During the month of January, the Firehouse Gallery will feature an exhibit of the works of some of the newest artist members of the Waimea Arts Council. All are accomplished in their medium and we are delighted to welcome them to our organization.
Ilmar Reinvald works in oils and watercolors. He was born in Estonia and immigrated as a child to the US after WW2. He is an architect and a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, graduated from the Universities of Illinois and Pennsylvania. The greater part of his practice was in Tacoma, WA. He is also a veteran of the US Air Force.
After retiring to Waimea 10 years ago, he was able to start devoting more time to an activity he had always loved – plein air painting in oils and watercolors. “The beautiful Hawaiian sea and landscapes offer countless stimulating challenges to a painter. As I’m painting, I mostly think about how the light falls on the landscape. In that regard, shadows become hugely important and become the definers of light and objects. At the same time, I am aware of composition, color and values. Putting all these elements together thoughtfully with some skill, will result in a painting that will feel good and look interesting. That’s what I try to do.”
Trish Helms Kimball works in pastel. She retired from careers in both design and education and is relishing the time to paint again! Her education includes a BFA degree in drawing and painting. Over the years, she has worked with many mediums, but currently prefers pastels.
“Pastel ‘sticks’ with their saturated pigments, allow for the expression of intense color, providing for the great contrast, movement and fine details that I like in my compositions. I particularly enjoy the challenges of capturing fallen light and shadows, reflecting water, water that moves and glistens, cloud formations, masses, texture and depth. Nature provides wonderful inspiration! Photographs that I have taken become references for my line and value study sketches which I refer to throughout my painting process.”
Judith Wilson creates fiber art. She came to Hawaii from New York in 1974. She has been sewing since childhood and was introduced to traditional quilting in the 90’s. After recognizing that fiber can be used as an art medlium, a world of possibilities opened up. She has received several awards for her art quilts, both in quilt shows and art shows. “I sometimes try to recreate one of my photographs by searching for the perfect fabric as a painter chooses a certain color of paint, or sometimes creating a piece after being inspired by the fabrics themselves.”
Brent Foster is the fourth artist being featured. Born in the wetness of the Pacific Northwest, to a mermaid and nomadic shaman, Brent was introduced to the ocean at an early age. It quickly became his passion and driving force, causing him to push paint around to create island/ocean infused pop art. He currently spends his days riding the final pushes of the Pacific’s energy, nurturing his family and painting.
There will be a reception for the artists at the Firehouse Gallery on Saturday, January 6 at 2 pm. Friends and the public are cordially invited to attend and enjoy the show.
In addition, “Art at Affordable Prices” by other WAC artists will be featured in a portion of the Front Gallery.
