Steven Rhude - Paintings/Drawings

Ochre Pit Modern, oil on canvas, Steven Rhude, 24"x 38", Emma Butler Gallery "The cultivated man of today is gradually turning away from natural things, and his life is becoming more and more abstract. Natural (external) things become more and more automatic, and we observe that out vital attention fastens more and more on internal things… …Modern man –although a unity of body, mind and soul – exhibits a changed consciousness: every expression of his life has today a different aspect, that is, an aspect more positively abstract. [1] Piet Mondrian She asked him "what's it like to be modern?" He could reply, but he didn't. He wanted to think. She said, "I mean there are lots of things in cities and our homes that make us modern... things that can change and are replaced, maybe changed for the better... even out here in the landscape where there are trees and fields...  but I'm not sure that necessarily makes us modern."

The place name "Dildo" is attested in this area since at least 1711, though how this came to be is unknown. The origin of the word "dildo" itself is obscure. It was once used to reference a phallus-shaped pin stuck in the edging of a row boat to act as a pivot for the oar (also known as a "thole pin" or "dole pin.") [1] Passing Through Dildo, oil on canvas, 35"x 60", Steven Rhude, Emma Butler Gallery The Rock isn't just known for its colourful buildings and people. Newfoundland place names have inspired some of the most lively discussions over the centuries and, in many instances avoided sanitising by a 1904 Nomenclature Board, that according to Gordon Hancock (faculty member at Memorial University and a member of the Advisory Committee on Toponymic Research) was formed to eliminate postal code chaos and what at the time was considered to be "local embarassment that resulted from duplicate or unfortunate toponyms".

After Michelangelo, graphite, 14"x 12", Steven Rhude Detail Detail Detail After Michelangelo - Pieta, Florence, Santa Maria del Fiora - Head of Nicodemus. Detail Steven Rhude, Wolfville, NS

In about 1614 - 1615 Rubens made some studies in connection with a Christ on the Cross painting. One in particular stood out for me. The original now in the London British Museum was drawn with Black and White chalk, and some bistre wash. It measures 21"x 15".   Study after Rubens, chalk, 40"x 32", Steven Rhude Detail Detail Detail Steven Rhude, Wolfville, NS

Ophelia, chalk, 40"x 32", Steven Rhude Detail Detail Detail Detail Steven Rhude, Wolfville, NS

Possibly seen near a stream. Study of a Tree Branch, Graphite on paper, 11"x 14", Steven Rhude Detail Detail Detail Steven Rhude, Wolfville, NS