Theo Fields & Ron Young
at the Metropolitan Gallery
November 18, 2011 to January 6, 2012

The Nu-Art Series proudly presents Theo Fields & Ron Young, with an opening reception on Friday, November 18, 2011, from 5 to 9 p.m., as part of our ongoing Jazz and the Visual Arts Series at the Nu-Art Series' Metropolitan Gallery, 2936 Locust Street, St. Louis MO 63103. The show continues through January 6, 2012.

Theodore Fields Bio

Theodore Fields is a realist, in that he paints what he sees. However, he also an impressionist more concerned with capturing an interpretation of what he observes.

Theodore grew up in Saint Louis, Missouri, and was introduced to art at an early age. He continued to pursue drawing in grade school. During his senior year in high school he won a scholastic arts award in the Eastern Missouri area.

Theodore later enlisted in the armed forces, serving time during the Vietnam Era. His assignment overseas was draftsman/graphic artist for the S3 Section of the 24th infantry division.

After leaving the service, he worked for the McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Company for 13 years, and the for Metro for 25 years, from which he retired.

After retirement, he decided to pursue his hobby of painting oil portraits and landscapes.

Theodore is a member of the University City Art Association. He has received several awards from that organization for his oil paintings.

Ron Young Bio and Artist Statement

Ron Young is a talented artist who works with old acrylics and mixed-media collage / assemblage. (He also creates illustrations and computer graphics). Ron's paintings are composed of shapes, textures and bold contrasting color harmonies, while his collage / assemblage work is more expressive and symbolic - utilizing photographs, decorative paper and a variety of found objects.

Ron's work is a study in contract - contrasting light and dark color harmonies - contrasting geometric, organic and free-form shapes - and contrasting textures, both actual and simulated, among different materials including paper, plastic, cardboard, stone and wood. Taken as a whole, Ron Young's art demonstrates the total master of technique to create a genuinely original body of work.

Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Ron demonstrated exceptional artistic ability at an early age, attending the St. Louis Public School's Honors Art Program while in high school. During this period he also began painting murals, a practice he continues. Ron later went on to receive a B.A. in Art Education from Clark/Atlanta University and an M.A. in Communications from Webster University.

As an artist an an educator Ron has an ongoing interest in becoming a better artist, both through travel and academic training. One such opportunity came in the early 90's when he apprenticed as a sign painter, painting billboards at 3M Media. The concentration on technique and the master of materials that Ron acquired while at 3M would be difficult to reproduce in any other learning environment. They made a lasting impression on the aesthetics and scale of his artwork.

Recently, Ron participated in the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund Scholarship Program. THe JFMF annually provides American teachers with opportunities for professional development through short-term (3 weeks) study visits to Japan. In Japan Ron interacted with artists, students and teachers, gaining firsthand knowledge of Japanese art and culture. He was particularly impressed with the simplicity of design often applied to Japanese art, yet fascinated with their intricate use of patterns and bold application of vivid colors.

The culmination of Ron's artistic training and his academic opportunities, most recently his Japanese art and cultural exposure, has had a profound affect on his current body of work. Ron Young is presently concentrating his efforts within two portfolios of work - "Jazz Icons," dedicated to pioneering jazz musicians from the bebop, post-bebop, avant garde and jazz fusion eras, and "The Legends Series," which celebrates legendary African American rhythm, and blues, funk and rock 'n roll entertainers. Ron promises that paintings from both "Jazz Icons" and "The Legends Series" will continue to push the boundaries of creativity with powerful compositional elements that are artistically energetic, as well as stimulating to the eye and mind.

The Nu-Art Series is a Not-for-Profit Arts Organization.