Renowned en plein air Artist, Sheryl Stalnaker, is teaming up with Mystic Osprey Gallery in Richmond to promote Richmond's James River Park, and to raise money for Friends of James River Park (FOJRP). 15% of proceeds from sales of Stalnaker’s James River paintings, as well as select other Mystic Osprey Gallery artists' works will be donated to FOJRP.

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"The James is an extraordinary natural resource and makes Richmond truly unique as an urban city with this life-affirming, vital river artery running through its heart. As newcomers to the Richmond Art scene who specialize in conservation-minded, artistic collaborations, we are excited to partner with Executive Director, Josh Stutz and his board at the Friends of James River Park," said Robert Howell, owner of Mystic Osprey Gallery.

 

Stalnaker visited the park and toured it with Stutz who shared some of his favorite places and views. She painted en plein air for several days and then returned to her studio to create larger works from her studies.  She will have new paintings ranging in size from 16 x 20” to 36 x 36”.

 

“When Sheryl said she wanted to come to Richmond to do new works for our gallery, I knew she’d agree that the James River was the perfect subject for her exquisite aquatic landscapes. Reaching out to Josh, and the Friends of James River Park was a natural partnership. The Friends' mission for James River Park  - - to preserve, protect, grow, and properly maintain the James River Park System for the environmental, educational, and economic well-being of our area, for generations to come - - is pretty much what our gallery's very tight, niche mission is as well.  Our gallery's artists spotlight wildlife, nature, and our habitat, and the importance of preservation, education, and environmental awareness - while providing original, contemporary art for people's homes."

 

"The Friends are super important stewards to protect the James River and its park system. Think about this.  2M+ diverse visitors.  600 acres of beauty inside a vibrant urban city.  40+ miles of trails.  We are excited to contribute to the important work that FOJRP is doing,” said Howell.

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Painter Sheryl Stalnaker finds joy in depicting aquatic habitats and the beauty of these precious vistas which are increasingly threatened by human-related activity. Whether it’s a marsh and tidal river in the low country, an Atlantic coastline, or the rapids of a freshwater river, her paint captures the light, movement, feeling and energy of every scene.

 

“I paint with both a palette knife and a brush,” says Stalnaker. “I’ve always been attracted to art where you can see definitive marks from the artist’s hand. It has an energy that I’m drawn towards.” She uses paint straight from the tubes, sometimes mixing cold wax medium to add extra texture. “I do go through a lot of paint,” she says.