Mission Trails Regional Park Visitors Center selected Alpine resident and artist Vanessa Rusczyk for a solo show for February “A Closer Look: Native Flora of the American West.”
What is warranted is a closer look at the artist herself. Rusczyk, 43, is a native of New Jersey but has lived here for the last 15 years with her husband, Richard.
“Not as a child” explained Rusczyk of any artistic exploration. Her artistic side has been nurtured locally.
Mission Trails Regional Park Visitors Center selected Alpine resident and artist Vanessa Rusczyk for a solo show for February “A Closer Look: Native Flora of the American West.”
What is warranted is a closer look at the artist herself. Rusczyk, 43, is a native of New Jersey but has lived here for the last 15 years with her husband, Richard.
“Not as a child” explained Rusczyk of any artistic exploration. Her artistic side has been nurtured locally.
“I started studying at the San Diego Watercolor Society four years ago as well as the San Diego Art Academy,” she said.
While the lilies and cow skulls painted by Georgia O’Keefe can spring to mind at first glance, Ruscyzk’s paintings reflect native flora of Southern California and the American West. Different, perhaps, than the native plants Colorado and Washington.
Among the 30 pieces on display, her brushes bring out the local flora of monkey flowers, manzanita blossoms, agave plants, and birds of paradise. Many are painted with refinement and light hanging in the air, and in others the strong roots, stems and cactus bring a strong recognition of the harshness of the desert terrain.
“I hope they (park visitors) will see some of these plants and recognize them in nature,” she said. Rusczyk pointed out of the unique opportunity park visitors have before they go on a nature hike at the park.
“Remarkably realistic and beautiful” said park visitor Cameron Ishee, 17.
San Diego resident Don Ross said her oil paintings “are vibrant” and remind him of being out in the desert.
Vanessa’s many awards and shows ranged from Artwalk NTC@Liberty Station, a juror’s commendation from the San Diego Watercolor Society to The Borrego Art Institute, and the list goes on.
Rusczyk’s artwork was selected for the front cover of the brochure produced by the park on the “Art in the Park 2014” program along with several other artists. This park offers opportunities for visual artists to display their art. The shows can exhibit small or large groups of artists or solo artists.
Meet the artist at the opening reception on Saturday, Feb. 9, from 1-4 p.m.
“Habitat plants,” in the words of Rusczyk, describe her art. Reflective of what resident see every day, on sale at the show, and provides an opportunity to collect her work and support a local artist. For further information contact the park at www.mtrp.org or Vanessa Rusczyk at www.studiosoledad.com.
