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Memphis
Morris T. Howard
Morris was born in Dayton, Ohio. The artist began drawing at the age of five. He started by posing his brother for portraits on paper bags. The artist remarks about those times: “I don't know where the ideas to pose my brother Quinn came from, one day it just happened.”
Morris prefers to draw and paint the human figure in all its complexities. He considers mastery of draftsmanship to be the greatest asset an artist can possess. The artist believes that drawing is the foundation, along with color placement, contrasts between lights and darks and color harmony are the recipe for a successful painting. According to the artist; “Art is something that inspires people through great skill, and beauty. My standards are high and I will continue to strive for excellence in every work I create.”
In 1994, after being honorably discharged from the Navy, Morris enrolled at the Art Institute of Atlanta. He graduated in 1996 with an Associate of Arts Degree in Visual Communications. Morris continued his studies under the tutelage of artist and illustrator Carl Owens until Mr. Owens untimely passing in 2002. Morris continues to study, and receive advice from portrait artist Simmie Knox, a friend and mentor. Morris relocated from Atlanta to Memphis, in 2005.
Morris is a member of The International Guild Of Realism, The Portrait Society Of America, The Memphis/Germantown Art League, and NIA Artists Collective.
EXHIBITIONS
- Apex Museum-Atlanta 2004
- Art On 5 Gallery-Atlanta 2005
- Clay's Gallery-Atlanta 2005
- Cotton Mill Lofts-Atlanta 2002
- First Tennessee Bank Art Forum At FEDEX Forum-Memphis, TN 2008 thru 2009
- Fulton County Libraries-Atlanta/College Park, GA 2001
- Gallery On Main-College Park, GA 2001
- Gate City Bar Association-Atlanta 2002/2003
- Hammonds House Museum-Atlanta (Masterful Mix Auction-2004/2005/2007/2008)
- JOYSMITH Gallery-Memphis, TN June 2006
- Labelle Gallery-New Orleans, LA French Quarter 2004
- Marshall Arts/Delta Axis-Memphis With NIA Artists Collective-2006
- Martini Girl Gallery-Atlanta 2003
- Memphis Botanic Gardens 2008
- Memphis/Germantown Art League Exhibit-Collierville Town Hall, Collierville, TN 2008
- Modern Primitive Gallery-Atlanta (Now Mason Murer Gallery) 1999
- Southwest Fulton Arts Center-Atlanta 2004/2005
- StudioPlex-Atlanta (With art group Untitled) 2001/2002
COLLECTIONS
Vanderbilt University, Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center, Nashville, Tennessee, National Civil Rights Museum, Memphis, TN, and many private collections.
