Original Peter Max 'LOVE" art from 1968 (acrylic on wood) discovered at an estate sale near Fire Island where Peter used to live. This was given to the sellers mom who received if from Peter before he left NY on to further his art career in 1968. When she moved across the bay to Oakdale she brought this art with her, put it in the attic and there is sat for over 40 years. When I went to the garage-yard sale this was tossed in the driveway with other items and I spotted it right away. Knowing that some of Peters original LOVE art is the topic of many blogs and articles asking, "Where is Peter Maxs original LOVE art painting?"
This is believed to be his first rendition (we are getting documents as to the actual age of the varnish by a curator) of the now famous "LOVE" art. The colors have faded and the varnish has very cool patina and craizing which shows how the elements from out side aged the art giving it an incredibley beautyful look. On Fire Island NY, people put art on their houses to give them a personal touch and this was on the outside of Peter Maxs personal residence. Archives of the Peter Max 1968 art exhibt on Fire Island describe his art and exhibit. I am working with the historical society from Fire Island to possibly find some vintage images of that exhibit.
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| With Peter Max at his NY studio after he called me up to invite me to meet him. Peter also gave me three signed prints with hand drawings on them. |
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A close up of the art shows the faded paint and age to the varnish. What is most interesting about this rendition is that the mouth is OPEN. on all other examples the mouth is closed. In addition the larger round red circle above her cheak and eye, shows that it indents into the orange below (as if its resting in a curve) and again on all other renditions this was changed. I was told that the change was done because he did not like the curve and wanted a better flow and also her mouth open did not look as sexy. The crazing in the varnish is aparent as is some minor age and weather related chips but all it all its just SO COOL the way it is. At the studio Peter sprayed a UV coating on it (I would have preferred not) but by all accounts the art was his and I was not about to dissagree. I also declined when asked if I would leave it in the studio and to be featured at some gallery shows.
Also becasue it was probably painted outside or at the exhibit there are some minor grains of sand behind her eye and just above the 3 small circles on the black outline that dried in the paint, again VERY COOL! I found an old frame that has glass on the outside of the frame so the the glass is about 3" away from the face of the painting. It is displayed in my home and it enjoyed by all who view it.
So far "3" painted original "LOVE" renditions have surfaced and one sold in January 2012 for $43,000
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I sent Images of this painting (prior to being contacted by Peter Max personally) to galleries who specialize in Modern art from the 1960's and who are knowledgable in Peter Max art. Both attested that this is a very early or possibly the first painted rendition of the original Peter Max "LOVE".
Two responses mentioned that the original first, painted renditions of "LOVE" were painted using green as the letters and the use of hot pink and orange (later on, Peter also confirmed this). Peter also mentioned to me that original first rendition "LOVE" paintings, he used a faint yellow as the backround as seen on the ashtray here. Many later rendtions he said he used the vivid pastel colors Yellow, Sky Blue, Purple and Orange (as seen in the painting below). He mentioned to me that he has some studies done on paper of "LOVE" and when he eventually paited the art before it had become popular, he gave two smaller versions away, that were painted during the same timeframe when he was on filre island but this larger renditon for his personal use may be the only survivor because the others have never surfaced or may have been neglected or discarded. If this rendition was left on the house when Peter left Fire Island, it too would have faded and been destroyed by the Ocean salt, Rain and sun. When he gave this to his Neighbor, she luckly put it in the house away from the elements.
The "LOVE" fetured above is also the only renditon painted on a piece of wood because it was nailed on the front of the house Peter Max lived in during his time here on Fire Island NY Making this "LOVE" for his personal use.
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The following six images represent an original LOVE poster, a recent oil painting, a rare scarf, a serving tray, the cover of a Peter Max book and an ash tray.
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