The idea of a series of paintings focusing on the river and the riverboats is several years old. Two years ago, Renzulli overcame his inhibitions regarding his lack of knowledge about the subject and simply began painting, working from photos taken with his smart phone along Paducah’s riverfront. He chose to work primarily in watercolor because of the fine details in the boats, but also had some fun with acrylics and pastels.
Renzulli says, “My goal has been to create interesting images, contrasting the sharp lines of the marine architecture with the tones and texture of the natural environment, making liberal use of an 'artistic license'. The visual delights of the river and the varying style of the boats are many, but I have fallen in love with the gritty and tenacious character of the boats, large and small, as they move their massive cargo across the water. I cannot help thinking of Frank Sinatra singing about the ant moving a rubber tree plant.”
William Renzulli is a self-taught artist who left his 9-year practice of internal medicine in 1981 to pursue a career in art. For 20 years, he divided his time between art and medicine, and since 2002 has devoted all of his time to art. Working with watercolor, Renzulliʼs early work focused on architecture and the built environment, depicting townscapes and urban landscapes.
In recent years his primary medium has been pastels, clay mono-typing, acrylics and a variety of mixed mediums. The landscapes became more rural, but the architectural elements persisted. Renzulliʼs paintings have been exhibited in numerous solo and juried shows. He has been commissioned to create both commemorative prints and original work for a number of institutions, schools, and corporations. He has had numerous paintings accepted into the Pastel Society of Americaʼs annual juried show and has won awards in two of those years. In 2002, he was awarded signature membership in the Pastel Society of America.
Julie Harris, Executive Director of the River Discovery Center says, “We are excited to host Bill’s river portfolio as our rivers, which are so important to Paducah, offer such wonderful subject matter, both the natural environment as well are our river industry.”
The exhibit will open to the public on Friday, January 19th and will run through March 1 at the Center, 117 S.Water St. in Paducah’s downtown. Admission to the exhibit is free. Museum hours are Monday through Saturday 9:30 am-5 pm.
For more information, call the Center 270-575-9958.
