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Ralph's paintings have
been described
as having a feeling of serenity,
which reflects his love of the 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
of 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 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 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 Days 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 Museum 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.
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