Bioghraphy of J. Ian Ridpath - Impressionist Landscape Oil Painter
Canadian artist J. Ian Ridpath grew up in Toronto in a family of artists and artisans. He began charcoal and pen and ink sketching in his school years and then followed his father's coaching in turning to oils. Several years ago an older brother further encouraged him to delve deeper into oils and mentored him by example.
Because of his love for the Group of Seven he has followed this style of impressionism and has produced several 'impressions-of-the-Group' as well as many of his own subjects. His love of the Canadian landscape has been a major influence in his choice of subject.
For several years he had painted out of the Gallery Upstairs in Milton with great success including showing at the Milton Centre for the Arts and at the Gallery Upstairs itself. Most of his subjects were local scenes including the Milton Mill Pond and the local Escarpment.
He participated in many other local art shows including the annual "Heart to Hand" and the annual FASM Studio Tour.
He now lives in Waterloo, Ontario. Ian has started painting again after a break of a few years.
Ian also designs small web sites for other artists and not-for-profits.