Lake in the Hills artist draws viewers into peace and tranquility

With no formal art education, Roger W. Gates of Lake in the Hills credits his drawing and painting abilities to private tutoring while growing up, and educating himself with reference books and museum visits, studying masters such as Cezanne, Monet, Van Gogh, and Edward Hopper.

Gates is exhibiting his paintings through Saturday, April 7, at Arlington Green Executive Center, 2101 S. Arlington Heights Road in Arlington Heights. He will meet and greet the public during a reception at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 24. Free and open to the public, the reception is organized by the Northwest Cultural Council that is co-sponsoring his exhibit.

"I would describe my style as thoughtful realism with emphasis on color relationships," Gates says.

"I rely on my skills in drawing, composition, and balance, then let the details bring themselves out," he adds. "The landscape and architecture subjects I choose are those where I find peace and rest."

Gates' intent is to draw the viewer into tranquillity and quietude "like a long breath of fresh air."

"I want the observer to participate in my joy, in feeling the warmth of the sunshine, the hush of the breeze, the calming flow of the water, and the simple majesty of the scene," Gates explains.

Gates often sketches in plein air and takes photographs, but finishes his work in the studio. He has also painted scenes of the California Coast, the Sierras, the rural Midwest, and Northern Michigan.

After a career in packaging design and engineering, marketing, and business ownership, Gates is focusing diligently on his artistic avocation.

The Northwest Cultural Council serving the Northwest corridor, is a nonprofit organization. It supports and promotes the work of area visual artists and poets, offering a variety of programs including corporate gallery exhibitions, co-sponsored by businesses, convention and visitors' bureaus, libraries, and hospitals; art competitions to stimulate and promote artists; and poetry workshops and readings.

For more information about NWCC exhibits, call (847) 382-6922 or visit northwestculturalcouncil.org.