RJ HAAS
RJ Haas’ interest in art started in 1963 where he studied Renaissance Art and church art with John Squillace of Woodbury, New Jersey. In addition, he studied with Dr. Ross Beitzel in preparation for college. During RJ’s college years he studied art history at Pfeiffer College, North Carolina with James Haymaker, with an emphasis on Impressionist artists. From 1972 to 1980, RJ concentrated on his field study artwork, producing scenic impressionist paintings. From 1980 to 1992, RJ was an active member of the Gloucester County Art League.

Currently, RJ Haas is a active member of various art organizations. Home Art Gallery in Mount Holly, Burlington County Art Guild (he held the office of Vice President and President); Philadelphia Sketch Club (where he co-chaired the Works on Paper Show for 2006); Main Line Art Center (where his work was accepted for the Betsy Meyer Memorial Art Exhibit 2006); Center for the Arts (where he is a register instructor of acrylic painting); Woodmere Art Organization (where his work was accepted for the 63rd Annual Juried Show), and Willingboro Art Alliance (where his work has been accepted in many shows since 1994).

When asked about the de l’ inconnue series, the message he tries to convey through his paintings is, “As urban overtakes rural areas, there is a loss of sense of self and social awareness.” This show consists of adventurous social commentary on the tidal wave of urban flooding into the farmlands of South Jersey. I am a rural person but, as an Artist who needs and wants city life to promote my art, there arises hidden personal conflicts into this body of work. These works are not surreal in nature, rather they are separate realities, formulated to show and illustrate my opinions, thoughts, and questions on the impact of this tidal wave and the gridlock that is to follow.

Each painting has common elements contained in the de l’ inconnue series. These elements are

a. The view of the encroaching city

b. The pigeons, that are harbingers of city life, with all the congestion

c. The title of each piece is the viewer’s beginning point into that world

Each piece is accomplanied by poetry written by Melissa McCaughey - Poetry Books are available at the Home Fine Art Gallery

Email: rjhaas@verizon.net

Website: http://rjhaas.com