Lois'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.
"...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
"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
"Lois's daily celebration of loving life radiates from the vibrant colors she uses to capture her subjects. The spirit of her creative inspiration is formulated in an uplifting order of lines and shapes that she ultimately builds into unique and very original works of art. It is a pleasure to watch her artistic technique at work."
Roy Blankenship
Roy Blankenship, Artist, Painting Restorer, and Lois's husband
"Lois Showalter, by contrast, exhibits two mixed media still - life paintings that have extraordinary verve and energy. 'Pick a Pepper' is a study of red and green bell peppers lying at rest below an elegantly explosive floral arrangement.
'Blooms in Red' is a
boldly colored study of red flowers against a blue, green, and yellow - orange background. Showalter applies her paint with a passion and force that gives her fragile studies an enormous sense of life."
Raymond A. Liddell
Editorial Columnist (The Gloucester Times)
"As a gallery owner in Southeast Pennsylvania it has been my great good fortune to be able to work with both Lois and Roy, and to be able to exhibit their work with regularity. The vibrant colors of Lois's paintings brightened the gallery in any season and drew positive responses from our customers. Her original jewelry pieces were always well received by staff and customers alike."
Catherine Smith
Owner and Director, Lees Gallery Glen Mills, PA
"Your paintings have......strong images and powerful color (values). It's quite a thrill to see you succeeding - and also getting into the North Shore Art Association! You have worked very hard and it's nice to see you getting your pieces up on the wall so others can enjoy them."
Myra Hall
Personal Correspondence