Presented at Reston Art Gallery and Studios October 1 – 30
Meet the artist, October 1 and 2
Rosemarie Forsythe’s intricately detailed paintings depicting symbols of knowledge, strength, hope and resilience will be presented in a featured exhibit, “Modern Illuminations – Knowledge and Power,” at Reston Art Gallery and Studios (RAGS) from October 1 until October 30. Inspired by illuminated manuscripts of the 15th – 17th centuries, the modern twist in Forsythe’s paintings is the inclusion of math and physics equations. In this show of new works, many pieces also include horses, as she says, “They are wonderful symbols of power and resilience.”
Forsythe’s color-infused paintings, in a range of sizes up to 30 x 40 inches, have meaningful titles in categories of equation, symbolism, and nature, such as “Wise Larks” (pictured above), and “Be Kind,” which subtly carries the phrase and features a stag, the animal that represents kindness. In “Flying Through Stars” (pictured below), a group of steeds gallop above symbols of knowledge, power, and the equations that are used to calculate the speed of a horse. The “Knowledge and Power” painting that inspired the show’s title features the lab notes, correspondence, and names of famous female scientists.
Forsythe’s art has a wide range of influences, from the natural environment and through her fascinating experiences from her career as a diplomat, as shown, for example, in a past series of Empire Twilight paintings (all sold). She has combined her intellectual and prior work interests with her artistic sense to create a unique style of painting. In 2020 and 2021 the U.S. State Department Art in Embassies program selected six of Forsythe’s paintings for exhibitions at three U.S. Embassies around the world. In Vienna, Austria, Forsythe’s “Power” painting will be exhibited by the U.S. Ambassador to International Organizations. The Embassy in La Paz, Bolivia has three of Forsythe’s series on famous female mathematicians and scientists, and the U.S. Embassy in Amman, Jordan has the very first of her series of “Seventeen Equations that Changed the World.”
Everyone is invited to meet Forsythe when she is at the gallery for the show’s opening weekend, October 1 and 2.
“Knowledge and Power” will be open on Saturdays and Sundays through October 30 from 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. and can also be viewed by appointment on other days by emailing the artist at art@rosemarieforsythe.com. See more of her work on Instagram @rosemarieforsythefineart and at rosemarieforsythe.com.
Gallery visitors can also enjoy the variety of works created by all seven artists of RAGS – each with different perspectives, mediums, techniques, and works in progress – as well as the scenery of the setting. Located at the orange “ART” sign on the lakeside of 11400 Washington Plaza West, Reston, VA 20190 at historic Lake Anne Plaza, RAGS is just steps away from Lake Anne’s Saturday morning Farmers Market and restaurants with outdoor seating. For GPS directions and parking, search “Lake Anne Plaza.” Follow @RAGSReston on Facebook, @RestonArtGallery on Instagram, and get more information at RestonArtGallery.com.
About Reston Art Gallery and Studios (RAGS)
This artists’ collective is an inspiring source of beauty and creativity with new shows each month featuring the latest works of the seven artists of RAGS – Dorothy Donahey, Sandra Dovberg, Rosemarie Forsythe, Pat Macintyre, Julia Tova Malakoff, Marthe McGrath, and Wayne Schiffelbein. The unique variety of works displayed at RAGS – paintings in watercolor, acrylic and oil, mixed media collage, mobiles, photography, original prints, art objects, artist-made jewelry, and more – are available for purchase. On weekdays the artists are preparing commissions, new works, and their next special exhibits, and those working on site can be viewed through the gallery’s expansive glass façade. Furthering its nurture of art, RAGS offers free, themed Crafts for Kids every Saturday morning at the gallery, April through December, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. RAGS is open to the public every weekend afternoon. The orange “ART” sign at historic, scenic Lake Anne Plaza leads to the entrance of Reston Art Gallery and Studios, a Reston landmark established in 1987, located on the lakeside of 11400 Washington Plaza West, Reston, VA 20190. GPS: “Lake Anne Plaza” for directions to the parking area. Follow @RAGSReston on Facebook, @RestonArtGallery on Instagram, and get more information at RestonArtGallery.com.
