After spending many years as
a graphic designer Ralph decided
to pursue his real love, painting the countryside and its wildlife.
Painting became a full-time occupation in the early 70's when
he moved to the English Lake District. Ralph lived there for
many years and it has a special place in his heart, with its
lakes, beautiful villages and mountains which evoke a feeling
peace. Ralph's wildlife paintings led to International recognition
and this included articles in leading magazines, a feature on
BBC Television in England and One Man and Group Art Shows in
England, West Germany and the USA.
In the late 1980's Ralph became
inspired by the California Landscape and its beautiful light.
He changed his focus from the very intimate environment of his
Wildlife Paintings to a much broader vista encompassing the whole
landscape.
The late afternoon and early
morning sunlight have a special quality which Ralph loves to
capture on canvas. He spends as much time painting "en plein-air"
as possible, but works on his larger canvases in his studio.
In the early 90's Ralph was asked by the British Consul in Los
Angeles to present Margaret Thatcher with one of his paintings
as a memory of her visit to California.
Ralph's has exhibited in the
national Oil Painters of America Exhibitions and one of his paintings
was in an exhibition at the State Capitol Building. He was recently
commissioned to paint several large murals, which will be prominently
be placed in the main branches and corporate offices of Santa
Barbara Bank and Trust. In 2007, Ralph was also commissioned
to paint and design Santa Barbara's historic Old Spanish Day's
Fiesta Poster, which has been a tradition and cultural celebration
in Santa Barbara for over 75 years.
He has had articles in leading
magazines won awards at various Art shows, acted as a judge for
Museums Art shows. His work is in many private collections throughout
the world.
Ralph is a founder member of the Santa Barbara Art Dealers Association
and he is currently Chairman of the California Art Club, Central
Coast Chapter.
Read Article:Painting
Paradise
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