Category:

New Work & Video: [There's A Lion in the House]

7/2/2024

I recently had the pleasure of completing my largest lion collage to date! It's about 22” x 30” and I used assorted acid-free, Color-Aid, and magazine papers, plus gold leaf. It took about a month from start to finish. It was a request from a client in Canada.

This is my first video of me talking about my process, so thanks ahead of time for your patience. Lots to improve for next time! This is Kelly's website. I've learned a lot from her book and blog!

Below are some close-ups of the intricate paper work.

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Day 1411 • Art News!

3/15/2024

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Aslan, 8 x 10 paper collage, 2018

AtlantiCare Foundation recently purchased my "Aslan" collage to be part of their "Healing Arts Program" at their AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, Mainland Campus in Galloway, NJ. It's the sixth piece that they've purchased and I couldn't be happier! To see the other pieces they purchased, click here:
https://www.kathleenrupff.com/blog/category/atlanticare

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Day 1410: Photos from the Show & New Work!

3/14/2024

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Women's Work: Unique Visions By Women
*Springboard Art Show at the Clifton Arts Center, Clifton, NJ •*** Through March 28th

From L to R: Lydia Baldassarre, Elizabeth Robles, Emily Gilman-Beezley, me, Jennifer Merz, Vicky Katzman. (Not pictured--Dr. Joy Yoo)

It’s an honor for all of us to show our work at the Clifton Arts Center Center (cliftonartscenter.org) during “Women’s History Month”! It's a joy for me to be part of this group of unique, beautiful, and incredibly talented women!! I showed some older work ("Three Girls", 1985, "Blue Crab" 2006, and "Fuzz 'N Bunny and the Jellybean Tree" 2010 (www.kathleenrupff.com/childrens.html), along with some new mixed media pieces. Here's some local press about the show: thecliftontimes.com/g/clifton-nj/n/242920/commemorating-womens-history-clifton-arts-center. A video crew from the Clifton cable station was there to record us talking about our work. What?! :) CLICK HERE for the video!

Below are some shots from the opening last Saturday and some close-ups of my work on display. (Thanks Jenn and Liz for sharing your photos!) Below are links to the Springboard websites:

Emily Gilman Beezley - https://www.emilygilmanbeezley.com/
Jennifer Merz - https://www.jennifermerz.com/
Vicky Katzman - https://www.vickykatzman.com/
Lydia Baldassarre - https://www.lydiabaldassarre.com/
Dr. Joy Yoo - https://www.joyyoofineart.com/
Elizabeth Robles - [email protected]

The entryway of the show. Sculptor Lannie Hart also joined us!

Lovely piano music added so much to the reception!

Artist Emily Gilman-Beezley (Leader)

Artist Jennifer Merz (Leader)

Standing next to "Three Girls" & "Fuzz N' Bunny" illustrations

Artist Lydia Baldassarre talking on camera!

Nervous much?? Yes!! The piece to my right is a portrait of our first bunny Tyler.

Artist Elizabeth Robles

We're thankful for everyone who could attend!

Artist Vicky Katzman

Some of Dr. Joy Yoo's pieces (who could not be present)

Two new pieces in show

Recently, I've been taking formally completed pieces and embellishing them with paper collage with 3d effects, giving them a totally new look. It's been a lot of fun to transform the into something 'new' and I'm thrilled with them! Regarding these two pieces, I'm intrigued by the wisdom of trees, the lovely life they give and hold within their branches, and the joy they bring through the different seasons.

"Five Birds" This is a new 3-D paper collage mixed media piece

"Springtime" Another new 3-D paper collage mixed media piece

These are some older pieces in the show...

Though my current emphasis is on digital painting, my roots are firmly in traditional media. I made the acrylic painting, "Irises" while taking a class at the Baum School of Art in Allentown, PA (2009). It was inspired by local Warren County irises. "Three Tomatoes" was completed around 2012 while taking an oil painting class with Lena Shiffman. "Blue Crab" was completed while taking a watercolor class while I was living in Delaware (2006). I made "Three Girls" during college. The blond-haired girl with her back to the viewer represented my friend Sarabeth, a good friend of mine. I was experimenting with flowy lines and the theme of friendship. Friends are such a gift and the love and support a friend offers during difficult times is invaluable. I also love the golden light before dusk at the beach and was trying to capture that as well.

"Irises" acrylic, 16 x 20, 2009

"Three Tomatoes" oil, 5 x 7, 2012

"Blue Crab" watercolor, 8 x 10, 2006

"Three Girls", watercolor, 16 x 20, 1986 (The matted and framed image is above)

If you have any questions about my art or inquiries about purchasing, please contact me.
Thank you all for your support!

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Save the Date • Saturday, March 9!

