Gary Stretar
I spent most of my career painting in watercolor. The techniques of thin washes, blended backgrounds and diminished brushstroke employed in that medium heavily influenced my painting style in oil. Many of my paintings are simple straight forward views of rural America painted from memory in my studio not “plein air” or on site. Several paintings, however, are composed as studies of textures, color, or American themes that have a more folk or even modern composition overlaid with realism. Tonation, color, and texture are more important than line value in my paintings. I do consider myself a realism painter but I am always seeking those iconic images that make a connection – a common bond with my audience. My family and I lived very near Lake Erie when my children were small. We now live in an Ohio farming community and I paint fewer seascapes now and more of the farm and fields near by.
I have the privilege of sharing my studio with my wife, Mary who is also a painter. Our son Luke, who exhibits at many of the same shows as I do, and our other children are also artists in various mediums.
Luke Stretar
I am in my sixth year as a professional artist. I started doing juried art shows when I was 20 years old traveling across the Country. I reside in North East Ohio with my wife Margaret who is an educator. Both of My parents are also professional artists and have been very influential in my career. I often travel to my parents studio in rural Ohio to have critiques and get inspired by the landscape that often includes cows and trains.
My current focus has been on rural industrial images and studies of cows and bulls. I hope to continue to expand on these subjects along with incorporating some new ideas this coming year. I will be showing in about 20 different events this year starting in March 2012. I will have a list of all the shows I will be at this year posted once they are confirmed.