|
Ralph's paintings
have been described as having a feeling
of serenity, which reflects his love of natural environment.
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 Co-Chairperson of the California Art Club,
Santa Barbara Chapter
|
