The Beauty and the Rush
I’m thrilled to announce my upcoming show at the wonderful Artemis Gallery in Northeast Harbor, Maine, opening July 31, 2025.
This is my favorite event—a chance to share with collectors what I’ve been working on over the past two years. While Artemis represents me year-round, these exhibitions only come along every other summer, which makes them feel more like milestones than just shows.
And like clockwork, this deadline lit a fire under me. As any seasoned procrastinator knows, there's a certain magic in the scramble. The kind that forces bold decisions, spontaneous moves, and just the right amount of chaos to bring the work to life. I tend to put a lot of pressure on myself for this show, but life always seems to up the ante on its own. I don’t fight it anymore. I’ve learned to embrace it. Somehow, the tension, the drama, the ticking clock, it all makes the Art more honest. Forged in fire, full of risk, and often finished in a rush that brings out something raw and real. The bravura. I’m as curious as anyone to see where the work lands. That’s part of the thrill.
Work in progress for this year’s show
This year, I’m especially excited to include a series of Peonies. Not just any Peonies, but ones that hold a deeper meaning for me. (If you read my last piece, you’ll know why.) These paintings reflect the fleeting, tender, bittersweet beauty of life. They’re personal, reflective, and feel like the right addition to this moment.
Here’s a taste…
Peonies 2025 by Don Ripper, Oil on board, Available July 31 at Artemis Gallery
