Roy's Art Reviews & Statements
The husband and wife team of Roy Blankenship and Lois Showalter have very distinctive individual painting styles which they have developed over many years. Roy Blankenship works primarily in oils and varies his style from impressionism to contemporary realism. Lois works exclusively in water media and has a skilled method of layering on colors accentuated by light and shadow. Roy has an unusual but unique background as an artist and a professional painting restorer. Both artists continue to expand their knowledge and treatment of subjects in their art through constant experimentation using sensible methods and sound materials. The captured ‘magic’ and creative spirit in their art is both real and embracing. Since their marriage on April 1st, 2000 they have had 12 husband and wife exhibitions in the Middle Atlantic and New England states. They encourage and inspire each other to paint and write.
"...I can tell that you have a close relationship with the subjects you paint...I like your themes and your work expresses a timeless mood... keep a secret about it...
No painting has to tell it all... silence will evoke mystery and it keeps the art critics guessing. Keep up your good work."
Andrew Wyeth
Artist October 1976
(Verbal comments by Wyeth on the art works by Roy on his visit and review of Roy’s one-man Bicentennial Exhibition at the New Castle County Public Library, Wilmington, DE. Wyeth was with Dick Layton, a mutual friend and artist. Roy also restored paintings for the Wyeth families from 1972 to 1982)
"Roy Blankenship's paintings are restful and clean like a breath of fresh air. His marine subjects are atmospheric and convey a sense of tranquil mystery. The artist's larger paintings project a quiet and original strength and his style, palette, and subjects are in the best American tradition."
Heidi Libera
Art Editor U.S. ART Magazine '89
"...Your work has matured tremendously since I last saw it...
'Peace on the Chesapeake' and 'Sails off Griswold Beach' are in the best
landscape tradition, brilliant and sensitive.
Congratulations! You must be quite proud, rightly so, of your accomplishments."
Julio DaCunha
Professor of Art (Painting) University of Delaware '81
"Roy Blankenship is a classic example of the learned artist in the truest sense of the Renaissance tradition - one that stressed humanistic disciplines as well as refined and graceful paintings. In his elegant art, the virtues of combining talent, intelligence, sensitivity, technique, and sound academics are readily apparent even to the most casual observer.
There is tonal refinement of color and subtlety of mood in his art works.
Moreover, he is a neat and tidy scholar and a nationally recognized conservator who travels along the East Coast, saving expensive artworks in museums and private collections from the ravages of time..."
Kathy Viksjo
Art Editor and Critic Chester County Town and Country Living Magazine
"...Creating a painting that communicates is no small task.
Authenticity is all to rare today, when media and hyperbole in general seem to be the coin of the realm. Roy Blankenship is totally sure of his craft, philosophies, and abilities. When he is building a painting, every brushstroke brings the work closer to capturing the mood and essence of a scene. He paints the sea and surf on location, where he can scrutinize the waves breaking and rolling, the particular cloud formations that day, the sandy or rocky beach. Experiencing the surf's sound and the smell of salt spray is not merely a pleasant way to spend an afternoon, for Blankenship, it is part of his craft and in the final analysis, the authenticity of his paintings."
Ruth Jillya Kaplan
Art Editor and Critic '84
"...you might need to take a deep breath before you enter the Huston Gallery, which is packed floor to ceiling with the entire artistic histories of Roy Blankenship and Lois Showalter. The husband-wife team documents everything from their childhood crayon drawings to press clippings and personal photos to tell pretty much everything about themselves. Even if you just glance over the wall of background materials instead of plunging in, you'll come away with a strong sense of the couple's genuine love for their work and for each other. Their paintings and sketches - many for sale
- are displayed side by side, some with notes explaining their inspirations and working methods. Their subject matter tends to be warm, colorful landscapes as close as the Wilmington (DE) Flower Market and as far away as the coast of Maine....
Showalter has a deft touch for capturing flowers in watercolor. One part of the exhibit shows her delight in getting to paint in Monet's garden in Paris. If you've never seen their work, you'll be impressed by its vivid color and genuine warmth. If you're already an admirer, you'll feel like they're lifelong friends of yours by the time you finish this multi-faceted, lovingly assembled exhibit."
"As a former gallery Director of the North Shore Arts Association it was my privilege to be acquainted with Roy and Lois's individual art work. Both are blessed to be multi-talented.
However, the personal story of this couple continues to impress me, equally, as individual professional artists and how they found one another. Emerging as a professional team they now continue to support, respect, and compliment each other wholly without ego or competition.
They light up a room with their enthusiasm of life. It would seem the epitome of happiness to share each others love and the love of art so profoundly."
Trudy Alan
(former Director) The NSAA '09
"I have worked with many artists over the years and remember most of them with a few who really stand out. Lois and Roy are ones who really stand out and make a difference. Their professional approach to their artwork and the creativity that comes forth from their paintings engages the viewer and leaves them with inspiration. The mastery of medium and techniques is always present in their artwork. Their willingness to share with others and work together throughout the years has made them a dynamic team!"
Darcie Goldberg
(former Executive Director) Chester County Art Association '09
"I have always been intrigued by the sense of mystery or perhaps unanswered questions conveyed by Roy Blankenship's paintings. One must not be fooled by the freshness of his work and miss the true sensitivity lying within".
Nancy Richardson
Art and Antique Gallery Essex, Conn., 1980
"I find Roy Blankenship's interpretation of landscapes an open delight. They show real affection for green fields and leafy trees depicted in a clear, intimate style rooted in the 19th century. His work has become popular because of today's renewed interest focusing on scenes of a tranquil, pastoral past".
Mildred G. Thaler
The Marbella Gallery New York City, 1981
"Roy Blankenship's larger paintings are restful and clean like a breath of fresh air, one can think clearly, there is maturity. His subjects are peaceful, a trait probably inherited from his great-grandfather. The Blankenship style is his own, original. There is real personality in his work".
Walter Bollendonk
Rockport, MA, 1971