Juliette Aristides is perhaps most widely known as the author of the highly regarded books Classical Drawing Atelier, Classical Painting Atelier and Lessons in Classical Drawing.
Though the emphasis there is on her undeniably strong figurative work, it is her still life subjects that I personally find most compelling.
In much of her work references appear to the classical masters to whom she has devoted much study. Her still life compositions often play with these references, as well as blurring the lines between still life, room interiors and suggestions of landscape, creating a fascinating juncture point of the various disciplines.
Her still life paintings at their best also convey that almost mystical sense that still life can suggest of the extraordinary within the ordinary — the sense of something more than immediate appearance being revealed by contemplation and mindful observation.
In all of her painting she exhibits beautifully refined control of value and color, her palette at once vibrant and restrained, and a wonderful mastery of edges.
Her website offers several galleries of still life subjects in addition to figurative work, portraits and drawings.
Aristides conducts a Classical Atelier at the Gage Academy of Art in Seattle. There is additional information on her website. The Aristides Atelier also has its own dedicated website and blog.
She also leads workshops in various locations.
Aristides is represented by the John Pence Gallery in San Francisco, where her work will be featured in an exhibition on view from February 10 to March 12, 2012.
