Established artist Christopher Martin had a Texas-size challenge―to create an awe-inspiring 120-foot painting that would span the entire length of the grandstand lounge at the new Circuit of The Americas™Formula One track in Austin, Texas.

The art installation entitled “Velocity” will be the largest acrylic painting on exhibit in North America.   This original artwork will be revealed at a cocktail reception at the Christopher Martin Gallery in the heart of the Dallas Design District on Friday, Nov. 9 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. All art enthusiasts are invited to attend and media interview opportunities will be available with the artist at this special event.

The Christopher Martin Gallery is located at 1533 Dragon Street, Dallas, Texas  75207. The unveiling of Martin’s mammoth painting in Dallas comes right before the artwork is installed at its permanent home in Austin marking the racetrack’s grand opening celebration from Nov. 16 through Nov. 18. The new Circuit of The Americas™ venue is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of racing fans from all over the world and its premiere event is the Formula One United States Grand Prix™.

Bobby Epstein, chairman and co-founder of Circuit of The Americasâ„¢, and partner in the investment firm Prophet Capital Management, Ltd., commissioned the painting from Martin after he met the artist in Colorado last year.

“Christopher’s work emulates many characteristics that the Circuit seeks to be―creative, modern, lively, and uniquely appealing. It’s appropriate that a nationally acclaimed Texas artist be featured, and the fact that it’s the largest piece of its kind fits the Texas spirit,” said Epstein.

Martin is renowned for his reverse glass paintings echoing natural elements. It was Christopher’s newest series of works―exploring the sweeping arcs and flow within formations of nature―that were the inspiration behind “Velocity” for both buyer and artist.

“The reality of the Circuit of The Americasâ„¢ in Austin is one of the most progressive fusions I’ve witnessed in my 20 years in Texas. Austin just went international in a unique way. The bravado of the track and the sport of racing have the same elements that I hope to convey in my abstractions: movement, line, angle, power and speed.  I am honored to work with Bobby and to be part of this epic international stage,” said Martin.

Though the reverse glass painting technique traces back to the 14th century, Christopher’s painting is entirely modern. Christopher coaxes layer-upon-layer of pigment and water on the back of acrylic panels, harnessing brushes, wind, gravity, and the sun. The result is 30 to 40 layers fused together to achieve a colorful chaos of strength and harmony.

Martin recently opened his 5,000-square-foot studio on Dragon Street in Dallas this January 2012 allowing him the space to create and display his signature large works composed of multiple panels. The artist’s works are currently on exhibit at his namesake galleries in Aspen and Dallas, as well as Laura Rathe Fine Art in Houston. Nov. 1 will mark Martin’s return to San Francisco with a solo show at The McLoughlin Gallery on Geary Street.

In June of this year, Christopher and his family moved to their second home in Aspen to launch the artist’s new photography studio.  The gallery in Aspen, which opened in November 2010, has garnered a broadening scope of collectors worldwide. Martin recently completed a private commission for a 32-foot painting now residing in London and his coveted artwork was featured in a private one-night showing in The Hamptons.

About Christopher Martin

Artist Christopher Martin is world-renowned for his revival of the reverse glass painting technique creating vibrant abstract interpretations of nature. His inspiring paintings are held in private collections around the world as well as corporate collections in Amsterdam, Stockholm and Hong Kong. In the U.S., Martin’s works adorn The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain in Tucson to corporate offices including Boeing Aerospace in St. Louis, The Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas and the Nordstrom and Starbucks headquarters in Seattle. In his native Texas, Martin’s installations grace the walls of the Wells Fargo Plaza in Houston, Dallas’ Equinox Gym, Gensler, MetLife and the Omni Dallas Hotel. For more information and to view paintings, please visit www.christopherhmartin.com.

About Circuit of The Americasâ„¢

Circuit of The Americas™ is a new world-class motorsports and entertainment venue located in the heart of Texas.  The $400 million state-of-the-art facility on 1100-acres is nearing completion. Scheduled to open hosting the Formula One United States Grand Prix™ on Nov. 18, 2012, the track will host the most prestigious racing events in the world. The Australian V8 Supercars and Moto GP series have confirmed plans to hold a race on the track in 2013, while FIA World Endurance Championship, American Le Mans Series, and Rolex Sports Car Series are anticipated to run at the circuit in 2013.

What: The unveiling of 120-foot painting “Velocity” in Dallas before it is installed in its new Austin home
When: Friday, Nov. 9, 2012
7-10 p.m.
Where: The Christopher Martin Gallery
1533 Dragon St.
Dallas, TX 75207 (Map)
How Much: Free
RSVP: 214-880-1770 or [email protected]