Ruth Soller, solleroriginals.com, was born in Arkansas and currently lives in Colorado. She has many important awards that include several Awards of Excellence from Manhattan Arts International. Her many collectors include Good Samaritan Cancer Center and Pike Pioneer Museum, among others. Ruth is also an Artist Showcase Gallery member of Manhattan Arts International. You can read more about her at manhattanarts.com/ruth-soller
It is an honor and pleasure to present this interview with Ruth Soller, the recipient of a Special Recognition Art Award. She has been selected among the exhibiting artists in “The Healing Power of Elements: Earth, Water, Air & Fire” online juried exhibition, September 4 – November 4, 2023, on our other website The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS.
Ruth’s awe-inspiring portfolio offers us an expansive interpretation of the natural world and reminds us to honor and preserve our natural treasures. Her art aligns with the mission of The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS which holds the belief that art serves as a catalyst for healing individuals, society, and the environment.
Twilight in Rocky Mountain National Park, oil, 24″ x 36″.
Ruth’s resplendent painting “Twilight in Rocky Mountain National Park”, shown above, was selected for “The Healing Power of Elements” exhibition and is featured in the Manhattan Arts International YouTube video that promotes the exhibition. About the painting she wrote “This scene in Rocky Mountain National Park of the headwaters of the Colorado River at twilight reveals the healing power of the Elements: Earth, Water, Air and Fire. A magical glow of the setting sun cast yellow rays between mountain ridges, creating orange edges on the distant pines. Gentle curves of the flowing river below filled the air with calming, gurgling sounds. This peaceful composition illustrates how nature has begun to heal the land after devastating forest fires.”
RP: Ruth, thank you for submitting your art to the exhibition. What prompted you to participate?
RS: I was so excited to see this exhibition title as it seemed tailored for me! I was blessed to travel to Rocky Mountain National Park with family (including my daughter-in-law’s parents from China). I intentionally set out at dusk to photograph the Colorado River in the Never Summer Valley. Two years ago a major forest fire devastated areas of the park, yet we were able to see nature healing the land.
RP: Ruth, What first inspired you to pursue this creative direction related to nature-inspired, National Parks?
RS: As a child I was always interested in nature and enjoyed sketching. Growing up my family took several trips which included national parks. In 2004 Steve and I moved our family to Colorado, and I realized that I felt connected to the glorious landscapes of the west. My first National Parks paintings in 2010 were well received and “Black Canyon of the Gunnison” was exhibited in The Salmagundi Club New York.
Minerva Terrace Yellowstone National Park, oil on linen, 24” x 30”
RP: What reaction would you like viewers of your paintings to have?
RS: I want my paintings to attract viewers from across a room with a bold, confident design and to draw viewers in for closer inspection. My goal is to share my awe of nature and the emotions, energy, and healing power of creation. I found my purpose in my love of painting and creating a legacy that will live on beyond me.
RP: What is the strongest impact your National Parks series has made?
RS: My “Cache de Poudre” painting was chosen and enlarged to 40″x50″ for permanent display at the check-in desk at Good Samaritan Cancer Center where it welcomes visitors and patients. A few of these patients have told me about a peaceful, calm feeling my painting has given them. A client told me during Covid that he was unable to travel to Rocky Mountain National Park and decided to use the funds he had for the trip to purchase my painting.
RP: Your art is resplendent. Please explain your amazing artistic process that gives it stunning vibrancy and illumination.
RS: I often start with a small value sketch and a color study to plan my composition. I combine my photos to achieve the details I will need. Next, I tone my canvas with transparent red oxide or quinacridone rose which will glow through future layers. I draw the image with a colored pencil. Working from the sky down to the foreground, I paint large areas, progressing to smaller areas. I build the painting up in layers, adding details to the focal point last.
Boreas Pass Aspens, oil on canvas, 30″ x 24″
RP: Do you have any upcoming exhibitions scheduled?
RS: Upcoming exhibitions include five of my paintings in “Lands & Lifestyles: Art of the West” at Life in the West Gallery in Broomfield, CO, October 20-23, 2023. I have six paintings in “New Frontiers Juried Exhibition” at Cheyenne Frontiers Days Old West Museum in Cheyenne, WY, November 3 – December 3, 2023.
RP: What message would you like to send to all readers of this interview?
RS: I am passionate about nature and caring for our environment and wildlife. My love of the beauty of nature and animals began as early as I can remember and has grown as I realized the healing power of spending time in nature along with expending energy in creative pursuits. I live with certain physical limitations including severe scoliosis and fibromyalgia which leads to chronic pain and fatigue and depression. I have discovered that focusing on my purpose of creating beautiful art and experiencing beautiful locations helps me maintain a positive attitude. It is so important to me that my artwork touches as many people as possible and that my best work is maintained as my legacy.
Canadian Lynx in Snow, oil on panel, 11″ x 14″
RP: In addition to the National Parks series, what other series are you currently working on?
RS: I love to paint local and regional landscapes, both plein air and studio paintings. Currently I’m working on nature and wildlife scenes including a Canadian Lynx which I plan to enter in Endangered Contest sponsored by Art4Apes. I experimented with Cloudscapes during and after Covid and have ideas for more of these.
RP: What current project are you busy with?
RS: I’m currently beginning a book of my National Parks series and am in the planning stage. Fortunately, I have high resolution photos of the paintings as well as stories about each painting collected over several years.
Gilded Coast Cloudscape, oil on linen, 24” x 30”
RP: In 2023 you became a Licensed Artist with Art Brand Studios / Wild Wings. The company publishes, markets, and distributes your original art and reproductions. How has this changed your art career?
RS: I’m pleased to partner with Wild Wings in a long-term venture and was featured June 21 – July 21 and receive royalties on reproductions sold. This has expanded my marketing reach and added a new series of wildlife in nature to my repertoire. Now, those who love my art but are not able to buy originals can collect my reproductions and prints.
Visit Ruth Soller’s website solleroriginals.com
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