10 Oklahoma Impressionists Exhibit Work at OSU Foundation Art Gallery

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

(STILLWATER, Okla., Jan. 13, 2010) – Although the birth of the Oklahoma Society of Impressionists was in Taos, N.M., these native Oklahomans are staying true to their roots.

The society is displaying 29 original pieces in “Impressions” at the OSU Foundation’s Malinda Berry Fischer Gallery now through March 26. The free opening reception will be Jan. 21 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

“This is a group of well-trained, recognized, professional artists of diverse backgrounds and styles who provide support and encouragement to one another,” said Jody Ellison, charter member of the Oklahoma Society of Impressionists and exhibit chair.  

The society started in 1987 when a group of Oklahoma artists decided to organize and promote American impressionism in Oklahoma while on a painting trip to Taos. The purpose of the organization is to develop public knowledge of impressionist painting and promote the works of its members.

“Impressions” will feature a variety of impressionistic art for purchase with media ranging from oil paintings to sculptures and subject matter ranging from still life to landscape. The Oklahoma Society of Impressionists will donate 30 percent of show proceeds to the OSU General Scholarship Fund.

The society is an exclusive group of 11 artists, 10 of whom will showcase their work in “Impressions.”

Gil Adams
After attending the University of Arkansas and graduating from OSU-Okmulgee, Adams began a career in graphic design. After years of corporate and freelance work, his passion led him to become a painter full time, producing a body of work that varies in subject matter to include landscape, still life, portrait and plein air oil paintings. In addition to being a professional artist, Adams teaches impressionist painting at Waterworks for the city of Tulsa as well as private classes.

Nick Berry
Berry was born in Oklahoma City in 1955 and began painting at 15. After graduating from Texas Christian University in 1976, he spent the next five years in commercial art and advertising before joining his family’s real-estate business. However, he always maintained his artistic drive. Now Berry lives in Oklahoma City and travels extensively throughout the United States, France, Italy, England and Russia to capture the light, color and lifestyle of small towns and the sea. Berry uses oil paint applied with a palette knife and brush on canvas to bring life and bold color to his art. His work is held in numerous private and corporate collections across the United States and Italy.

James W. Bruce Jr.
Bruce started art lessons in Ardmore, Okla., when he was 14. As an adult, he entered the field of banking and used art as a means to “nourish the soul.” In an effort to develop his own style, he studied with a number of nationally recognized artists including Goetz, the late Henry Hensche and Scott Christensen. Bruce was particularly influenced by American tonalism and admires the harmony, subtle color range and poetic expression of these paintings.

Claudia Kates Doyle
Doyle is a native Tulsan who began formal art training at 14. While she is best known for her impressionist oil paintings, she also loves abstraction and experimental work. She is a member of several prestigious art organizations and her work has been exhibited throughout Oklahoma. Doyle owns Brushworks Gallery and Studios in Tulsa.

Jody Ellison
Trained formally at the University of Oklahoma, Ellison has studied with noted painters such as Ray Vinella, John Pellew, Charles Movali and Bill Reese. She has been juried into exhibits at both the local and national level, receiving awards in many of these shows.

Joan Marron-LaRue
Marron-LaRue grew up in western Oklahoma loving two things – nature and art. After studying fashion merchandising, she established a successful retail career before her husband’s profession moved the couple to a rural town. It was then that painting became her career and she spent years studying with plein air painters.  Today, she makes her home near Tucson, Ariz., where she paints her surroundings and travels to remote corners of Nepal, Bolivia, Turkey, France, Italy and Alaska.

Jay O’Meilia
O’Meilia was born in Tulsa, Okla., where he resides today. He attended the Art Students League in New York and the Chicago Academy of Fine Art between military stints during World War II. His work has been displayed in galleries and museums across America, including the Smithsonian Institution. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he is highly regarded for his artistic depiction of professional and collegiate football, tennis, golf and other sports. He has won 26 regional and national awards for both oil and watercolor.

Carla Perry
An Oklahoman since 1957, Perry studied at Baylor University and has continued training with famous artists. Perry paints the landscape of the Tulsa area and nearby Lake Keystone. She also paints and sketches wherever she travels. In addition to landscapes, her art includes still life, portrait and figure work. She uses a variety of media including oil, watercolor and pastel.

Herb Robb
Robb studied at the Art Students Academy in Tulsa and privately with Michael Aviano for three years. His work includes oil painting, a variety of drawing media, limited edition serigraphs, large scale sculpture, and mosaic and painted murals. His paintings have been featured in many galleries and publications. Robb said he values the fresh vision and creative experience he gains from paintings and always strives for grace in his work.

Christopher Westfall
Westfall became interested in drawing and painting at an early age and entered his first juried art festival as a teenager. After earning a degree in commercial art, he worked in advertising for several years. In 2005, he became a fine-art painter full time. His paintings can now be found in many private and corporate collections across the United States. He exhibits his art at the M.A. Doran Gallery in his hometown of Tulsa.

Named in honor of the Foundation’s former board chairman, the Malinda Berry Fischer Gallery showcases Oklahoma and OSU artists. The gallery serves to strengthen the connection between Oklahoma State University and the OSU Foundation. The gallery is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.