Ruth Soller's Healing Views

The artist is known for radiant oil paintings of dramatic Western vistas

Maroon Bells and Lake
Oil on linen, 24 x 30 inches
solleroriginals.com

THE ARTIST Ruth Soller

KNOWN FOR Radiant oil paintings of dramatic Western vistas, rendered in vibrant color.

OUT WEST “I’m from Fayetteville, Arkansas, originally. When we landed in Colorado, in 2004, that was the home I had always been looking for. And I felt like, now that I’m here, it’s time to start painting landscapes.”

MOUNTAIN DRAMA “I’ve always loved mountains—I think it’s the contrasts and shapes and colors. There’s some very definite light and shadow; you can see the planes, the shapes that make up the mountain. And drama is important to me. When I create larger paintings, I want them to read from 30 feet away.”

JOY OF COLOR “The colors I use are usually quite a bit exaggerated. It’s kind of strange, because I’m a very introverted person and yet my paintings are very bold. It’s just the way they turn out. It brings me joy when I’m mixing those colors—I think it’s emotional; it’s a mood elevator. And I hope that it touches other people too, and it makes them happy and joyful.”

INTENSITY OF OIL “What I like about oil is that the colors are so pure and intense. Usually in my landscapes I’m toning my canvas with a warm orangey color. Sometimes I let that warmth show through, to make the painting glow.”

HEALING THROUGH ART “Nature has healing powers. When I’m out in nature I feel closer to the creator, and it’s a rather spiritual kind of feeling. So, I try to bring that out in the paintings once I’m back in the studio. I’m really interested in how art can heal. I have some chronic illnesses, so I’m feeling that it’s healing to me to do the work, and I’m hoping that it does heal others.”

NEXT Soller is continuing her National Park series and is working on a new series of horse paintings.