The Asheville Gallery of Art presents the extraordinary paintings of Joyce Schlapkohl and Sally Lordeon, during the month of July, in an exhibition titled ’From Realism to Abstract’. The opening reception will be held on Friday, July 1, from 5:00-8:00pm.
All artists, whether realistic or abstract, use the same visual language to put together their paintings. The difference is that realistic artists use that visual language to describe their subjects, whereas abstract artists use the same visual language, in conjunction with subject matter, to express feelings or ideas. ‘From Realism to Abstraction’ focuses on that ‘perfect’ blend of creating both types of beautiful compositions and invites viewers to participate in an epic art journey along the way.
“Painterly realism” best describes Joyce’s oil paintings. Her strong focal point, creative design, and bold clear color, revealing light and shadow, invite you into her paintings but it’s her emotional response to her various subjects that holds the viewer’s attention. Her subjects vary from landscape, flowers, animals, still life and any subject that moves her and encourages a sense of sharing that response with others. Joyce declares; “Western North Carolina is an artist’s dream for a variety of subjects and seasons.”
After receiving a Master’s Degree in Business, at UNC Chapel Hill, Joyce returned to painting, her first love, when she attended Florida Atlantic University to study art. She continues her art education through workshops with nationally known artists. In Joyce’s words; “I’m very fortunate to be a full-time painter and occasional teacher. Putting paint on canvas to create a memorable piece of art is amazing, exciting and rewarding”
Joyce’s studio is in Waynesville, NC. She exhibits at The Asheville Gallery of Art and several other well-known galleries.
Visit Joyce’s website: www.joycepaints.com
Many of Sally’s abstract paintings include a horizontal line, suggesting a landscape tableau. In those artworks, she uses the elements of color, shape, texture and value to help the viewer envision a sense of place and arouse a personal meaning. In Sally’s other abstracts, she uses those elements to express elan, movement, and energy, with the intent of fostering a positive, spirited feeling. Her art has been described as powerful, yet serene. Sally quotes; “Abstract art gives me, as an artist, a unique voice that elicits openness and expression, engaging the viewer in the same way. There is so much to explore in abstract painting and I love that.”
Sally studied fine arts at Chatham University in Pennsylvania. She moved to the majestic mountains of Asheville, NC more than thirty years ago and after a successful career as a technical writer and college textbook author, Sally returned full-time to her first passion—her love of color, form and the ‘divine’ pleasure of painting.
Sally’s work is exhibited locally at Asheville Gallery of Art and other well-known galleries as well as two galleries in Los Angeles. She has been the featured artist at The Asheville Airport Gallery.
Joyce Schlapkohl’s ‘Field of Sunflowers’ was painted at the Biltmore Estate. “I visit every year, in September, to paint the endless field of sunflowers. This year is even more meaningful with the sunflower representing a symbol for peace in the Ukraine.
Joyce Schlapkohl’s ‘Carolina Mountain Glow’ represents one of our beautiful, majestic and everchanging landscapes.
Joyce Schlapkohl’s ‘Boat Roundup’ was inspired by the lighting on each surface and the sun, fun and relaxation of being on the water
Sally Lordeon’s ‘It’s a Wonderful World’, acrylic, showcases the exquisiteness and warmth of our own personal places.
Sally Lordeon’s ‘Wisp’, acrylic and gold leaf, demonstrates energy bursting into time and space.
Sally Lordeon’s ‘ Isthmus I & II’,mixed media, is a powerful, yet serene, abstract tableau on two canvases.
From Buncombe County Special Collections (BCSC)