As a self-proclaimed "recovering architect," Ric Skees was glad to find a thriving arts scene in Johns Creek. The mentorship and education he found propelled him towards his passion, watercolor painting, after experimenting with other art mediums.
"The Johns Creek Art Center, as it was known at the time, was my creative outlet. During a figure class in early 2009, I decided to change my subject matter focus from architectural details to figure and portrait work. I guess I have always wanted to be a Renaissance man so I later took figurative sculpture classes in Roswell and then spent many years throwing porcelain in Johns Creek pottery classes," says Ric.
In the early 2000s, he and his family moved to Johns Creek from out of state. They selected Johns Creek to be near Ric's wife’s new job and for the excellent school system for their son.
Now retired, Ric reflects, "My art journey started in 1994 after years of heavy computer use in architectural offices. I found that I was losing touch with many of the drawing and presentation skills developed earlier in my career. It was also apparent to me that the world was being oversaturated with digital and virtual images," says Rick. "So I set out to re-tool my skills to allow for a more human and personal response. Watercolor painting and charcoal sketching have helped me regain this touch."
Ric started by sketching subject matter that he found interesting and from ideas that emerged from the drawings, he would start a series of paintings. "With each study, I refocus my response. I usually progress from exploring what is there in earlier studies and move to more simplification as I further understand the essence of the idea."
"I find that I have strong responses to specific buildings in terms of proportions and how they handle light. I usually tend to zoom in to an area of particular interest. It is this discovery of the extraordinary in the world around me that keeps my artistic journey fresh and exciting."
He continues to improve his skills by attending workshops and figure-drawing classes and finds juried exhibitions and critiques also help him to see his work more clearly.
You can support the artists around you and find your own inner artist at The Art Center with the Spring into Action Donation Campaign. The campaign goal is to raise $50,000 to support a mission of providing inclusive, culturally relevant, and equitable arts programming to the residents of our diverse community.
$250 sponsors a child for a full week of Summer Camp.
$150 purchases supplies for a community Youth Art Workshop.
$50 pays for Outreach programs for a child for the entire school year.
It is this discovery of the extraordinary in the world around me that keeps my artistic journey fresh and exciting.