Robert Chris Noel, better known as R.C., has been a part of Houston’s art and interior design scene for over four decades. Known for his oversized abstract paintings, Noel has experienced an unexpected side effect of the pandemic – a huge upswing in art sales. He is selling everything as fast as he can hang it and has a waitlist for his custom pieces.
“I have several custom orders going right now. I am working with many different colors and subjects – I am keeping busy, but should be done before the holidays. I have to paint quickly because I paint with acrylic and it dries so fast,” says the artist. “People don’t like waiting for furniture or their paintings, so I try to keep them happy.”
Noel’s family has owned and operated Noel Furniture located in the Upper Kirby area of Houston since the 1980s. His art is a part of the store’s beautiful showroom and is often sold to clients who are redecorating their homes. Earlier this year, when Houstonians were forced to spend a lot more time indoors, Noel noticed they wanted to refresh their surroundings. “People have been caged up, and they are tired of their homes. They want a new coffee table, a new sofa, and a beautiful piece of art to hang above it.”
Although Noel paints realistic art, he is currently focusing primarily on abstract art. He has seen success with an impressive series called Cancun Waters, where blues, aquas, and turquoise paired with gold and silver leaf have been popular with clients. “The wonderful thing about abstract art is that it is all in your imagination. People see what they want to see,” says Noel. “You can ask 1,000 different people what they see, and you will get 1,000 different answers.”