Rosemary Vasquez Tuthill’s vibrant paintings reflect the realistic and gritty style of her late father, renowned muralist, and painter Emigdio Vasquez, as well her own distinctly feminine perspective. Her “Portraits of Influence” painting series featuring notable individuals from the worlds of pop culture, politics, science, and business is on display in the John Wayne Airport Community Focus Space from July 18 – August 15, 2019.
“Vasquez Tuthill’s vivid paintings feature individuals that have made a significant impact on culture and society while drawing attention to the portrait’s detailed background,” said Orange County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Lisa Bartlett. “As you travel through John Wayne Airport, take a moment to view her colorful and thought-provoking artwork.”
Born into an artistic household, Vasquez Tuthill grew up watching her father create portraits, landscapes, and still-life oil paintings and naturally took to drawing at an early age. She participated in many art classes while in high school and college, and studied alongside her father, who shared his methods and helped fine-tune her technique while she worked in the engineering aerospace industry.
“After my father passed away in 2014, I was encouraged to complete an unfinished oil painting of his that he so passionately wanted to finish,” said Vasquez Tuthill. “After completing the painting, I realized it was a milestone achievement and decided I wanted to carry on my father’s legacy.”
Vasquez Tuthill’s “Portraits of Influence” provides a vehicle to encourage dialog and promote a desire to communicate ideas in a constructive manner. Her installation features a broad sampling of influencers from the worlds of politics, science, music, art, technology, sports, social justice, and other areas with a common link – each subject in the series has supporters and detractors. To learn more about her work, visit www.vasquezart.com.
Vasquez Tuthill’s exhibit may be viewed (pre-security) on the Departure (upper) Level near security screening areas in Terminals A, B, and C, and on the Arrival (lower) Level adjacent to Baggage Carousels 1 and 4. Upcoming Community Focus Space artists include mixed media artist Fernando Del Rosario (August 16 – September 17) and painter Crystal Maes (September 18 – October 17). For more information about JWA’s Art Programs, visit www.ocair.com/terminal/artexhibits.