Colorado artist, Edward Aldrich, reaches beyond the realistic rendering of wildlife in wild places, conveying the inherent being of an animal. This one-man show, “An Affinity With Wildlife,” beginning on May 4, 2018, will feature new works, spotlighting Ned's personal affinity with wildlife. His paintings evoke the thrill of witnessing a wolf, an owl, or a bison in the wild, awakening a similar, yet personal affinity within the viewer. An artist reception will be held during Spring Gallery Walk, on May 11, from 5-7pm at Sorrel Sky Gallery’s downtown location in Durango, at 828 Main Ave. The show continues throughout the month of May.
“I have always loved wildlife.” - Ned Alrdich
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Bobwhite Pair by Edward Aldrich[/caption]
Ned was born in Manhattan but grew up with an affinity for open spaces and the outdoors. In his own words, “I have always loved wildlife.” While exploring the concept of putting life into his paintings, he evokes the thrill of witnessing a cougar, wolf or bison in the wild. Aldrich looks for a visual element that strikes him, perhaps lighting that enhances color and contrast, or the intensity of expression he observes when an animal is in its natural setting. At times he places his subject against a contemporary wash of color instead of a traditional landscape, focusing on the animal alone. This minimalistic approach allows us the freedom to create a personal encounter, superimposing our own experience, or wished for experience, on the imagery. The elements that make painting more interesting to him, the sense of emotion and atmosphere, make the final result more interesting and engaging for us as well.
Holding a B.F.A. from Rhode Island School of Design, Ned is a member of Society of Animal Artists and Oil Painters of America. His work is held in permanent collections including Morgan Stanley Inc., Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and Wisconsin’s Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum. In 2016 he won the People’s Choice Award at the National Museum of Wildlife Art. Ned participates in annual shows such at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, the National Museum of Wildlife Art, the Oil Painters of America Annual National Show, and Cheyenne ‘Frontier Days’ Show. The artist has had over two dozen solo exhibitions nationally. He resides and creates in Colorado.
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Forest Wanderer by Edward Aldrich[/caption]
Sorrel Sky Gallery owner, Shanan Campbell Wells, has been representing Aldrich's work for 15 years. “I’m continually amazed by how Ned’s paintings trigger our deep-rooted connection with the animal world. People identify with the intensity of the animal’s expressions, with the energy and emotion they perceive, and it elicits a very personal response.”
Sorrel Sky Gallery’s visionary approach to Western art allows both new and experienced art enthusiasts the opportunity to select from a distinctive collection of contemporary and traditional fine art and jewelry. Founded in Durango, CO in 2002, Sorrel Sky Gallery opened its second location in Santa Fe, NM in 2014. Representing several acclaimed and renowned painters, sculptors and jewelers, including Kevin Red Star, Star Liana York, and former U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse, among others.
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Ever Vigilant by Edward Aldrich[/caption]