Ramona Stites

 
 

Color is the most important element in my work, regardless of my subject matter. My color usage is distinctive and has been described as sensuous. My art is vibrant and sophisticated.


I work in both oil paint, acrylic, pastel and mixed media. Oil  and pastel allows me to use direct painting methods that express brushwork and rich texture. The acrylic paint allows me to layer, creating depth in my work as well as creating luminous under paintings


My preference for a painterly approach in my work has grown from an appreciation of the Impressionist and Post impressionist painters. Other painters that have influenced me are Mark Rothko and Wolfe Kahn.


Because I want the freedom to be intuitive while painting, I do the work of composition ahead of time. I often sketch out a series of possible compositions, to include small color sketches. I draw on both real life and inner sources for my inspiration. Before painting I take time to center myself by meditating or listening to music.


During the painting process, I allow myself to bring the moment to moment experiences of the process to my work, even though I am working from a predetermined design. There are times that one leading element of the design directs me in ways I did not anticipate and other times that I find myself working directly from the original sketch.


My chosen profession of art has enriched me in every phase of my life. Now that I have been painting professionally for many years and that I have experienced owning and directing my own gallery, my artistic vision seems to be clarified.  Keeping with the contemporary nature of my work and staying with a heartfelt vision has become the two guiding elements in my painting.


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Artist’s Statement