Sonoma September, © 1998

Too much contemporary art concerns itself with being trendy, cute, or merely decorative. Seldom does it brave the crowd, roar with passion. Examine any one of Joanne Beaule Ruggles' canvases - instantly you see the difference between mere technical proficiency and true mastery, with the heart and mind to guide it.

Few things are as exciting as seeing an artist working at the very top of her bent, everything else be damned. See this work!