Contemporary realist Rick Pas captures the details of nature and animals. His pieces often depict textures in such realistic detail that they almost feel tangible, tactile, as though the viewer might run their hands over real bird feathers or crumbled leaves on a fallen tree log. He’s painted everything from insects and frogs to African lions and even people.
The Comic Wood Duck, acrylic on panel, 12 x 12"
In a new series, Pas has turned his attention toward avian portraiture. “This series of bird portraits was inspired by portraits by artists like Ingres that showed a person with a landscape in the background. Many of these portraits were of military men. I thought birds of prey had [this] stoic military look,” says Pas. While the paintings depicting decidedly “majestic” birds like eagles and peregrines have a seriousness to them, the paintings of wood ducks are undeniably comical—and intentionally so. “The wood duck portraits are the exception. These were inspired by entertainer’s publicity ‘headshots.’”
Polychrome Eagle, acrylic on panel, 40 x 40"
Pas adds that he enjoys working with acrylics in particular, as their fast-drying properties allow him to build up multiple layers, as well as lean in close to the painting while doing detail work. “Not all my work are portraits. Many show an animal in its environment,” he says. “The environment gets as much or more focus than the animal. But, for this exhibition, the birds [take] center stage.”
Peregrine City, acrylic on panel, 24 x 24"
This new body work will be on view during an exhibition at Gallery Victor Armendariz in Chicago, titled Rick Pas: Take Flight, from October 7 to November 26. An opening reception will be held October 7 from 5 to 8 p.m.
“Rick Pas paints birds with an exactitude that makes them seem as if they will take flight right out of their frames.
Eagle at Empire Bluff, acrylic on panel, 40 x 40"
Simultaneously, minute details draw the viewer in for close examination,” says gallery owner Victor Armendariz. “You’ll be tempted to reach out and touch the feathers to check if they’re real—but please don’t.” —
Gallery Victor Armendariz
300 W. Superior Street • Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 722-6447
www.galleryvictor.com
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