September's Program and Guest Speaker

At this month's September 11th meeting for RRAA, our guest speaker will be the renowned landscape artists, Tom Blazier. Tom will be speaking about his work and his technique immediately following the business portion of the membership meeting. This program is offered free of charge to the public-you need not be a member to attend. For more information about the membership meeting and the location, visit the RRAA website.

Here's what Tom has to say about this months' program:

"I have always been sensitive to my surroundings. Memories of being a small boy on our old farm in Pennsylvania and later years in Arizona, Oregon and New Mexico have left indelible images of contrasting landscapes in my mind. From stifling heat to frigid cold, bone dry to moss wet, muted browns to vivid greens, open cloudless expanses to small spaces under brooding skies, these abrupt changes have fueled my imagination and my desire to paint.

Spending time in these settings has made me more aware of the many ways in which light and atmosphere impart mood and drama in the landscape. I am able to approach potential subjects with a fresh eye, where I am aware of what is not in a particular landscape as well as what is. When I am hiking the Arizona desert, I notice that it lacks the intense greens and abundant water found in Oregon. When I visit Pennsylvania, I am aware of how the rolling hills and trees obscure the great vistas seen in New Mexico. Having these frames of reference helps me identify what is special about a particular landscape and use it to dramatic effect. Discovering a hint of vivid Oregon green in the brown New Mexico desert and placing a small addition of that color in my painting enhances the “feel” of an arid environment.

Finding the right words to describe my oil paintings often eludes people who try to define the subtle effect they see in my work. “A touch of fantasy,” “visionary” or “spiritual” are a few examples suggested. Although I don’t consciously begin my landscape paintings with the goal of creating this effect, the fact that it is observable in my completed works can be partially attributed to living in regions with vastly different geography and climate. Whatever words are used to describe my paintings, it is the sheer beauty of the Southwest landscape that inspires my creative impulse, and it is dramatic lighting and atmosphere that are identifiable features of my work."

"Winter Solitude" oil on canvas ©Tom Blazier