Armitage, Ruth

“My paintings relate themes of endurance, joy, song, determination, and mystery. I exaggerate color and shape to express a personal connection with the figures in my work. Some are quirky, some sad, some are happy, some strong, each is unique. By painting semi-abstracted figures, I hope to allow the viewer room to feel a kind of ownership for my people. I am attracted to watercolor because of the flexibility of the medium. Recently my work has incorporated collage, watercolor pencil, gold leaf, and occasionally acrylic along with watercolor. However, watercolor remains the dominant element. My art helps me to reconcile the past with the present. I hope to express family connections through humor, ambiguous settings, and above all, color.”

"I exaggerate color and shape to express a personal connection with the figures in my work. Some are quirky, some sad, some are happy, some strong, each is unique. By painting semi-abstracted figures, I hope to allow the viewer room to feel a kind of ownership for my people. Each figure I paint represents a part of my personality, a part of my life that I hope viewers connect with their lives. Subject matter includes images derived from observation, sketches, photos and imagination. My strong emphasis on color and shape unify the works and often become symbolic. For instance, an unusual hair color or shoe shape might suggest a quirky personality. Changing colors or shapes arbitrarily brings emphasis to certain areas of the painting and can convey humor or playfulness, melancholy or mystery."

I am attracted to watercolor because of the flexibility of the medium. Recently my work has incorporated collage, watercolor, pencil, gold leaf, and occasionally acrylic or encaustic along with watercolor. However, watercolor remains the dominant element. My art helps me to reconcile the past with the present. I hope to express family connections through humor, ambiguous settings, and above all, color.

A Walk in the Rain Bluebird II Dance Time Ruth Armitage Untitled Word Garden Door