What I do
I work to create a question between what I enjoy and what the viewer enjoys. This is done through painting, photography and print. In my paintings I find myself drawn to landscapes, with a twist. Due to my dysgraphia and ADHD, I find it more difficult to paint small details, so I rely on flat brushes to help me create my work. The twist is to question the viewer in how they see “realistic.” This includes details of proportions or lighting schemes that feel slightly off.
In my photography I find my love for cars, I see them in a way their owners do-full of beauty and color. I treat every shoot as a way to fully document how they see their vehicle, how it feels to own this vehicle. I capture different angles, and use different techniques to represent the speed, power and agility of these vehicles. I use a multitude of digital cameras and video stabilizers to photograph and film. While I have used film cameras before, I like the speed of digital as it allows me to capture and edit images faster. I use programs such as lightroom and premiere pro to help me achieve this
Who I am
Maximilian Ardis is an Austin based artist and photographer who was born and raised in Bastrop, Texas. His practices involve skills in landscape painting, automotive photography and print. He paints using flat brushes which helps him create very geometrical and abstracted landscapes. In his photography he finds his love for cars, he captured the photos in a way to reflect how owner’s see their cars. In his prints he creates works based on one-word topics, such as alien or pattern, and uses a variety of different techniques to make his prints. He is currently on track to earn his BFA in Studio Art at the University of Texas in Austin in fall 2026.
