26 Oct “From My Point of View:” J. Rodney Reveal’s Year in Review
It’s been a busy year for Rodney Reveal. A retired firefighter, Rodney spends many weekday afternoons in his sunny studio on the first floor of the Stephenson House here at Noblesville Creates. With his four-legged assistant Thunder at his side, Rodney sits diligently in front of his well-worn easel, generating works in watercolor, oil, and acrylic. A staple in the local arts community, Rodney is well-known not only for his remarkable talent but also for his sometimes-mischievous personality. He can often be seen going to lunch with other Studio Artists, leading the conversation with a joke or playful jab.
Rodney with his 2017 Noblesville Creates “Artist of the Year” Award
While he may be known for his antics, his reputation as a skilled artist is unchallengeable. Rodney’s “Hometown Series” is extremely popular with local arts patrons, and for good reason – born and raised here in Noblesville, Rodney has seen firsthand the nostalgic subjects he captures in paint, giving him the advantage of creating from experience. “In my paintings,” Rodney says, “I try to translate my feelings of a place or an object with the same emotional impact that I receive when I experience it.” Between 2016 and 2017, Rodney himself brought hundreds of arts patrons through the Noblesville Creates campus for his yearly Artist Showcase, held in November of both years. In September of 2017, Rodney received Noblesville Creates’ “Artist of the Year” Award (in a tie with photographer Christine Merchent) in recognition of a successful Artist Showcase in 2016.
Rodney and his award-winning piece, “You See What I See.”
Unfortunately, Rodney was not present to collect his well-deserved award. Instead, he was busy with his yearly trip to Dubois, Wyoming, for the Susan Kathleen Black Foundation’s Annual Artists’ Workshop. Called “one of the finest workshops in the country,” the feature event invites recognized artists from all over the country to attend workshops in a variety of media, techniques, and skill, all taught at the “highest levels of instruction” by notable artists. In addition to the annual workshop, the Susan Kathleen Black Foundation hosts an annual exhibit, inviting nationally-acclaimed artists to submit their work in a juried competition. This past September, Rodney returned yet again to Dubois and took home the 2ndPlace award in the Oils category for “You See What I See,” a painting depicting two mountain cats looking into the distance.
“Boathouse” by J. Rodney Reveal
Rodney gained further recognition this past June when he participated in the Oil Painters of America’s Annual Salon Show Juried Exhibition of Traditional Oils. Hosted in Traverse City, Michigan, this exhibit and contest awards over $15,000 in prizes to participating exhibitors demonstrating skills in a variety of contest categories. For his “Boathouse” painting, Rodney received a 2ndPlace award in the Plein Air Competition category. Along with the prize, Rodney’s work was featured in Outdoor Painter Magazine as part of an article detailing the Plein Air Salon Winners.
This November, Noblesville Creates will play host to Rodney’s third annual Artist Showcase on our campus. He’ll be featuring work from the past 12 months in a well-deserved celebration of his travels and recognition from the past year. As with years past, the showcase will also include selections from Rodney’s ever-popular “Hometown Series.” Stop in on Saturday, November 3rd between 11am – 2pm to view this exhibit and warm up with a delicious cup of soup during Rodney’s reception. Outside the reception, Rodney’s artwork can be viewed during our regular gallery hours: Wednesday – Friday from noon – 5pm and Saturday from 10am – 5pm.
To learn more about Rodney and his work, visit the following links:
Art by Indiana Artist: J. Rodney Reveal
Noblesville Creates Studio Artist: J. Rodney Reveal
