Collage Paintings
In order to create paintings that include the element of time, Ridlon produces several paintings of the same subject at different times of day; morning, mid-day and evening. These paintings are done on acid free Arches paper. By varying the time frame, he can reflect on the changes of color, light, shadow, and mood.
After creating a large group of paintings on paper, Ridlon cuts them into smaller pieces and uses them as his palette. He selects and glues these pieces to canvas, integrating pieces from the smaller paintings on paper into one large scale work, creating a collage painting. The end result is the reflection of a day of color and light passing from morning to evening.
Landscapes
Most of the works in this series focus on fields of wild flowers and gardens; however, there are several collage paintings that reflect on changing seasons. All of the paintings in the series are the result of creating many smaller paintings, which are then cut up and reassembled into these larger works. The pieces measure 4' x 6' to 8' x 12' in scale.
Cazenovia Gardens
This series of collage paintings was constructed over a two-year period. There are 70 54" x72" collage paintings in the series and many smaller framed works. The larger paintings were all started as smaller paintings in "Local Gardens." The entirety of this series has been acquired by private collectors.
Travel Time
Each painting in the 2020 series "Travel Time" is composed of 6 individual works representing a hike that provided intriguing landscape scenery along the way. I often stopped to study complex compositions of line, color and shape, which I would later recall and express. Each grouping of 6 paintings measures 21 by 25 inches. This series has yet to be shown publicly.
Spirited Garden
I have always been intrigued by flower gardens. I find new ideas to express every time I walk through a garden. The shapes, colors and textures that permeate gardens always motivate me to reflect on and express my feelings. This 2020-2021 series of collage paintings has yet to be shown.
Jason Vieaux Concert
After experiencing a Jason Vieaux concert at Colgate University, I was motivated to create a series of collage paintings that reflected what I heard. I was so impressed with the music that I created seven collage paintings that reflect the movements of his concert. This series has yet to be shown publicly.
Nature Interpretations
This 2018 series of 64 collage paintings were inspired by the fascinating play of seasonal changes in color, texture, and shape taking place in the Central New York countryside. This collection of collage paintings is my reflection on those changes. All paintings measure 52 by 44 inches and are numbered rather than titled. Never been shown.
