Local Artist's 'Plein-Air' Work to Be Displayed

Local Artist’s ‘Plein-Air’ Work To Be Displayed At Redlands Community Hospital Foundation’s ‘Evening With The Artists’ Event

REDLANDS, Calif. – Love is evident in every piece of work that Patricia Rose Ford paints. Her love for the great outdoors, scenes of Southwestern deserts and coastlines and art have collided to produce award-winning plein art pastels that have been honored by several distinguished pastel societies.

Ford has created art since childhood and enjoys working in the plein air style, a movement that began in the late 1800s where California artists went outdoors to create their masterpieces. Ford’s vibrant pastel paintings display the tranquility and essence of nature.

Several of her pieces will be featured at the Stan and Ellen Weisser Education Pavilion during Redland Community Hospital’s “Evening with the Artists” event on March 30, 2012.

“I am drawn to plein-air pastels as I enjoy being in nature, looking at a beautiful scene and translating the emotions of what I see onto the paper,” Ford said. “My hope is that I am able to convey in my art, the feelings of joy and tranquility that I experience when painting.”

During her 25-year career as a San Bernardino County social worker, Ford discovered painting could be an effective stress reliever. However, the Loma Linda resident also learned this particular career afforded her little time to pursue her passion for creating art.

“Working with people, helping families and children during difficult times was stressful,” Ford recalled. “It took away creativity.”

Ford, who worked primarily in watercolors, never really lost that creative drive and has discovered a love for working in pastels over the last seven years.

“Pastels: the colors are very brilliant; I’m attracted to the beautiful colors,” the plein-air artist said of the medium.

Several times a year Ford, and her other plein air artist colleagues, plan trips to locations such as the Grand Canyon, Sedona or Zion National Park in Utah to recreate the scenic views onto their canvases.

“You have a tranquil feeling of the beauty when you’re outdoors,” she said. “You paint with all your senses when out on location. I get to appreciate the smells, the wildlife and hear birds chirping. Painting while out in nature is a very special experience.”

Ford’s artwork has been recognized by the Pastel Society of the West Coast and has also awarded her a signature membership with the Pastel Society of Southern California and Women Artists of the West. Ford’s other affiliations include United Society of Pastel Artists, Plein Air Artists of Riverside and Redlands Art Association.

Ford joins local artists Paul Strahm, Ginger Peña, Donal Jolley, alongside the works of Jean Cranmer (presented by Kimberley Shirk Assoc.) at the annual “Evening of the Artists” event. Ford’s artwork will be available for purchase at the Stan and Ellen Weisser Education Pavilion from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 30. Proceeds will benefit the Redlands Community Hospital Foundation art fund. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served that evening. Tickets for the elegant event are $20.

For more information on the Redlands Community Hospital Foundation’s ‘Evening with the Artists’ event or to RSVP, please call 909.335.5500. To see a sample of Ford’s artwork, please visit patriciaroseford.com.

Redlands Community Hospital Foundation is a nonprofit organization which supports Redlands Community Hospital.