Ruth grew up in Ashton Keynes from the age of six where her interest in art was developed through Bradon Forest School and Swindon College of Art. She progressed to the Bath Academy to complete a Diploma in Fine Art in 1973.
An initial career in heraldic design took her to Bath and London. Working closely with the College of Arms, Ruth painted heraldic insignia and illustrated a number of definitive posters.
A change of direction brought Ruth to advertising and graphic design for the local newspaper group in 1979. A couple of years in an advertising agency in Chester sharpened Ruth’s business appreciation, and she then returned to Ashton Keynes and the local newspaper group. Her illustrative talents, design and use of caricature have brought a number of industry awards and sales success for local businesses.
Now married with two daughters, Ruth has found the opportunity to take up oil painting and portraiture again. Her eye for likeness and personality in her portraits has led to commissions for a wide range of portraits of local children, and numerous caricatures of national sportsmen and local personalities.
Painting approach
As a starting point, I take natural images that are pleasing to the eye and are likely to promote personalised memories in the observer. Sunlight is very important to me as a means to throw the images off the canvas. With major influence from Caravaggio’s chiaroscuro and the Impressionists, I search for light and shade and the dramatic colours within shadows. Colour contrast and texture from the use of paint and brushstrokes are critically important. The image needs to breathe.
I do not work towards a preconceived final product, but use the painting process to explore the image and to find the unexpected. The biggest challenge is in knowing when to stop!
Purchases and Commissions
To purchase a painting, or to commission a painting or caricature, please telephone Ruth.
A wide range of other oil paintings can be viewed in Ashton Keynes.