Victoria Ryan » Images of Water

“Nature’s Way” Solo Show at Art Brokers, Inc.

victoriaryan — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 20:02:59 +0000

"Harmony" 20x27" Pastel

March 27-April 26….New Pastels at Art Brokers Inc., 2660 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA

Opening Reception: March 27 from 6-9 PM. Please come celebrate with me. This latest body of work is a decisively more intimate view of the landscape with emphasis on painterly images of streams and other waterways, a commonly explored theme in my work. New prints will also be unveiled at this show.

My Continuing Love Affair with Water

victoriaryan — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 15:41:59 +0000

"Winter Wildflowers" 23x31

Artists have been drawn to images of water, with its aesthetic and evocative qualities since the early cave man drawings. There is a soothing quality to water…and evidenced based studies have shown that images of water create a calming, restful environment in healthcare settings.

I was drawn to this composition because of the strong blue sky reflection in this closed in waterway near my home in Eureka. The winter brush and spent wildflowers had an amazing depth of color to play with. This is one of the paintings that will be featured in my upcoming show at Art Brokers in Sausalito. I will post additional images from the show in upcoming days.

I’ve wondered why I rarely paint seascapes since I’ve lived on the Pacific coast for the past 7 years. I think I should make that be one of my challenges…

Substrates Part II

victoriaryan — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 22:12:39 +0000

One of my favorite new surfaces to work on is UART sanded pastel paper. Similar to Ersta, which was not ph neutral and therefore not a suitable choice, the UART has a great sanded surface that holds pastel well. Unlike Sennelier LaCarte, which is great for slowly building glazes of color, the UART creates a painterly surface. Many layers can be developed with thick applications. It is a completely different way of working than with the LaCarte and I love the abillity to chance course. Especially since I have started working in oils again since last year, working with the UARt really opens up a new experience in painting in pastel. These paintings are from a series I am developing from a trip to Ashland Oregon in November. The light on the river running through Lithia park made for a plethora of great views to explore.