Reception at WAS-H

April M Rimpo with her husband Chas standing by April's painting
More Beautiful with Age (as lower left)

I've been able to attend the WAS-H International Exhibition reception for the last two years. This exhibit is very popular, as evident by the crowds that attend. There is literally standing room only starting about fifteen minutes into the reception.  Last year I decided not to go to the studio/presentation area for the presentation of awards so I could enjoy the art in the exhibit, stepping back and being able to take it all in. However this year the juror, Eric Wiegardt, was giving a talk during the presentation of awards and I wanted to hear it.

Eric discussed his selection process to whittle down the approximately 300 entries to the 100 on exhibit. He explained that it was only subtle nuances that allowed him to select the award winners.  His talk about the top award winners was fascinating. Eric’s in depth understanding of art and art history was evident. His approach was to select paintings that emphasized different artistic styles, historically important transitions in art, excellence in technique, and particular aspects of design and execution. As he stated not all paintings can excel in all the different attributes of an excellent painting but focus on different aspects.  His selection showed the breadth of great art.  Hearing his thoughts on these pieces added so much to the exhibit for me and I am very glad I didn’t miss it. Spending more time with Eric would no doubt enhance just about anyone’s understanding of art and history since his ability to explain his view point was extraordinary.

April with her son at WAS-H Reception

Enjoy the picture of the reception with my family and me.

"Lambs", a 4" X 4' fluid acrylic mounted on a deep cradle wood panel

Lambs by April M Rimpo

Lambs

4" X 4" fluid acrylic
mounted on 2" deep cradled, wood panel

that was stained in pecan

$45

SOLD through HorseSpirit Arts Gallery
info@horsespiritartsgallery.com 

410-461-3505 

Although our only resident animal is a dear kitty, Dusty, we live in an area were small and large animals abound.  The domesticated farm animals include: lambs, goats, chickens, Guinea hen, cattle, and horse. Our wild animal visitors include: brown fox, raccoons, deer, ground hogs, and an occasional opossum. So when I want to paint an animal it is like one will either wander by our home or I can just walk to a neighbors to get some photographs.  These cute lambs live about a mile from our home.

When I did my Spring by the River painting I intentionally had an extra 6 inches of paper on one end, so as I painted some nice unplanned tints and textures formed on in this margin.  I particularly liked this piece that had pale pinks and grays and decided it would make a nice backdrop for the lambs. 

This small 4" X 4" painting on watercolor paper was mounted on a 2" deep cradled, wood panel becoming one of my "stackable" pieces perfect for Easter, a child's bedroom, a play area, or any little nook or cranny that needs a spot of color.  I varnished the paper after painting to provide UV protection form the sun and to protect that paper from the elements.

"Historic Train Station" a 16" x 20" fluid acrylic

Historic Train Station by April M. Rimpo

Historic Train Station

16" X 20" Fluid Acrylic on Watercolor Paper

Mounted on a 2" Deep-Cradle Wood Panel

$775

Original Available in April's Spreesy Store

Prints available through HorseSpirit Arts Gallery

I've been wanting to paint this train station, now museum, for a while. However I've struggled with how to make it look interesting since the building and cobblestone were all similar in color. The front "courtyard" is a large expanse that seemed empty in my photographs.

My first design concept was to transform the scene back to the late 1800s when the station was still in operation. This resulted in the addition of the horse drawn carriages in the distance and the woman in 1880s clothing, but it still needed more color and something to fill that courtyard area.

Recently I decided I could add some potted flowers to the foreground, which not only adds some needed white, but also adds some brighter yellows and a place to repeat and emphasize the reds from the roof and distant building. I placed the flowers so they introduced an interesting curved shape, breaking up the large expanse in front of the building.

I'm so glad I took my time thinking about the design of this painting. I believe the result is far better than my original plan. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Copyright April M Rimpo All Rights Reserved. You may share my work with attribution and a link to this source site, but all other uses are prohibited.