Artist bio

A visual artist, I create original oil paintings in a modern impressionist style.  My influences include, Monet, Latour, Vuillard and Waterhouse; and primary focus is oil painting and drawing specifically of figures, florals, teacups, satin and organza bows, hot air balloons and sky-scapes.  Specifically regarding the human form, I create portrait interpretations. These include abstractions of the figure and objects representing the figure, such as mannequins. The florals depict tulips, roses, irises and lilies mainly rooted in their earthy environment.  News about my activities and exhibitions is available by signing up for the newsletter on www.roxannedyer.art which is published about once a month. A professional member of RAAV (Regroupement des artistes en arts visuels), my artwork is collected internationally.  Artist Statement: Capturing light to render its effects is one reason I love to create art… I like to paint realism, sometimes slightly abstracted but beautiful objects and joyful ideas. The virtue of beauty has become obscured I feel, it’s evidence and ideas have been lost to the world… well, maybe.. just hidden for now. For those of us who wish to develop our talents and make a valuable contribution during this lifetime, apart from traditional worldly pursuits, creating art, especially to share it, is a wonderful occupation. In October 2021, I presented the solo exhibition "Beauty for Ashes”. The concept was inspired from Isaiah 61:3 “…to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair”. More about the exhibition is available on the website, www.roxannedyer.art. On offer at www.roxannedyer.art is a selection of original artwork in sizes to accommodate a range of budgets. A selection of the artwork in prints as well as printed lifestyle products can be purchased through PIXELS at Fine Art America.

Title

A Bunch of Roses

Medium/Genre

Painting

Artist Statement

Roxanne Dyer, ARTIST STATEMENT

Capturing light to render its effects is one reason I love to create art.  Oil painting life sized figures allows me to explore the limits of the pigments and compare them with human passions.  Possessing highly emotional tone and strong sense of movement, my figures have often been described as dancers. I like to use the subtle qualities of translucent and reflected light in order to intrigue the viewer, to engage them with the painting narrative.  Sharing ideas with people who delight in such dialogues is a strong motivating factor of my artistic practice.

The creation of believable illusions in an oil painting is enormously satisfying. But most inspiring is the feedback from people who observe my artwork and take the time to express their opinions, describing how they perceive the art, what it meant to them, how they were moved. Painting is visual story telling; an impressive image can communicate a great deal. When storytelling, visual or otherwise, is inspired, I believe it can become a catalyst for creativity in others in all areas of their lives.

For me, art is about joy; and when I’m engaged in the process of creating a new work, that’s the most profound emotion I feel. Of course there’s an entire range of emotions experienced during the process; but it’s those still, peaceful, joyful feelings that surround me during such time which are like none other.

Roxanne Dyer, BIO

A visual artist, I live in Montreal, Canada. My primary focus, creating original oil paintings in a modern impressionist style. Influences include, Monet, Latour, Vuillard and Waterhouse.  Preferred subjects are figures, florals, teacups, satin and organza bows, hot air balloons and sky-scapes. Oil paintings of my florals depict roses, peonies, tulips, irises and lilies mainly rooted in their earthy environment. Of the human form, I enjoy creating portrait interpretations, abstractions of the figure and objects representing the figure, such as mannequins.

Completing a Fine Arts degree (Concordia University,1998) was one of my greatest dreams come true. An exhibitor in more than 40 group and solo exhibitions, my artwork has won several awards, hangs in private collections internationally and has been published in International Artist.com Magazine and The Artist’s Magazine.  Spring 2018 I attended an art workshop given by David A. Leffel, Sherrie McGraw and Jacqueline Kaman of The Artists Guild in Santa Fe.  In 2013 I traveled to Italy to attend artist David Jon Kassan’s workshop at the JSS in Civita Castellana.”

Each new year I begin with an artistic project, typically a Valentine Project, making the rose 2022’s main focus.  “A Bunch of Roses” artwork begins Stage 2 within the "Beauty for Ashes" Collection inspired by scripture, on which I have been working for the past few years. “A Bunch of Roses” signifies a turning point, the pursuit of, hopefully, greater depth within the context of various scriptural tenants including those on which the initial collection was based.  To begin, my content, the rose, is illuminated and exemplifies the idea of simplicity and grace.  This will develop as I continue to paint throughout 2022 with a view to participating in group exhibitions.

How it fits into contest

How “A Bunch of Roses” illuminates the Spiritual Battle
and relates to Ephesians 6:10-20

To paint a rose is a thing above; it lifts my thoughts to focus on the positive. Living right enables me to help others, share generously and be supportive. Constant and consistent self care and nourishment are imperative to be healthy, for body, mind and spirit. And, all together, an excellent prayer life is essential to be in constant communication with our Creator. Below, I’ll discuss how, in my opinion, my artwork, specifically the painted rose, and the creative process illuminate the Spiritual Battle, and relate to Ephesians 6:10-20. In essence, I would consider the creation of my artwork in alignment with putting on “The Full Armour of God” where I experience the benefit of His love and protection and am blessed to share my efforts with others.

