Ronald Parent

Works

My paintings are inspired by an exploration of landscapes and waterscapes.

I use digital photography to initially capture subject matter and then manipulate the images on the computer to achieve desired composition and effect. This is done prior to painting on the canvas. I execute these in the medium of pastels and oils. I blend in a non-traditional way, using soft erasers, palette knives, and squeegees to move the medium around on the paper or canvas. This method of application allows for subtle variations and blending of colors. In some cases, pigments and paint are removed from the canvas to reveal a unique effect underneath. In other cases, the medium is manipulated with the tools to achieve a variety of textures. Some of this exploration yields surprising results that are incorporated into the final painting.

I am influenced by the impressionist and expressionist styles that work with the study of sunlight and atmospheres; Whistler, Van Gogh, and Renoir are particular favorites. The Romantic painter, William Turner, is another favorite and his style can sometimes be detected in my work, particularly in my pastels.

Ronald Parent

Works

Education

/ M.A. Art Education, Central Connecticut State University

/ B.A. Art Education, Southern Connecticut State University

Exhibitions

2018

/ Duality Exhibit- In Darkness and Light, Ithaca, New York

2017

/ 22nd Annual ArtWorks Detroit Fundraiser Auction, Detroit Michigan

/ Featured Artist of the Month, Detroit Artists Market, Detroit, Michigan

/ Featured Artist, Vivid Art Gallery, Winnetka, Illinois

/ The Beautiful Painting Show, Pitman-Puckett Gallery, Ferndale, Michigan

2016

/ Open Studio and Art Sale, Ron Parent Studio, Royal Oak, Michigan

/ Cover Art for WAVING BACK, poet author, Gail Thomas’s book of poetry

/ 21st Annual ArtWorks Detroit Auction, College of Creative Studies, Detroit

/ Annual Pride Show, The Pittman - Puckett Gallery, Ferndale, Michigan

/ Detroit Artists Market, Biennial All Media Exhibition, Detroit, Michigan

/ Kresge Foundation Headquarters, Art on Loan, Troy, Michigan

2015

/ Detroit Artists Market, Art for the Holidays, Detroit, Michigan

/ Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center, Holiday Shop, Detroit, Michigan

/ Detroit Auction Benefit for the AIDS Coalition, Alchemist’s Collective, Detroit, Michigan

/ Pittman-Puckett Gallery All Media Exhibit, Ferndale, Michigan

/ Detroit Garden Party and Art Sale, Detroit, Michigan

/ Open Studio and Art Sale, Royal Oak, Michigan

2014

/ Art for the Holidays, Detroit Artists Market, Detroit, Michigan

2013

/ Art for the Holidays, Detroit Artists Market, Detroit, Michigan

2012

/ Clusters, Elusie Gallery at Eastmont Custom Framing, Easthampton, Massachusetts

2012

/ For Pastels Only on Cape Cod, Cultural Center of Cape Cod, South Yarmouth, Massachusetts

2011

/ Third Annual Small Works Show, Easthampton City Arts, Easthampton, Massachusetts

2011

/ Land and Sea Exhibit, Pond House Café Gallery, West Hartford, Connecticut

/ For Pastels Only on Cape Cod, Cultural Center of Cape Cod, South Yarmouth, Massachusetts

/ ArtHampton Open Studio Day, Easthampton, Massachusetts

/ Summer Juried Exhibit, Addison Art Gallery, Cape Cod, Orleans, Massachusetts

/ 2nd Annual Easthampton City Arts Small Works Show, Easthampton, Massachusetts

2010

/ Solo Show, Pond House Café Gallery, West Hartford, Connecticut

/ Two Man Show, Hosmer Gallery, Forbes Library, Northampton, Massachusetts

/ 24th Annual Members Show, Pastel Society of Connecticut, Gallery 53, Meriden, Connecticut

/ The Red Show, Easthampton City Arts gallery, Easthampton, Massachusetts

2009

/ Juried Show, Bear Necessities 3rd Annual Fundraiser, Elusie Gallery, Easthampton, MA