2/23/2024

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Please join us for refreshments and meet the artists during our Opening Reception!
Clifton Arts Center, Clifton, NJ
Saturday, March 9 • 1:00-4:00 pm
If you're in the area, I'd love to see you!

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Day 1408: A Photo A Day • What's Happening!

6/28/2023

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Earlier this year I joined several art groups closer to home to connect with other artists in my area. It's been fun connecting with new artists, participating in various local shows, and seeing some great local art!

Arts Community of Easton, "Small Works" Group Show with "Springtime," mixed media, April 2023

Pocono Arts Council Annual Members Show, "Land of Milk and Honey," 18 x 40, mixed media, May 2023

I was honored to have two pieces accepted into the 35th Annual Skylands Regional Juried Art Exhibition, Newton, NJ, in May 2023 (below)

"Feelin' Groovy", mixed media collage, 4.5 x 4.5

"Mother Mary" digital painting, 12 x 12

Upcoming Shows:

See “Feelin’ Groovy” (above left) on display at the Pocono Arts Council
"Small Works" Show Opening Reception
Saturday, July 1
4:00-6:00 pm
Pocono Arts Council
530 Main St, Stroudsburg, PA 18360

I'm also honored and excited that a photo from our recent trip to Nags Head, “Outer Banks Easter 2023” (below) was accepted into the “At the Shore” Juried Group Exhibit, Wallkill River Center for the Arts. Opening Reception, Saturday, July 8, 232 Ward St., Montgomery, NY (more details below).

Outer Banks Easter 2023, 12 x 14, matted and framed to 16 x 20

Join us Saturday, July 8!
Meet the artists and view the works.
Light refreshments will be served.

The reception will also feature performances by acclaimed jazz guitarist Walt Bibinger.

Exhibits and receptions are always free and open to the public!

Exhibit Dates: June 30 – August 27, 2023
Gallery Hours: Fri, Sat, Sun, 12:00-5:00 PM

Thanks for signing up to receive emails from me and for your support!

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Day 1403: A Photo A Day • What a week!

11/22/2022

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SUNDAY, November 13 - The Stable Gallery Opening Reception
Thanks to all my friends and family for your wonderful support and encouragement! I wish I had taken better pictures of the whole show, but here are a few of my pieces along with my good friend Carolyn and Evan. It was a ton of fun! I loved meeting new people, fellow artists, and talking about our art! I learned a lot for the next show and we all sold some pieces. Win-win-- Hallelujah!
(See Page 2B for coverage of the show by Ridgewood News)

(This photo taken by Emily Gilman Beezley)

TUESDAY, November 15 - Artist Reception at AtlantiCare Medical Arts Pavilion, Atlantic City, NJ
Fellow Springboarder Emily Gilman-Beezley and I headed to Atlantic City, NJ for an artists’ reception and ribbon-cutting ceremony of AtlantiCare's new Medical Arts Pavilion. Along with many other New Jersey artists, our work is featured on their office walls, corridors and spaces as part of AtlantiCare’s Healing Arts Program. What an honor! They treated us like royalty. It was great to meet the organizer, Cheryl Broschard, in person and get to know some of the other artists. I received incredible feedback on my work—totally worth the almost 6-hour round trip!

Emily (holding me up) in front of her beautiful work! :)

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Day 1402: A Photo A Day • New things...

11/11/2022

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JOIN US THIS SUNDAY!
If you're in the area, please join us for our reception on Sunday! Enjoy the lovely work of these very special women, nibble on delicious homemade treats, and perhaps do some holiday shopping. Bring the whole family!

I’m recently inspired by and adopted as a mentor Sister Corita Kent, a highly successful and innovative artist from the 1960s-70s who combined her passion for art and God with social justice issues of the day. She was also an educator at Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles, CA. I first heard of Sister Corita on "Antiques Roadshow" when one of her colorful serigraphs came up for evaluation. Greatly intrigued by Sister Corita's colorful style and design, I learned more about her and discovered she created a list of “10 Rules” (pictured here) for her students. Several especially touched me, especially #1, #6, and #7. Delicious water indeed to my parched, recovering perfectionist/procrastinator-self. I also love that Sister Corita used text - poetry, quotes, and scriptures as part of her designs. I found myself drawn to combining text with images years ago as a young artist and so now am playing around with this once again! I loved my days in college, learning and growing along with the other art students, and am very thankful to have found this new teacher. Thank you Sister Corita!

I hope you’re inspired by some of Sister Corita's 'rules' in your creative endeavors!

Here are a few of the new pieces I completed in time for the show (many still in progress). My new process includes embellishing traditional and archival digital paintings with collaging of paper, beads, and quilling.

