February First Friday:
”The Watercolor Palette”
featuring
Rick Griffin, Ellen DeMaria, Catherine Hillis, Michael Kravchak, Jackie Merritt, Doug Mock, Tenley Raithel, and Robert Schuler
Opening Reception: Friday, February 7th
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Join us at Arts on Main this February for “The Watercolor Palette”! This group show features eight incredible artists who all specialize in watercolor. Through realism, abstract, contemporary, and combinations of all three, these eight artists bring their different styles together to show you the wide spectrum of the watercolor palette!
The show will open on Friday, February 7th from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM. Lite bites will be served and wine and beer will be available for purchase. Live music will be provided by Jerry Sowers. This exhibit will be on display at Arts on Main until Saturday, March 1st.
Many Thanks to our February Exhibit sponsors, Vera & Chris Green!
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
RICK GRIFFIN
“I am a Forensic Psychologist in private practice and I live in Gloucester on the Ware River with my wife Gail. About ten years ago I enrolled in art classes at Gloucester Arts on Main and received instruction in various mediums such as oil, watercolor, acrylics and began exploring various subject matter. As an avid sailor, boater and oyster grower I have a natural interest in anything that happens on or in the Chesapeake Bay. My subjects have ranged from catamarans to crabs. I love nature and enjoy immersing myself in the outdoors as often as possible. As I psychologist I have an innate interest in people and, consequently, portrait painting has had a strong pull for me as well.”
ELLEN DEMARIA
Ellen DeMaria paints watercolors, acrylics, and mixed media with an expressive brushstroke, often depicting her beloved waters of the Chesapeake Bay region of Virginia, as well as the ocean nearby. Ellen’s family owns a seafood business which has given her insight into the often-rugged waterman’s life and the inherent beauty in the rustic elements surrounding that livelihood.
She refers to her painting style as “abstract realism” and when painting each day, she states that is a very intuitive process. While frequently inspired by an image–either up-close or from a photo–her paintings often begin with an idea that leads her to create unexpected artworks, hopefully evoking feelings for the viewer. Ellen has been painting for about 35 years, and continues to take workshops and painting seminars with some of the country’s finest watercolorists.
Find Ellen’s work at https://www.ellendemariaart.com/
CATHERINE HILLIS
Catherine Hillis resides in Central Virginia.
For the past 30 years, she has exhibited at numerous galleries, museums and art centers, both public and private, around the world. She authors comprehensive articles about watercolor painting and competes on the national plein air circuit as well as in international watercolor exhibitions, winning hundreds of awards.
“I paint. It's the thing I do best. I create light and movement with watercolors. When I see a scene with a story and the light is just right, I must paint. I find myself painting places that folks pass every day but fail to recognize the beauty. Many people say I see color and light that isn't there. I contend that I'm observing things as they really are, at least to me. Whenever possible, I try to make a statement through my work, employing a playful twist or edge that a viewer can appreciate.”
Find Catherine’s work at https://www.catherinehillis.com/
Michael S. Kravchak , Sr.
“I majored in architecture in college, with a minor in art history. I studied under Professor Amy Fell, Professor John Gardner, and Sculpture Professor, J. Cherry. I have always enjoyed the Arts, and I have experimented in many mediums, i.e., pencil, oils, acrylics, pen and ink, and clay sculpture.
For many years, I painted and sketched for relaxation; however, I always wanted to learn to work in watercolor. Upon my retirement as a District Manager from UGI, an energy company, I took my first course in watercolor with Robert Burnell at Portsmouth Fine Arts Institute. I have also taken a semester course with Betty Anglin at Christopher Newport University.
I have found my greatest challenge and satisfaction working in watercolor. I enjoy painting local and historical scenes from the Tidewater area and along the Chesapeake Bay. I also enjoy painting scenes from the Outer Banks of North Carolina and many other beautiful places I have been fortunate enough to visit.
I am a member of the Charles H. Taylor Art Center and Yorktown Arts Foundation.”
JACKIE MERRITT
Jacqueline is a visual artist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. In these two creative worlds (art and music), she is known by most as “Jackie” and is considered by many, a Renaissance woman.
