THE INFLUENCE OF WOMEN

Paintings that celebrate women will be featured in a collaborative exhibition between Juliette Aristides’ atelier and Maryhill Museum of Art.

- JOHN O'HERN

Juliette Aristides was trained in the classical tradition of drawing and painting and has dedicated her life to passing on the traditions and the basic concept of learning to see. She says, “It is craftsmanship that opens the door to self-expression. I am excited about teaching the methods from our artistic inheritance. I know that once this knowledge becomes commonplace again, it can only enrich our cultural life.” She is the founder of the Aristides Atelier, located at Gage Academy of Art in Seattle.

Louise Palermo, curator of education at Maryhill Museum of Art in Goldendale, Washington, explains, “The term ‘classical realism’ was coined by Richard Lack and a group of atelier-trained realist artists communicating their connection to academic traditions, coupled with a modern way of seeing. It embraces classicism, realism and an impressionist style using rigorous atelier apprenticeships, intensive mentoring, and an academic method of drawing and painting. While ‘realistic’ might, in a narrow way, define a work of art with recognizable objects, the broad stroke doesn’t do justice to the thoughtful insight of this movement. Simple objects become as beautiful as the most famous portrait. Meaning and insight resonate for those taking the time to ponder.” The museum has a tradition of collecting and displaying works of classical realism since its founding.