Joan DeRugeris, USA, Oil/Canvas. Titled "Marsh Dancers". Name and title on back. Abstract painting of marsh lands. Figures on the right. Joan has painted and shown in New England for many years. In addition Joan has been a member of art societies in Providence and Newport, Rhode Island. She has a painting in the U.S. Department of State Art in Embassies exhibition. Here is some of what Joan says, 'I believe that artists cannot exist without influences, it is however how they use them to form an individual approach that separates one from the other. Many strive to paint what they see. Their hand and eyes becoming a camera. I like to see how far I can go from what I see or recall and break down the elements into pattern and design while still keeping the feel of what drew me to the subject to begin with. How pattern, forms, color and texture relate to one another has always fascinated me. As a story evolves on the canvas, there is usually a strong sense of drama and spirituality incorporated into the composition. Painting for me is like a dance, sometimes I lead sometimes I follow. I would describe myself as an intuitive painter. My point of reference is often my inner soul.' Overall Size: 35 x 45 in. Sight Size: 29 7/8 x 39 3/4 in. Born and raised in Great Neck, Long Island. Like most artists, DeRugeris considers her own life and craft as a work in progress as she continues to find inspiration. #1698 Location BB