A native of Norfolk, Virginia, in 1968 Jackie earned her BFA in Art Education from Norfolk State College (now, University). In 1970, she earned a Master of Arts degree with emphasis in Painting, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Additionally, she was the recipient of two Graduate Fellowships from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond and the other from the University of Wisconsin. After graduating, her first teaching position was at Elizabeth City State University, Instructor (Painting/Drawing); followed by University of Wisconsin, Madison, Visiting Lecturer (Drawing, 2D and 3D Design); then Norfolk State University, Instructor (Painting & Drawing); followed by Virginia Commonwealth University, Assistant Professor (Undergraduate and Graduate Painting/Drawing).
Find Jackie’s work at https://www.jackieamerritt.com/
DOUG MOCK
”I grew up in a beautiful dairy farming community in Central Pennsylvania. I was an enthusiastic artist in elementary and junior high school and then, like so many others, chose the academic path and ended up in corporate America. My creative energy was lost.
In 2005, in a leap of faith to start my own business I left, what many would call a great job and exciting career. Since then I have been the owner and managing director of Young Rembrandts. We teach children how to draw. During this time, my passion and excitement for art has been re-energized. I see my world like never before; and in doing so am finding inspiration all around.
In this technology driven, fast-paced, "gotta have it" world I have found an escape in my art. I am enjoying life's simplicity; being at peace when drawing, painting and simply creating. I have new passion, new energy and new enthusiasm for life. My wish for you...find your passion, share it with those you love, share it with the world: you will be thankful that you did!“
Find Doug’s work at http://www.dougmockfineart.com/
TENLEY RAITHEL
Tenley creates her artworks using oil and watercolor in a style that reflects a modern approach to color theory. According to Tenley, she seeks an avenue of balance and focus through her paintings.
“Our current culture is looking for not only beautiful art, but art that speaks to them in a way that moves them. My paints are the tools I use to create that possibility.”
Tenley lives with her husband and rescue cat, working in her upstairs studio, in their 1890’s home in Historic Yorktown, Virginia. She has raised a family and lived internationally with her husband’s naval career, always finding a place in her life for creativity. After retiring from a teaching career, she began to focus on art full-time. She has found art to be an engaging and uplifting way to express herself. Tenley has recently observed the impact colors can have to bring balance into lives that are searching. The colors in her paintings connect with the viewers and create a subliminal response that can be felt. Her paintings combine both spontaneous gestural strokes as well as reflective, cerebral approaches; some images based on visual reality and others in a distinctly abstract mode. Tenley usually has a cup of tea in her hand as she stands back and contemplates her ongoing work, with a palette of paints and brushes ready when her inner voice feels an urge. Her strongly spiritual nature leads her to rely heavily on God’s voice to direct her images and she shares credit for her creative expression.
Find Tenley’s work at https://www.tenleyraithel.com/
ROBERT SCHULER
Robert j. Schuler (Bob) has largely been self-taught for most of his 49 years as an Artist with some early limited formal training at a community college. Watercolor is Bob’s preferred medium.
Bob’s art journey began in high school. As a boy, he dreamt of becoming an architect, so he took Mechanical Drafting where he learned to be very precise with his drawing. Much of that detail is evident in his paintings today. After High School, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Often, while at sea, Bob would sketch and paint with Acrylics during his down time; that is where he discovered his passion for art.
After the Navy and some college, he worked in the Washington DC area, for 43 years, as a Navy Defense Contractor. During that time, he continued to paint.
Bob has painted primarily in watercolors for over 35 years. He loves watercolors because of the immediacy of the medium and the way the pigment responds on paper to his personal interpretation of the subject.
Bob is inspired by rural old buildings, Victorian homes, and old work boats. He also enjoys capturing portraits of cherished homes, beloved pets and other animals.
Through his art, Bob tries to preserve and communicate the beauty that he sees through his camera’s viewfinder. His goal is to always capture the true beauty that surrounds us and hopes those who view his art can see that beauty.
Bob is currently represented at Gloucester Arts on Main Gallery and the Kilmarnock RAL Art Center Gallery. His studio is in Providence Forge, Virginia where he lives with his wife and their Springer Spaniel.
Find Bob’s work at https://www.robertjschulerartist.com/
Live music will be performed by local musician, Jerry Sowers.
Many Thanks to our First Friday Music Sponsor, Yolanda’s!
