ARTIST STATEMENT:
 Beauty has always been a central factor in my life
and I don’t understand people who can live in gray, boring
surroundings. I love living with art, experiencing art and sharing
art, whether it is a framed piece, architecture or nature.
Cora Habeggar (elementary), Bill Watts (college), Mr. Ghant (young
adult), and Denise Ardelean (mature adult) have all had profound
influence upon my artistic life. They taught me basics and
encouraged me to develop as an artistic person. Nancy Schultz and
Janice James set examples for me and have encouraged me to continue
my artistic experiences in Watercolor. As I grow as an artist, I am
always amazed at what ends up on the paper. The color is like magic
and the excitement ignites with each new work.
I am thrilled when someone likes my work and I know I have
brightened a small spot in their lives, possibly sparking their
imagination. Every time someone gives me money for one of my works,
I am genuinely surprised and ultimately complimented.
For me, the joy of art is the execution of the idea, the expression
in the medium at hand, the thrill of seeing the complete work, the
pleasure of experiencing the work in time to come and sense of
satisfaction that others will enjoy this creation that started with
just a tiny idea.
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BIO
When I was in the 3rd grade, I won 1st prize for my crayon drawing
of a witch. Although my art education did not go much further, art
has always been an important part of my life.
I have always been keenly aware of the artistic presence of beauty.
Even as a child, I have many memories of things or places that were
beautiful. I have always wanted my home and workplace to be an
artistic expression.
Born in Franklin, Ohio, I was college educated at Morehead State
University, Morehead, KY with an AB degree in Drama and Business. My
first (formal) art training was in set design.
I taught drama and moved to St. Petersburg, FL in 1972. Renovation
of old houses became a passion and allowed me to develop decorating
skills and to learn faux painting skills Nineteen years in the
retail allowed me to combine decorating with display. All these
traits can be seen in my work.
While in retail, I had the privilege of selling the work of four
watercolorists. I became fascinated with their work and when the
opportunity presented itself, I started formal watercolor training.
Having never put pigment to paper, I am an adult starting at the
very beginning but loving every new discovery. I was very lucky to
have discovered a talented teacher who forced me to go beyond my
comfort zone and discover myself. Denise Ardeline (Augustine
Ludovico) is the reason I have become the artist I am today and will
become in the future.
Watercolor is my passion and every topic is possible. Every piece is
a surprising creation and I am constantly creating. My marble
series, using layers of papers, has become one of my signature
styles.
ronnj’s work can be seen at:
Artists Gallery Royale, St. Petersburg, FL
Adrian Howard Gallery, St. Petersburg
Studio Encanto, St. Petersburg
Art and Antique, Dunedin, FL
Member: Florida Watercolor Society
Past Showings:
Mercantile Bank Annual Watercolor Show--2001, 02, 03, 05
Ruth Eckerd Hall, Spring Show 2003
Pasadena Art Show—2004
Image Makers, St. Petersburg
The Academy at Salt Creek, St. Petersburg
Ambiance Gallery, St. Petersburg
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