Ramona Gibbs

Ramona’s work includes paintings based on trips to the western United States, Alaska, and Michigan, where she focused on subjects for her art. Her interest in art began at an early age, as both of her parents were artists: her father, Harrison Gibbs, was a sculptor, and her mother, Maurine Montgomery Gibbs, was a sculptor and painter, from whom Ramona gained an appreciation of art and a love of nature, color, and design, as well as much support in her artistic pursuits.

Ramona earned a BA in English and Visual Arts from Denison University in 1966 and an MA in English Literature from the University of Colorado in 1968. She did additional study in watercolor painting and color theory and in 1971 studied drawing and portrait painting at the City and Guilds of London Art School. She currently works on commissions in her home studio in Peoria, Illinois.

Artist Statement

I explore the variety of rock formations and differences in scenery on my travels, but my watercolors and acrylics go well beyond the actual site image as memory and emotion take hold. I am moved by the natural forms I see around me. Of great interest to me are the designs and patterns in nature, both intricate and abstract, as I believe beauty can be found in the smallest details as well as in the grander view. I feel that one of the best ways to learn about something is to draw or paint it, and sometimes that reveals mysteries as well.