Camille Engel, a Nashville graphic artist who began oil painting only three years ago, has won a prestigious national competition for realist artists. Engel’s “Red Apple on Green Napkin” is included in the annual international juried exhibition “Realism 2003” at the Stage Gallery in Merrick, N.Y., about 35 minutes from Manhattan. The exhibition closes with an artists’ reception April 13.
One of only 25 works selected from thousands of entries by juror E. Lynne Moss, senior editor for American Artist magazine, Engel’s oil on canvas depicts a single red apple nearly filling the frame. The artist’s assured use of light and shadow endows the humble fruit with an inner glow, making it appear all the more tempting. Though Engel is primarily self-taught as a fine artist, she has studied with Charles Brindley, noted Nashville realist painter whose work is featured in the “Real Illusions” show at the Frist.
Like her mentor, Engel creates works that are sharply realistic and painstakingly detailed, yet emotionally evocative. “I paint layers and layers of color in order to build a richness and depth into my paintings,” Engel says. “I want people who buy my work to be able to look at it every day and see a new dimension each time.” Locally, Engel’s work can be seen at Main Cross Street Gallery in Franklin.
