Nancy Rhodes Harper

Fresh Face, Oil Painting

2018

Happy times -- nothing more joyful, adventurous or as freeing as jumping into cold lake water on a hot summer's day. Everyone is drenched, shivering, but going back in- one more time. Plugged ears, runny noses, goosebumps and soaked bathing suits - what could be more fun? Hamburgers, hotdogs, potato salad and ice cream await the survivors. Another July day at Moon Lake...

Kelly Birkenruth's "Portrait in Blue" (2021) is a captivating original oil painting on panel, measuring 10 x 8 x 2 inches. This exquisite piece showcases a delicate profile of a young woman with her hair elegantly styled in a bun, exuding timeless beauty and grace. The artist's meticulous attention to detail and masterful use of light and shadow create a lifelike portrayal, making this artwork a stunning addition to any collection. The painting is framed, with the framed dimensions being 11.50 x 9.50 inches, enhancing its elegant presentation. Kelly Birkenruth's work is known for its emotional depth and technical excellence, making this portrait a standout piece. Kelly Birkenruth’s captivating paintings are in the style of contemporary realism while staying firmly grounded in the tradition of the Old Masters. She is able to pull the viewer into her paintings by interweaving emotion with a humanistic quality through her supreme handling of light. Through her portraits and still lifes she is able to evoke sensitivity and empathy, which in turn allows her to create images which transcend mere representation to capture the true essence of her subject. Kelly’s arresting compositions, draftsmanship, use of color and observation of detail allow her to create paintings with a timeless quality. After earning her degree from Pennsylvania State University, Kelly moved...