RUTH HÖÖK COLBY

EXHIBITION DATES

Artist Statement

“Art will never be able to exist without nature” - Pierre Bonnard

Nature is the ultimate inspiration whether the rendering is realistic, impressionistic or abstract. Painting allows me to record and recapture the enjoyment I experience. The sounds of nature - water lapping on the shore, the wind whistling through the trees, songs of the crickets and my favorite the whip-poor-will… are again relived.

The city offers an entirely different ambiance; buildings replace mountains and streets replace rivers. One is awed by the neon lights, the cacophony of sounds and the pulsating energy created as its human inhabitants scurry about their daily business.

I draw inspiration from both and as always, balance is the key.

Biography

Ruth Höök Colby chooses to express her vision through the medium of pastel for its versatility, immediacy and rich vibrant color. Her enjoyment and perfection of this medium, in both abstract and realistic interpretations has won acclaim with numerous awards nationally and internationally. She has attained signature membership with both the Southeastern Pastel Society and Degas Pastel Society winning an award this year with SPS in the Open International Juried Exhibit at Oglethorpe Univ. Museum in Atlanta, GA. Ruth is also a member of the Petticoat Painters artist group. She is the recipient of an Distinguished Alumni Award from Bradford Alumni Assoc. in Kenosha, WI. and is included in the “Best of America, Pastel Artists and Artisans 2007. Colby’s work is in the permanent collection at the Belk Library at Appalachian State University, Boone, NC. She also is a pastel instructor at the Venice Art Center and Art Center Sarasota.