An artist is passionate about what feels right. The journey to this destination is not always easy with road blocks and detours along the way. It makes one wonder how many artists never realize their full potential of creativity because they are stopped short. However, life is about acceptance of the pitfalls and overcoming them. No one knows this better than Ruth Ann Beeler-Sturgill.
As early as second grade, Ruth Ann knew that art was instinctive to her nature. She won her first blue ribbon in a school competition for her drawing of “Little Miss Acorn.†Proud of her accomplishment, she found herself doodling at the most inconvenient times. A smack with a ruler from a third grade teacher for drawing during class sent Ruth Ann’s passion into hiding.
However, not to be controlled in pursuing her passion, she took up cake decorating in her late 20s.
Says Beeler-Sturgill, “I was doing portraits on cakes and large wedding cakes, often being asked to cut and serve.â€
It was heartbreaking to destroy what I had so lovingly created; I knew I had to find a better way, a more permanent way.â€
A short sprint with acrylic painting of ornaments in 1995 and 1996 brought Beeler-Sturgill fame from their being included in the permanent collection at the White House and also the residence of the Ohio Governor. She moved on to Plein air while teaching, all the while grabbing awards along the way. After experimenting with multiple mediums and surfaces over the span of 20 years, Ruth Ann has discovered the right combination of her artistic ability and what feels right.
“Portraits are my passion. The human spirit is an incredible thing to try to capture! Now I am working a little more on landscapes, which I struggle with. I am an avid photo taker, mostly for painting reference.â€
Beeler-Sturgill had no idea that portrait painting was the most difficult as the slightest deviance could create an entirely different person.
Thusly, it became her medium of choice do to the depth and vibrancy along with the ability to create lost and found edges. She caught the bug after painting her grandchild’s portrait in watercolor, then in oil.
Her surface of choice became a favorite after being shared by her by long-time mentor and friend, Rodney Bensman. It consists of linen with a special technique in preparation. A sponge roller provides an eggshell finish that gives it a little tooth and yet allows for plenty of detail.
Beeler-Sturgill not only co-founded the Potpourri of Painters Society, but also founded and served as Executive Director of the Visual Arts Network. In addition, she has served on the exhibit committee of ArtSpace Lima.
Claude, her husband and Ruth Ann moved to Black Canyon City, Arizona, where she is already involved with the Sonoran Art League, Arizona Art Alliance and was selected for the “BEST & BRIGHTEST†show at the Scottsdale Artists School in January 2019.
With Arizona providing new and exciting opportunities for Ruth Ann, she no longer panics at the thought of coming to a detour.
“I have the travel bug and my adorable cockapoo, Sedona, loves to travel with me. She is super excited anytime I suggest exploring. I love to share my travels and experiences so I plan to start a blog in 2019. Have Brush, DO travel!â€
    To contact artist Sturgill, just send a text message to 419.516.3996 and as she says, “I will get back to you in the time it takes.â€
Ruth Ann Beeler-Sturgill is a fine artist that uses oils, pastels and acrylics to reel in the beauty of nature and people. Her deep home roots will always be Ohio, city of Lima, but that does not mean that she stays put. She ventures out on journeys to find as much amazing color and style and much detail as possible in her travels throughout her new Western home.    ∞
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