LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
Abstract Exhibition by Ward Ellinger |
At the Peninsula Gallery (Detail from After the Rain, an Acrylic painting by Ward Ellinger.) 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. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 17, No. 8 June 29, 2007 |