Drawing & Painting
Artist Statement
Judy began her art studies after her 2002 retirement as a special education administrator. Initial works of art included still life drawings and paintings created from montages and photographs. While in San Miguel Mexico in 2008, Judy became interested in acrylic inks. To refine her skills in this media, she enrolled in a class taught by Maxine Masterfield in Sarasota Florida. Ms. Masterfield developed the method of painting called “Painting in the Spirit of Nature” in which she used acrylic inks to illuminate the beauty of our natural environment.
While serving as Artist in Residence in the Petrified National Forest, Arizona, for two weeks, Judy was inspired by the colors of the petrified trees. Feeling that this palette would be excellent for paintings, she began to create original interpreted works based on what was observed in the park. The purpose of the compositions was to enhance the beauty seen in the Petrified Forest National Park. Many of her paintings were inspired by the residency experience and other natural environments. She also developed more abstract techniques with acrylic paints in art classes.
Her artwork has been exhibited locally in several solo shows including the Lincolnwood Public Library and The Renaissance Gallery at the Chicago Cultural Center; group shows with the San Diego Art Department, Oakton Student Art Show, Emily Oaks (Skokie Art Club), North Shore Art Guild and the Evanston Art League Student Show. Judy’s work has been recognized by various collectors. She received a commission to create four compositions based on the Four Seasons Symphony by Anton Vivaldi. Other interpretive works are displayed in private collections in Chicago; Sarasota, Florida; Seattle, Washington; San Diego and Santa Barbara, California; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and New York City.
Photography
Artist Statement
Rick has been taking photographs for many years, beginning with a Brownie box-camera and eventually migrating to the digital world. His favorite subjects are parks (national, state, local and tribal) plus any place where nature is on display. Rick also captures macro, portrait, event and food images.
Recently, Rick has ventured into the world of infrared photography. Several images in this exhibit are taken using the infrared spectrum which shifts the colors from the visible spectrum to colors not otherwise seen. He encourages viewers to delve into each canvas and develop their own interpretation of each piece.
Rick’s work has been displayed at various galleries and venues in the greater Chicago area, in juried shows in Chicago, Highland Park, Skokie, Lincolnwood and San Diego, and are also represented in private collections in Fairfax, Santa Barbara and San Diego, California; Sarasota. Florida; New York; Phoenix, Arizona; Washington DC; and Chicago.