Ephesians 6:10-20, is truly poetic, breathtaking. And while I believe my artwork attests to the Spiritual Battle, it is the verse, Isaiah 40:31, to which I have a particular emotional connection, “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” This verse describes what I experience when engaged in creating a work of art.

Whenever I read the Scripture, feelings of loneliness and isolation disappear. Finding a way through our days can be complicated, but with such inspiration we become buoyant and are carried through our difficulties. Life is embodied in love and truth, things that are beautiful, singular and elegant like the rose… in sadness and difficulty, too. Most beautiful things that are elegantly proposed in imagery can become the means by which battles are won, minds and hearts are conquered. The rose is often used to symbolize the qualities of Christ and the Blessed Virgin, purity, passion and sacrifice, joy, love, wisdom, truth. A rose is a tangible thing in our world, and reflects a sublime and concise idea, a simple one to which we can easily connect on a human level.

The Content of “A Bunch of Roses”
A rose is true and ever blooming, so it has an eternal quality. It is unique; its beauty is beyond compare. The rose has a heavenly scent that, in all its varieties, is unmistakable, up-lifting. Each colour of the rose is rich with symbolism, white for purity, red for passion, yellow for joy. The rose embodies truth.

The rose’s thorny might balances a fragile beauty. It has the characteristics of a double edged sword. Emotions that a rose evokes have the power to transform and inspire or reduce to despair, like God’s word, can raise up or crush. The beauty of a rose is compelling, but the thorns stave off the enemy. Ideas of a painted rose can be splendid, but painful truth leaves no doubt of an artist’s ability.

The Process
To experience a rose is a unique adventure, to begin with, calming and peaceful. We should exist within such moments, as we should abide the Scripture, to understand, to share it when asked, gently. like presenting a piece of art that can inspire or bring joy to another.

A rose will always return but it must be tended, protected, so as in the way we live our lives, in righteousness to the full breadth of our ability. I am blessed to have discovered this God given talent, to paint, to be able to hone the skill, to enjoy it, to share it … as in the rendering of a rose in an artwork where its emotional quality might touch anyone who’d witness it. This takes work, commitment, devotion, just the same as in a well lived life.

Painting a rose is a very exciting process, sometimes frustrating, often scary, in particular at the notion of exhibiting it to critical eyes. We have doubts. It takes patients, skill and many years of experience painting roses to render a lovely image. So we know, that with God’s help, we can do it; we can create an artwork that communicates not just the likeness but especially the essence and spirit of this particular bloom. And when the work is complete, ready for the public, we are ready too. We have a shield, faith.

I could say that painting a rose is calming and peaceful; it is not… it’s more like a mini vacation. There are many thrilling moments and odd decisions to ponder. But the respite affords a refreshing, sobering perspective. And while engaging in this worthwhile pursuit, “you can mount up with wings like eagles,” … not get caught or mired down in draining, petty deliberations. It’s very important when being attacked by the enemy to protect your thoughts. Painting, creating an artwork is one mighty defence I have against despair. Sadly, the past few years have been emotionally difficult for many, many folks, family and close friends. Having the focus of my artwork, I was less effected than most. I thank God for this wonderful protection.

A painting is like a Prayer
My daily rosary anchors and connects me especially to all who are in my prayers and they have been many throughout this time… especially those I disagree with. The rose has been as steady to me as the prayerful support I’ve been blessed with throughout my life, a well learned means by which I may also support others, humbly petitioning God on all our accounts. As well, now, I paint; it is my platform from which to hopefully offer encouragement, to inspire, in my way, “…to declare (His word), fearlessly, as I should.”

“A Bunch of Roses” oil painting was completed on April 8, 2022. Each new year I begin with an artistic project, typically a Valentine Project, making the rose this year’s main focus. It begins Stage 2 within a collection inspired by scripture, on which I have been working for the past few years and exhibited in October 2021. “A Bunch of Roses” signifies a turning point, the pursuit, hopefully, of greater depth within this context. To begin, the rose is illuminated and exemplifies the idea of simplicity and grace. This will develop as I continue to paint throughout 2022. As these ideas and the tenents established in the scripture are foundational to my artistic efforts I have dedicated this particular artwork, “A Bunch of Roses”, to Ephesians 6:10-20, and am entering the painting in the Engage Art 2022 contest which is based on the illumination of this scripture.

Information on the “Beauty for Ashes” collection can be found at these links:
Artwork: https://roxannedyer.art/collections/beauty-for-ashes-art-exhibition-oct-12-18-2021
Central theme, title and visual thread: https://roxannedyer.art/pages/beautyforashes-exhibition

How to Purchase this Artwork

"A Bunch of Roses" is an original oil painting. 14" x 18", oil on canvas, $1500.00.

The artwork will be available to purchase shortly on my website:
https://roxannedyer.art

or
Contact me: roxanne@roxannedyer.art or roxannedyeratelier@gmail.com

Submit Your Artwork Today!

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