Paintings by the Howard Pyle Studio Group, on exhibit through May 29, 2024
Between 1883 and 1911, American illustrator Howard Pyle immersed himself in painting, writing and teaching within the light-filled studios at 1305 N. Franklin Street in Wilmington, DE. The Howard Pyle Studio Group, established in 1935 as a small collective of women artists dedicated to honoring his legacy, is privileged to own, use and maintain these historic buildings.
Continuing their artistic collaboration with the museum, Studio Group members explored the Public Engagement Division’s educational collection to gather specimens for creating still lifes. Working within the museum’s classroom, the artists brought to life four distinctive still lifes inspired by the fascinating natural specimens, each using diverse mediums and styles.
All artwork is available for purchase, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the museum.
Geri Huxsoll, Black Bear, 2024 Stone Lithograph, $225. “I have a fascination with skulls, and this particular one belongs to a black bear. My years in art school taught me the importance of studying the internal structure of a body to accurately depict it in drawings, allowing space for bones.”Roberta Gerard, Coastal Treasures, 2024, Gouache on Canvas, $700. “This piece was inspired by specimens from the museum’s Education Collection. We had the privilege of accessing and exploring them for our creative inspiration.”Kathy Ruck, From Creatures of Flight, 2024, Water Color on Canvas, Sold. “Exploring the museum’s specimen room alongside my fellow Studio Group artists was both enjoyable and a bit overwhelming due to the abundance of fascinating natural objects. To focus our efforts, a few of us decided to concentrate on creatures of flight, culminating in the still life captured in my watercolor painting. Additionally, my fondness for anything bird-related played a significant role in this choice!”Connie Wagner, Landing, 2024, Acrylic on Canvas, $500. “This painting draws inspiration from an owl foot specimen from the museum’s Education Collection. The actual foot was small and delicate, but I chose to exaggerate its colors and size to convey a sense of threat and power. Placing it against a dark background suggests a nocturnal attack. Upon completion, the image brought to mind Jamie Wyeth’s Raven, prompting me to add a shadow at the bottom, indicating the bird’s imminent landing.”Carol Mangano, Newfound Friends, 2024. Acrylic on Canvas, $450. “In a world where still life collections could come alive, these newfound friends would undoubtedly have a lot to say to each other.”Bonita Frawley, Shells and Coral, 2024, Oil on Canvas, $375. “The iridescent abalone shell, waving brown coral, smooth Junonia, and folded conch collectively evoke an underwater ambiance. To enhance the vibrancy, I surrounded the objects with a green-blue hue for an extra punch of color.”Carol Strukelj, Shells, 2024, Oil on Canvas, $300. “Anything related to the sea brings back wonderful memories for me. I have always cherished walking along the beach, searching for beautiful shells.”Linda Patton, Skull in Leaves, 2024, Pastel on Canvas, $175. Drawing inspiration from Georgia O’Keeffe’s skull artworks, I felt compelled to paint a similar subject. Opting for a more abstract interpretation, I surrounded the skull with leaves using my favorite medium, pastels. Despite the inherent challenges in capturing such a complex subject, I am pleased I took on the endeavor.”Bonita Frawley, Skulls and Shell, 2024, Oil on Canvas, $275. “I enjoyed portraying the green leaves complementing the smooth monkey skull and tortoise shell. The contrast with the rough, yet delicate, texture of the bird skull added depth to the composition.”Tamara Hutchinson, Smilodon with Bear Skull, 2024, Oil on Canvas, $1,100. “The interplay of bone and fur, sharp and soft, light and dark inspired my portrayal of these specimens. I enjoyed gaining insight from museum employees about both extinct and living creatures.”Karen Delaney, Still Life, 2024, Acrylic on Canvas, $150. “This painting captures a still life featuring various marine specimens sourced from the museum’s Education Collection.”Shirley Rigby. Wild Thing, 2024, Collage on Canvas, $250. “This composition incorporates elements including the museum’s snakeskin and butterflies, as well as painted collage, marbles, a blue cross, and faux brown feathers.”Betsy Greer, Wings and Things, 2024, Oil on Canvas, $350. “Wings, feathers, beak and claw — all integral elements of the captivating realm of flight.”
