Ragland chosen as finalist in Great American Artist Contest

Jack Ragland, an accomplished artist residing in Fallbrook, has been selected as one of 10 finalists in the Kirkland’s Home Next Great American Artist Contest. Ragland’s oil painting, “Il Castello Bella Collina,” was selected from the nearly 3,500 entries Kirkland’s Home received from artists across the country, including 78 from California.

Kirkland’s Home’s customers and the general public will have the chance to vote for their favorite piece of art online November 10 through December 10. A grand prize winner, announced in January, will receive $5,000 and his or her winning piece will be reproduced and sold at Kirkland’s Home stores throughout the country. To view all 10 finalists’ entries and vote, visit http://www.kirklands.com and click on “40th Anniversary Events.”

Ragland’s wife read about the Next Great American Artist Contest in the Village News and encouraged him to enter. Being named a finalist “is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me,” said Ragland. This achievement is especially fitting now, as Fallbrook has just been named one of the 100 Best Art Towns in America.

Ragland has lived in Fallbrook as a full-time artist for the last 30 years. Since the age of 5, Ragland knew he wanted to pursue a career in art.

Ragland describes his art style as romantic and impressionistic. In “Il Castello Bella Collina,” Ragland was trying to capture the golden light of the afternoon. “I am enchanted with Tuscany,” he said. “I saw this castle while I was there and it seemed an idyllic place. I have used some artistic license with the surrounding scenery and tried to create a sense of visual excitement through the textures in the painting and the variety of brush strokes.”

Locally, Ragland’s art is on display in the French Gallery in Fallbrook. He has exhibited his works in solo and group shows in galleries from New York to California. His works can be found in private, corporate and public collections in the United States and in Europe.