Rodney Ison Gallery

The gallery displays the framed work of Rodney Ison. He is an artist known for his unique approach to painting. His work concentrates primarily on portraits, or rather, pictures of people. It captures their essence and emotions through intricate detail and expressive strokes of pastel. Each piece tells a story and invites the viewer to connect with the characters portrayed. It showcases the depth of human experience and individuality through his technique and vibrant colour palette. The ambiance of the gallery enhances this experience. It creates an engaging space. Art lovers can think about the beauty and complexity of the human form and spirit there.

The Subject Matter

Tenderness: Images are of ordinary people or objects, predominantly featuring women and children engaged in everyday activities. This focus on relatable subjects is what has given rise to the caption: ‘Images of Tenderness.’ The Artist intends to evoke profound feelings of compassion in viewers. He aims to inspire affection and sympathy through these visuals. Such feelings are often better expressed by authentically showcasing what is ordinary. This approach avoids exaggerated sentimentality, which can detract from genuine emotional engagement.

Naturalness: Images of women and children are captured in their natural state. They illustrate moments of joy, caring, and connection that resonate deeply with observers. The Artist highlights these simple yet poignant instances of a person’s life. This invites a collective reflection on our shared humanity. It also shows the beauty found within the mundane.

A Revelation: In one of his formative experiences, when a teenager, an interviewer read a letter he had written. He remarked the opportunity on offer was not for him. Then he told him the reason he had called him in. “I wanted to meet you for no other reason than I see you have an eye for detail.” This comment recognized the promise of his artistic vision. It encouraged him to pursue his passion further. This interaction fueled the wish to perfect his skills and deepened his commitment to the art world.

Pastel, The Artist’s Chosen Medium

Why Pastel: Humanity has always captured the Artist’s attention, serving as both inspiration and subject matter throughout his life. From a young age, he was fascinated by pastel portraits. He often spent hours observing the masterpieces of others. All the while he dreamed of creating his own works. As he grew older, pastel became his preferred medium.

The Artist’s Pastel Box. This is by no means all the pastels in the collection. There was another box of colours which have since been added. The Artist uses only pastels of quality with strong, light fast content. He uses soft and not hard pastels by preference. Winsor and Newton and Schminke are his favorites because of their textural qualities. He is not though averse to using any good quality pastel. Pastel reflects light as no other medium. Every tiny, spec of pigment is individual and reflects light. This is why pastel paintings shimmer like nothing else.

Invoked Feelings:The affinity with pastel allowed him to channel his emotions and thoughts onto the paper. This helped him express himself creatively. The soft texture and rich colours of pastel provided him with a unique opportunity to explore nuances of human expression. He meticulously layers colours to evoke depth and realism in his work.

Advantages Of Pastel

Immediacy: Pastels offer immediate application, which is perfect for artists with a sensitive touch. They allow for expressive and fluid applications of colour. This captures the subtlety of emotion in the sitter. A tutor commented when looking at a red chalk, life class depiction of a nude: ‘That’s a beautiful, sensitive drawing. You have a highly developed sense of touch.’ His observation highlights the profound connection between an artist and their medium.

This is the red chalk, life study mentioned. Unfortunately it was executed on news-print. This is a cheap paper made from wood-pulp which is highly acidic. The acid content causes deterioration of the paper. Although it has been deacidified it can’t be exhibited due to the still fragile nature of the paper. It has picked up two creases on the way. The drawing is precious to the Artist because of the connection with the Tutor. On arriving at a class some time latter it was announced the Tutor had died suddenly. It marked the passing of a remarkable man.

Touch Sensitive: The connection emphasizes how the pastel stick becomes like an extension of the finger. This offers unparalleled control and dexterity. It keeps the artist closely connected with his subject. Swift adjustments can be made. Vibrant expressions are made that breathe life into the artwork. Pastel is sensitive to change. Any alterations need a delicate hand. It is often best to embrace the original stroke. This ‘alla prima,’ first touch, quality of pastel encourages artists to commit to their choices. It lets the first marks stay central in the final piece.

