Key to artist John David Ratakowski’s work is travel, without which, he explains, he would become numb to his surroundings. Exhibited internationally and in the U.S., Ratajkowski lived in southwest Ireland on a two-year sabbatical. Inspired by the Celtic ruins there, he painted richly textured and vibrantly hued non-figurative landscapes.

Consistently intrigued by various media, materials and techniques, Ratajkowski has invented his own paint using some formula over five centuries old.  Mixing dry pigments, applying waxes and resin, heating the canvas surface to control viscosity, Ratajkowski creates paintings with velvety and layered finishes.