Artist's Statement

Rippe has been painting for over three decades. His work is usually bold, colorful, and based on a very subjective approach. Intial ideas may come sketches done on location, from the work of artists past, and from his imagination or " subconscious ". Usually one or more of those sources are combined in a process that is visual rather than intellectual. Meaning may come after the fact if at all. Which is not to say there are no meanings, just that they may present themselves as vague hints, ambiguous suggestions. He is happy to let the viewer interpret the images as they will.