Artist Marty Ricks Comes to the Big D

View From Keyenta (oil on canvas, Marty Ricks' "Across America")

Banks Fine Art cordially invites you to come meet artist Marty Ricks. They will be exhibiting more than 20 of his newest works from his series "New Works: Across America."

The artist will be at the gallery February 23 and 24. Friday he will be there from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Even if you miss the man himself, you don't have to miss his work. Ricks' work will be exhibited at the gallery February 24 - March 31, 2012.

“New Works: Across America," embodies an American panorama of light-filled hills and languishing streams; proud evergreens reaching to the sky; clouds full of thunder and rain; light and the sun and the moon; and fields aligned with Nature’s bounty. They are all painted with the remembrance of how light affects each composition and subject. Plein air at its best

About the Artist:

Marty Ricks was born in Rexburg, Idaho in 1961. As the son of artist Don Ricks, Ricks and his two brothers were destined to become artists. Despite the calling Ricks felt, he resisted his urge to paint, and at the age of 17, Ricks began a career as a frame maker, creating frames for renowned artists throughout the country.

Ricks eventually opened a store in New York City at 3rd and 57th Street. His business prospered, but was almost completely destroyed by the September 11th terrorist attacks. After this infamous day, Ricks re-evaluated his life and resolved to make some changes, most significantly, to become a painter. He cites his brother Douglas Ricks as his primary tutor. He has also been influenced by the work of Russell Chatham, George Inness, and Sergei Bongart, his father’s teacher and art workshop partner.

Aside from these great artists, Ricks feels that nature itself has had the largest influence on his work. He says, “My work is an attempt to communicate my deep love of the outdoors and the spiritual foundation of the natural world.” Ricks is an avid hunter and fly-fisher. His favorite locations often become subjects for his paintings.