From Painting To Frame

The Frame’s Importance: Pastel paintings are usually executed on paper. They need to be framed to be put on show. The right frame not only enhances the artwork but also protects it from damage. Edgar Degas was a notable artist who used pastel. He was known for his innovative techniques and captivating compositions. Degas had a keen interest in framing and considered it an essential aspect of the presentation. He is reported to have said: ‘The artist’s reward is the frame.’

The Frame’s Purpose: This statement shows his deep understanding of how artwork and exhibition interact. He undoubtedly meant that a well-framed painting is a tribute to the artist’s skill. This framing highlights the subtlety of colours and textures. It allows viewers to fully appreciate the intricate details of the work. For the Artist, framing is not merely a functional necessity. It is an artform in itself. It celebrates the harmony between the artwork and its context. This elevates both to a higher aesthetic experience.

The Complimentary Frame

Creating Harmony: To truly reward the artist, the frame should complement the painting in both style and purpose. It first draws attention to the framed painting as a whole. This creates a sense of harmony between the two elements. Then it encourages the eye to explore the picture’s details. The viewer is enticed to delve deeper into the artwork’s nuances. The frame should not hold the eye. It should not deter it from continuing into the picture. Instead, the frame serves as a gentle guide. It leads the viewer’s gaze toward the painting itself.

Depicted is a simple picture of the Artist’s Spanish, riding boots. A humble subject requires an equally humble frame to complement it. White was chosen to continue the neutral theme of the painting. The frame was carved from solid wood. It is a medieval pattern. The corners of the frame are lap jointed. The finish is coarse gesso left bare. The lap joints have been opened and the gesso surface ‘grimed’ to replicate age. A gold or black frame would be a too heavy finish. They would overpower the image. Now the boots stand out.

Generating Feelings: The painting often tells a story or conveys emotions that resonate with the onlooker. The picture will stir the feelings. It will evoke memories. It might even spark inspiration. This makes the choice of frame a vital decision in enhancing the overall experience of the art. A well–chosen frame not only protects the artwork. It also elevates it. It invites viewers to linger. It connects them with the artist’s vision on a profound level.

The Emotional Experience

Of The Artist: The aim of the framed paintings shown on this site is to provoke pleasure. This can be achieved through feelings of tenderness. The presentation invites viewers to connect emotionally with each piece. The Artist must share those same feelings. Their authenticity within the artwork resonates deeply with those who regard it. In his work the Artist reveals his soul and inner feelings. Such a revelation forms the foundation of these creations. This aspect of the creative process not only dictates the subject matter. It also serves as a bridge between the subject and the viewer.

Of The Observer: The viewer is encouraged to embark on a journey of empathy and understanding. Furthermore, the thoughtful presentation of the paintings enhances the feeling of tenderness. It draws attention to the intricacies of each stroke of the pastel and each hue. This encourages the viewer to linger a little longer. They can ponder on their own experiences and emotions that the artwork evokes. All these elements combine to remind us powerfully of the beauty of human expression. They also highlight the connections we share.

Calm In Seeing

The right frame encourages the onlooker to peer into the picture it houses. It is truly the artist’s reward. The frame reflects careful thought and creativity. Both the composition of the artwork and the choice of the frame itself show this creativity. Peering into a portrait reveals the intimate character of a beautiful person. This is the onlooker’s reward. It offers a glimpse into the subject’s soul.

Such an experience evokes emotions that resonate deeply within. As each detail becomes clear, the viewer embarks on a journey. It transcends mere observation. This connection allows them to engage with the essence of the subject matter. Take the boots shown above. Perhaps they evoke thoughts of the cowboy, the vaquero or the guardian and his relationship with his horse. Then begin that adventure thinking about his life. This fosters appreciation that lingers long after the viewer has left the presence of the artwork. It produces feelings of calm, tenderness which is intended.

“The pencil speaks the tongue of every land.”