Denton Ridge likes to call himself a “preservationist.” The local artist says the history behind something or somewhere is what he tries to convey when he paints.
As a lifelong Hixson resident, Ridge’s experiences in the area have colored his paintings. Despite his extensive travels, the simplicity of Southeast Tennessee and its proud heritage have never left him.
Citing Andrew Wyeth as a source of inspiration, Ridge said bringing life out of a simple church house or barn, for example, is a challenge he relishes.
He said he seeks to create “quiet, unpretentious and sincere compositions,” and watercolor allows him the most direct way of doing so.
The North River Civic Center is featuring a collection of Ridge’s watercolors inspired by his travels through Appalachia – to the shores of Maine and to Shaker societies in Pennsylvania, just to name a few – through August.