Artists Lorraine J. Makhoul and Jim Ryan exhibit Body of Works in May…

Leopard Cub by Lorraine J. Makhoul

Baltimore Oriole by Jim Ryan

Jim Ryan “Unexpected Visitors”

Known for his oil paintings of birds of prey, some of which now grace the walls of the new Center for Wildlife facility in York, Maine, Jim Ryan now turns his talent to songbirds. In his new series, “Unexpected Visitors”, Jim has placed birds seen in his yard into still lifes he designed in his studio. He calls this “a whimsical venture into realism.” These are on panels, 11 by 14 inches. Jim started painting only a few years ago and is mainly self-taught. He works in oils, but also uses watercolors, colored pencils, charcoal, graphite, and also enjoys working en plein air.

“The first time I picked up a paintbrush was an attempt to impress (SAA) artist Sonja Jacobsen whom I was dating at the time. (Editor’s note: Sonja will have a Body of Work show at the SAA in September!) Because she was an artist, I took some painting lessons, but it quickly went from an attempt to impress, to a serious love affair with art. I didn’t have the time to take more lessons, but I set up a studio in my dining room and picked up a brush as often as I could. My style is still developing, so I’m still not sure how to classify my art. I guess most would call it contemporary realism. It’s exciting to see it change and develop, and I try not to force it or listen to others tell me where I should go. The artists that have influenced me include Robert Bateman, Andrew Thicshler, David Cheifetz, and John James Audubon.”

Northern Flicker by Jim Ryan

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird by Jim Ryan

Lorraine J. Makhoul “Definition in Watercolors”

Lorraine Makhoul has been drawing and painting since she was a little girl. She has taken a number of “how to” classes but is mostly self-taught by studying instructional books on watercolors, colored pencils, and pastels. Her painting “Fishing Shanty I” was awarded “1st Place in Watercolors”, “The Mary Alice Arakelian Foundation Award for work in Watercolor”, in the Newburyport Art Association 2018 Fall Members Juried Show.

Lorraine likes definition in her paintings; thus the title “Definition in Watercolors.” “My watercolors are unique in that they are not ‘loose’ and ‘unstructured’ like typical paintings. I like detail, color and definition; it just feels right to me. I think I choose a subject to paint when I see something in life that inspires me.” As an amateur photographer, Lorraine has a wide variety of photographs to choose from when she wants to begin a painting. “If I don’t have a reference photo, I just go out and take one. I painted my ‘Leopard Cub’ after visiting the zoo…the cubs were just so cute, I had to paint one. I’m thinking of doing another painting of the two cubs together that I photographed. My soul is at peace when I paint.”

Fishing Shanty by Lorraine J. Makhoul

Northern Lights over Nova Scotia by Lorraine J. Makhoul