This blog focuses exclusively on works from the Gallery’s collection of art which are figurative. That is, pieces where the content is recognizably derived from life. What will soon become abundantly clear as you scroll through is not just the sheer talent of the artists which RSG is so proud to represent, but the sheer variety of styles of work which can be included in this category.
We have the elegant portraiture of Wayne Chin, the wire mesh sculptures of Eric Boyer, the boldly-colored, Expressionistic works of Mel Townsend, the fantastical narratives of Paula Bullwinkel and more. It’s an inspiring look at the beauty of the works held in the Gallery’s collection and created by artists of the PNW.
All of these works are available for rental or purchase. The Gallery is currently open to appointments only, so do not hesitate to get in touch either by telephone or email to find out more about the art this is available and set up a time to come in.
Wayne Chin
The son of a movie-poster painter in China, Wayne Chin believes that he was destined to be an outstanding artist. He has over 25 years of experience in fine art, including oil portrait, landscape oil painting, sculpture, advertising and graphic art. His great skill as a portrait painter shows up in the quality of figurative pieces like Chinese Blue.
Cathleen Rehfeld
Cathleen is best known for her beautiful landscape paintings, many of which are of the Oregon countryside. She often works outside at the location itself, painting with great speed and control to do at least one work a day. Recently, she submitted to the gallery this striking oil painting of iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, which we were delighted to bring into the gallery.
Mel Townsend
Mel’s works are filled with bold lines and vivid colors, showing her influence from the works of the German Expressionists and the figurative artists of the Bay Area. Her work on the figure is all about the energy that she has with her subjects. The bold line and color express their intensity.
Paula Bullwinkel
Beginning her career in New York as a fashion photographer, Paula wanted to capture the female figure and attitude in the form of a narrative, usually fantastical and sometimes absurdist. This is a theme that she continued to explore when she began painting, a medium that she believes more purely expresses her ideas. She describes her pieces as being narrative and allegorical. They feature heroines and animal-heroes who balance feelings of mystery or foreboding with a sense of celebration.
Sarkis Antikajian
Born in the Middle East to Armenian parents, Sarkis arrived in the USA in 1958. After a 35 year career as a pharmacist, he achieved his lifelong dream of becoming a professional artist. His varied subject matter includes figurative, landscape, still life and abstract works and his pieces have been collected across the country. This has resulted in his becoming a nationally-recognized and award-wining artist.
Diana Milia
Diana works as both a professional artist and art therapist, providing counseling for adults coping with a broad spectrum of life situations. As an artist, her works are filled with figurative and abstract elements, creating using acrylic and mixed media techniques. Each piece is packed with detail, encouraging the viewer to make a deep and personal engagement with it.
Eric Boyer
Eric began creating his mesh sculptures in the mid-1980s, when he got his hands on scraps of the material whilst working at a blacksmiths in Vermont. His works are a mixture of abstract and expressive shapes and beautifully-rendered human forms. The mesh creates a dynamic feel to his pieces, allowing a delightful interplay of light and shadow through the mesh.
George Johanson
George Johanson is a legendary figure in the art scene of Portland and has been a member of Rental Sales Gallery for 60 years, being one of the original artists when the Gallery opened in 1959. A painter, printmaker and ceramic tile artist, George remains active, working from his studio in Portland. His works on display at RSG are filled with color, dynamic movement and allegory.
Germaine Bennett
Germaine was raised in Hurley, Wisconsin, moving to Eugene to attend University of Oregon. After a career as a teacher, she says that she started to get serious about printmaking later in life. Her works range from portraying raucous bar scenes to richly-realized, Indian-inspired works such as Monsoon Love, made using a range of printing techniques, including linocuts and monotypes.
R Keaney Rathbun
Our final artist in this blog is R Keaney Rathbun, who creates uniquely-individual bas relief carvings such as Warbler. He describes his pieces as “autobiographical narratives”, which are “joyous and whimsical, emotional and poignant”. The figurative and gestural figures that exist in his works act as metaphors of human experience.