The View in Front of Us: Four Interpretations presents an on-location and plein air painting project by Chella Gonsalves, Chad Hunter, Rick Ingraham and Vince Walsh. The collective collaborated to select locations across the region for an exploration of creative interpretation, including the use of different mediums and unique painting processes. The result is a comparative body of work which coveys a unified grandeur.
As a collaborative project, the artists challenged themselves to seek both well-known and undiscovered locations within an hour’s drive from Tracy. While the selected sites offered scenes of interest, they were also chosen for qualities that would present challenges. Often working side by side, each artist was intent on contributing their best work, working in a variety of mediums including acrylic, oil, watercolor and mixed-media.
Chella Gonsalves (Modesto, CA) has painted extensively throughout her life. Ms. Gonsalves taught art in the Modesto City School District for 27 years. As an accomplished artist, she has worked in a variety of mediums and styles. Chella is drawn to the familiar scenes of the Central Valley including homesteads, farming and landmarks, striving to immortalize what is disappearing.
“I find many different and unusual details of the buildings, alleys and downtown structures. Along with the paintings come pieces of the sounds, sights, and smells of the surroundings. I hope the viewer feels some of the same soul-searching vibes.” – Chella
Chad Hunter (Manteca, CA) is a graphic designer, muralist, illustrator and plein air painter. Mr. Hunter grew up in the East Bay area feeding a love of nature, Star Wars and art. He holds a BFA in Illustration from BYU (Brigham Young University), and an MFA in Visual Arts from MU (Marywood University). Chad has received numerous awards in exhibitions throughout California.
“I strive to paint what cannot be painted: the energy, the poetry, or the interpretation rather than a literal representation. To me, plein air painting must be more than a simple copy of a scene. Yes, it should capture the light, shadow, texture and color, but in the end, it must be an emotional response by the artist.” – Chad Hunter
Rick Ingraham (Carmel, CA) is a plein air and studio artist who was first introduced to plein air painting in an intensive, on-location painting course while attending the University of the Pacific. Throughout Mr. Ingraham’s professional career as a clinical psychologist, he continued his arts education. Rick is a member of the American Society of Marine Artists, The Monterey Bay Plein Air Painters Association and The Valley Sun Catchers.
“I look for subjects with interesting design elements and stories that resonate with me. My motivation goes beyond simply documenting subjects at different locations. Capturing the general atmosphere and mood is always a welcome challenge. Using a loose painting style, I leave some elements vague and undefined, prompting viewers to draw from their own life experiences to complete the story.” – Rick Ingraham
Vince Walsh (Tracy, CA) has painted and exhibited across the region for over 40 years, working in a style that blends realism and impressionism. As an arts educator, Mr. Walsh teaches acrylic and oil painting at the Grand Theatre Center for the Arts, and for the We Heart Art Academy in Central California Correctional Facilities. Vince is a member and past-president of the Tracy Art League, and a member of several regional plein air painting groups including The Valley Sun Catchers, Friday Painters and Da Group.
“My goal in painting has never been to merely reproduce what I see, but to interpret what I see in a personal way. Exhilaration comes from the act of painting. Creative expression is magic.” – Vince Walsh
