SITTING PRETTY #1 Painting

RONNA A. PATE ARTIST STATEMENT Creating art is a transcendent experience and I've found it even more satisfying when I paint subjects that have special meaning to me. My focus on Western-themed art is inspired by my Grandfather, a cowboy in his younger days, with whom I shared a special bond as a child. Consequently, I'm fascinated by the trappings of cowboy living & working. I paint a bit intuitively in a stylized representational manner & believe being selective about details allows the strength & personality of each subject to shine through. To convey an uplifting visual experience, I enjoy using harmonious, sometimes muted, occasionally punchy but always feel-good colors! My art is intended to celebrate my Grandfather's cowboy experience as well as the historic tradition of the American West that he so respected. However, my paintings are not destined solely for a decidedly rustic decor. My aim is to create paintings with a playful, lighthearted treatment that can bring lively interest to a space. Everyone deserves to enjoy the Western experience & allow it to brighten their lives, spirits & surroundings! Medium: Oil Painting Awards: Camelback Gallery Shades of Purple 2021 On-Line Exhibition, Bronze Award Attleboro Arts Museum 2018 Flower Show, People’s Choice 3rd Place Arnolds Mills Community House 2018 Art Exhibition, Juror’s Award 3rd Place Past Exhibits: Arnolds Mills Community House, Cumberland RI Attleboro Arts Museum, Attleboro MA Blackstone River Theater, Cumberland RI Cumberland Public Library, Cumberland RI Gallery Coronado, Phoenix AZ Heartspot Art Gallery, East Providence RI New Hope Art Gallery, Cranston RI Warwick Center for the Arts, Warwick RI Woonsocket Museum of Work & Culture, Woon RI Featured: Blog Interview - : July 19, 2017 Affiliations: Attleboro Arts Museum, Artist Member Rhode Island Watercolor Society Former Affiliations: Nancy Stephen Gallery and School of Art The Art Group of Northern Rhode Island