Ward Ellinger, a Rehoboth Beach artist, brings a dramatic and colorful
body of abstract expressionism to the Peninsula Gallery during the month
of July. Titled Transformations, the work is a mixture of mostly large
acrylic on canvas pieces together with some enamel on copper and wood, and
even some three dimensional assemblages.
Ellinger was born and brought up in the Shenendoah Valley. He started
painting at age 7, using crushed berries to stain scraps of paper and
wood. Later he went on to graduate from the Shenendoah Valley Academy and
the University of Virginia. It was perhaps these first steps in his
exploration of color that went on to inspire him to find the beauty of
simple forms, color combinations, and the spontaneous fluidity within
nature that fascinates him today.
"My current works have evolved from experimenting with different
mediums and adding expressions of movement, whimsy, color and simplicity.
I use strong colors to create a technique that’s never duplicated in the
patterns that emerge. My work requires multiple layers of color in order
to maintain the vivid contrast between interior and exterior
surfaces," says Ellinger.
"In a gallery primarily known for its representational exhibits,
we are very excited to be able to bring to our clients this outstanding
body of abstract work, said owners Carol and Tony Boyd-Heron. "We
have known Ward for a number of years and watched him grow as an artist
because we have been involved in framing some of his pieces. But this show
will be a first for the artist, and for us, that will include more than 30
works on display in the gallery."
There will be a reception for the artist in the gallery from 5-7 p.m.
on Saturday, July 7, and the show will remain through August 1. As always
the whole exhibit may be previewed on the gallery website at
www.peninsula-gallery.com.
Peninsula Gallery, 520 E. Savannah Rd. in Lewes (just across the
canal bridge) is open 7 days a week. For information, call 302-645-0551.
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