Nature’s Serenity Land and Seascapes
by Kathleen McDermott & Ronald Shepard
On View August 1, 2023 – September 15, 2023
Public Reception: Saturday, August 5 • 6-8 pm
Southern Arts Society presents their newest exhibit featuring the artworks of two local established and award winning artists – Ronald Shepard of Gastonia, NC and Kathleen McDermott of Rock Hill, SC. The two artists’, though newly acquainted, have a shared interest in nature, which made titling their exhibit easy. Nature’s Serenity – Land and Seascapes gives viewers a chance to immerse themselves into cloud filled blue skies, green trees, mountains, beaches, lakes and rocky outcroppings. It’s easy to imagine yourself stepping into familiar surroundings, realistically depicted in pastel, oil and acrylic.
Kathleen McDermott is a traditional landscape artist. She grew up on a back road dairy farm in far western NY State and has always loved the forests and fields and fabulous rural skies. Kathleen has been drawing and painting all her life. Being a self-taught artist with no formal training, her obsession and passion has been to create scenes from her imagination. She sometimes uses reference photos, but enjoys seeing what develops as she paints. Kathleen continues to grow as an artist by staying involved in local art organizations wherever she lives. From Jamestown, NY, to Horry County, SC, she is now active in the Catawba River Art Guild, centered in York County, SC.
Originally from Vermont, Ronald Shepard moved with his wife, Sharon, to Gastonia, North Carolina in 2008. As a retiree, Ron took up art in November 2011. While mostly self-taught, he has taken art workshops by Alain Picard, Karen Margulis, Moore School of Art, Daniel Edmondson, and Albert Handel. Winning regional awards for his art boosted his desire to continue to learn and study. He is fluent in oil, acrylic, colored pencil, watercolor and now, his favorite medium, soft pastels.Ron generously teaches workshops and private lessons in Gastonia, Kings Mountain and York, SC. Ron’s love for nature goes back to his childhood where he spent most of his time in local woods observing trees, lakes, ponds, brooks, rocks, and various aspects of the terrain. He and his family spent many weekends camping in Lean-tos, and tents. Summer vacations were spent at the ocean in Maine. Ron’s art speaks to both Northern and Southern Landscapes and Seascapes. He is an active member of Southern Arts Society where you can find him practicing his art.
The public is invited to meet artists Kathleen McDermott and Ronald Shepard at a public reception Saturday August 5, from 6-8 pm. This event is free, and dress is casual. You can view the exhibit now through September 15th. Work in the exhibit is available for sale.
