Rhonda Egan

Bio and Artist Statement
Rhonda Egan had a love of drawing early in life. She still remembers the day her uncle showed her how to shade and make things look round. She studied the books he lent her and continued to improve. She has studied art since high school and, although she made a career as a librarian, painting has always been a part of her life. She has studied under several artists including Susan Sarback, Gretchen Ryan, Anthony Rossi, Walt Sorenson, Reif Ericson, and John Michael Carter, to name a few. Rhonda is a member of the Northern California Artists, through which she has earned Master Artist status. She regularly enters juried art shows and has won several awards. This year, her painting, “Asilomar,” was accepted into the first Biennial Plein Air Show at the Napa Museum. She has also shown at the Crocker Museum. In 2001, her painting, "Looking Forward," was selected for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Poster. After 23 years as a librarian, Rhonda retired so that she could devote more time to art. She is currently teaching classes at the School of Light and Color in Fair Oaks for both adults and children. She is a founding member of Chroma Gallery in Fair Oaks and is currently, its president. She loves to do landscapes and portraits and is happiest being able to combine both.

"Over the years, I have dabbled in several mediums, but have always come back to painting in oils. I like the buttery consistency and its versatility. With oil I can get smooth, blended colors or rich, thick texture. Originally, I used brushes but since studying with Susan Sarback, I have discovered the palette knife. I love the easy clean up and the fresh and unmuddied look I get with the palette knife. My passion is to paint plein air landscapes. There is nothing like capturing the mood of a day, whether it is cloudy, sunny, windy, or threatening rain. I love the challenge of developing the contrasting images in the rapidly changing light. It forces me to work fast and loose, which keeps my work fresh. Painting plein air, however, makes it difficult to incorporate people into my paintings. I like to capture action which is difficult with the true plein air method. My next challenge is to find ways to include people in my paintings, while continuing to explore the dramatic color changes in plein air painting

Awards
Award of Merit, New Artworks, 2005

Honorable Mention, Ironstone Winery Spring Obsession Show

KVIE Juried Artist