Artist Statement

Artwork and painting has been my passion and hobby since long ago in middle school, and continues today as I move along the pages of life. Initial attempts at oil painting surprised me when family members purchased several of my earliest paintings.  A lifetime Marylander, I find there are always opportunities for creating artworks in our own locations, although travels have often presented amazing favorite photos to work from too.

My work is generally from photos or ideas created in my art room.  Thoughts of colors blending or accenting my work helps me create pieces to allow others see the wonders of nature or added interest when presenting a pleasing still life.

Watercolor is the basis for the majority of my painting time, however graphite pencil, pastels and acrylics are also favorites. I enjoy working in a variety of materials! Bringing line and color to a painting hopefully allows my viewers to see unique beauty in things that may otherwise seem mundane.  A privilege as an artist is that because we study our subject matter with care, we often see even more expressive colors and wonder in our surroundings.

Drawing has been encouraged by studying with a favorite local teacher for the past several years. I truly enjoy the challenge of graphite and the problem solving techniques it creates. My art education consists of classes with many excellent local teachers as I believe that one should never stop learning.  Retirement from MCPS offered me more freedom to pursue artwork and the opportunity to enter many local competitions, a true pleasure for me.

Ruth passed away on February 4, 2023. She is missed by us all.