute with Richard Diebenkorn, a leader in abstract expressionism.

These influences were distilled into her unique style which remained somewhat naïve and totally her own. Alyce enjoyed a rich family life with her three children and her filmmaker, turned historian husband, Larry. As well-known collectors of Pueblo pottery, New Mexico santos bultos and other sacred artifacts, Lycee and Larry Frank were immersed in the culture and history of this area like few others. Perhaps these connections to this place informed her work, as she often evokes an unexpected emotional impact of a scene with heightened colors and a flattened perspective.

Once you have made the acquaintance of Alyce Frank through her work, you will know it when you see it again. In interviews Lycee described an artist’s life as a difficult one, because no one else can do if for you. It is a singular calling and for those of us familiar with her painting, we are grateful that Alyce Frank answered the call.

Currently on display are several of her major works and you are invited to a viewing. For a preview, check out our website. But to experience the feeling of being in the “surround” that her large works create, stop by the gallery and visit us personally.

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#1 Saint Francis Church Plaza
Ranchos de Taos, NM 87557

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