My name is Bernie Rosage, Jr. I appreciate the simple things in life. Many artists thrive with creativity in times of turmoil... I'm just the opposite... give me peace and harmony and the creative juices flow much easier... That is why I love working from life and enjoying nature. Like most artists... I feel the need to create... art is therapeutic for me. One of my favorite ways to paint is on location en plein aire... the French term literally translates in open air. I have also joined the ranks of the latest art movement... "A Painting a Day"... well... almost every day! I am completely self taught... except for "a little help from my friends"... my fellow artist friends that is.... who so generously share their thoughts and knowledge with me. We hang out much like the Impressionistic artists of old did in the cafes of Paris... only in a cyberspace kind of way.
I have attended many workshops with many great artists but would be amiss here not to mention my mentor, artist Larry Seiler. Larry has been an encouraging and educational force in my work not to mention a GREAT friend. He taught me the "art of seeing". Artist, Bill Martin, has been a dear friend and teacher as well. I also glean from and study the masters... old and new. Some of my greatest influences are Claude Monet, Paul Cezanne, John Singer Sargent, William Bouguereau, Nicholai Fechin, Amedeo Modgliani, Richard Schmid, Morgan Weistling, and Marc Hansen.
My wife and I had the privilege of seeing the "Monet in Normandy" exhibit at the North Carolina Museum of Art in November 2006... seeing those 50 works by one of my favorite artists has been a major inspiration and motivating factor in my work ethic as I usually paint everyday.
My work has earned me many awards but that has never been my goal... painting is my goal. I simply love painting. A famous artist once said that one can't call himself a painter until he has painted 500 paintings... I'm not there yet... but... every painting takes me one step closer to that goal and the level I desire to achieve. Thanks for joining me on my quest... my artistic release...
About the Artwork
I have a passion for oil painting and am satisfied in saying that if I never worked in another medium it wouldn't matter to me. I feel a strong kinship to the Impressionists and my style leans in their direction. Landscapes, seascapes, cityscapes, and still lifes make up the bulk of my work. I am drawn to country roads, marshlands, cottages, barns, trees, open fields, flowing rivers and streams... anything that eludes to a peaceful, calming feeling when viewed. Many of my paintings are nostalgic and evoke feelings of simpler times. The majority of the paintings are painted alla prima (in one sitting) either from life, imagination, or photographs (mostly my own personal photos). I also work in the style of the Old Masters by using glazing techniques. All paintings are signed originals, on archival surfaces, and labors of love.
About the Vision
You are visiting my work for one of two reasons... either you are an artist yourself or you are a collector of art. Either way... we share the common bond that unites us... our love of art. We recognize the importance of art in our society, history, and sense of being. Pablo Picasso said it best... "Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life".
If you are an art collector... Thank you! What would the art world be like without you? Our museums and galleries would be empty, artists would lose a platform to grow from, and all our lives would have less meaning. Many times you are the wind beneath our wings and give us the opportunity to share our creations.
If you are an artist... I want to encourage you to follow your dreams, passion, and heart as you feel/fill that need to create. I can't think of a better job (if we can even call it a job) than creating and communicating through our artwork.
Together... we share the responsibility of keeping the arts alive!
Thank you...
Bernie
Name: Bernie Rosage Jr.
Date of Birth: August 18, 1961
Biography: Happily married with 4 children, 2 grandsons and 1 "Princess" granddaughter. Love working in oils and charcoal.
Location: Carolina Coast
Interests: Passionate about: God's Love, my wife, my children, my grandchildren, art, history, and the BLUES!
Recent work and projects: Joined the ranks of "A Painting a Day" artists in January '07. A huge advocate for supporting the arts. Member of the Onslow Art Society, Onslow Outdoor Painters Society (OOPS), Southern Plein Air Painters Guild, and Blue Ridge Art Clan. Board member and President of the Council for the Arts in Onslow County and Advisor to the Oils Forum at Wet Canvas online art community..