"Land of Milk and Honey", 18 x 40 Mixed Media on Archival Canvas

Closer detail - foil paper, pearl beads

"Early Morning Sail", 12 x 24 Mixed Media on Acrylic Canvas, SOLD

Closer detail - cut paper, pearlescent paint finish

"Feelin' Groovy", 8 x 8, Mixed Media

"Resurrection" 8 x 10, Mixed Media on Archival Digital Painting

"To Life" 8 x 8, Mixed Media on Archival Digital Painting

Purr-Tater, my faithful studio companion!

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Do We Look Tired?

11/3/2022

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We were, but happy! Here’s the Springboarders after setting up our show at The Stable Art Gallery this past Monday. Top L-to-R: Emily Gilman Beezley, Vicky Katzman, Liz Robles, Bottom L-to-R Jennifer Merz, me, Lydia Baldassarre (not pictured Dr. Joy Yoo).

We hope you will join us for our
Artists' Reception
Sunday, Nov. 13, 2:00-4:00 pm.
• Meet the artists
• Enjoy Incredible artwork
• Shop for the holidays
...and enjoy homemade treats!

We’re expecting a crowd, so please wear your walking shoes to walk a short distance
if the Stable lot is full. Click here to download information sheet.

This group has been integral to my art journey these last (almost) four years.
Each of these ladies is special to me and I'm so grateful for this opportunity to show my work alongside theirs!
I hope you will come enjoy the various styles and subject matter of our work!

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You're Invited!

10/25/2022

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I'm honored to be part of this super-creative and talented group of women artists!
If you're in the Ridgewood area, please join us for our
Opening Reception on Sunday, November 13th!

Springboard is a unique group of seven women artists with varied art backgrounds from Bergen County, NJ and beyond. We are oil painters, illustrators, watercolorists, collagists, and digital artists with art ranging from realistically-rendered watercolors to expressive oil paintings; from handcrafted collages to compelling abstract compositions.

Our work can be found in children’s publishing, on home products, in local exhibitions, and in private collections. While some members are devoted to a fulltime art practice, others combine their art-making with demanding careers in textiles, dentistry, or education. Mostly, we are friends and colleagues brought together by a desire to propel ourselves to greater skills and accomplishments, and by a passion to share our art with others.

Formed in 2018, Springboard began as an outgrowth of a local Tuesday night painting class. At our current monthly meetings, we critique each other’s work offering technicalsolutions, but mainly, we encourage one another to accept new creative risks, tackle challenges, and step out of our comfort zones. With support for our members’ triumphs and tribulations, we make room for greater confidence in our art practices.
(Written by Jennifer Merz)

If The Stable parking lot is full, other areas
to park are a short walk away. Thank you!

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A Client Story

9/13/2022

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In last year or so, one client acquired three of my digital paintings for his corporate office in Shelton, CT. With each piece, we discussed his color preferences, thoughts, and sizes. I then shared several design ideas with him, and he selected these! The goal was to come up with unique, yet harmonious and complimentary designs for his space. He opted for shiny metal prints, which have a modern, glossy, glass-like finish. I’m so happy to hear that he LOVES them and his clients and co-workers are stunned by the pop of color when they walk in his office! The selections he chose are below.
(Note- This office image is for illustration purposes only, courtesy of Pixabay. Artwork is mine).

"Colored Waters" - 17" x 40", metal print

"Blue Depths" - 17" x 40"

"Complex Blues" - 26" x 26"

Please contact me to discuss if my artwork may be a good choice
for your corporate space, office, or home!
302-293-2320

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New Work & Video: [There's A Lion in the House]

Day 1411 • Art News!

Day 1410: Photos from the Show & New Work!

Women's Work: Unique Visions By Women
*Springboard Art Show at the Clifton Arts Center, Clifton, NJ •*** Through March 28th

Two new pieces in show

These are some older pieces in the show...

If you have any questions about my art or inquiries about purchasing, please contact me.
Thank you all for your support!

Save the Date • Saturday, March 9!

Day 1408: A Photo A Day • What's Happening!

Upcoming Shows:

Day 1403: A Photo A Day • What a week!

Day 1402: A Photo A Day • New things...

Do We Look Tired?

You're Invited!

A Client Story

Archives

Categories

Women's Work: Unique Visions By WomenSpringboard Art Show at the Clifton Arts Center, Clifton, NJ • Through March 28th

Two new pieces in show

These are some older pieces in the show...

If you have any questions about my art or inquiries about purchasing, please contact me.Thank you all for your support!

Upcoming Shows:

Archives

Categories

Women's Work: Unique Visions By Women
*Springboard Art Show at the Clifton Arts Center, Clifton, NJ •*** Through March 28th

If you have any questions about my art or inquiries about purchasing, please contact me.
Thank you all for your support!