A Washington, Virginia resident since 2010, Ruthie Windsor-Mann has traveled and painted in many countries. Before she moved to Rappahannock County, Virginia, her favorite subjects to paint were European buildings. More recently, she has become enamored of the nature surrounding her studio in the middle of a hayfield. She is inspired to paint anything if the light is intriguing, primarily working in oils, watercolors, and pen & ink.
Having received her B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of Tennessee, Ruthie has been a professional painter since 1970, with work in many public and private collections in the United States and abroad. Her past and present juried signature memberships include the Rocky Mountain National Watermedia Society, Tennessee Watercolor Society, and Southern Watercolor Society. One year she was the only artist in the nation to have all three of her submitted paintings chosen for exhibition in the Rocky Mountain National Watermedia Exhibition. She has received many individual awards in juried exhibitions in the U.S., participated in numerous one-person and group shows and was a guest artist at the 1982 World's Fair.
In October 2021, she released her first book, A Painter's Musings, which breaks down four aspects of life as a painter: the Process, the Psychological, the Practical, and the Philosophical. Two years later, she published 12 Months on 12 Acres—a book of sketches of what can be seen from or on the 12 acres surrounding her studio in Rappahannock County, Virginia.
"When beginning an endeavor, many of us are fraught with the trepidation of bringing forth the unseen to the seen. I hope the viewer senses the uncertainty that greets all of us who are willing to expose our vulnerabilities in the process of creating."
- Ruthie Windsor-Mann
"My approach to painting a series of nests combines a variety of techniques. The nests need the universal approach of balance and the proper use of lights and darks, while presenting something new and exciting. An ornithologist asked me if I approached my nests as a scientist would by correctly documenting nest patterns. I answered that I began the series that way, but I found doing so was too confining and inhibiting and that I now just go with my painterly gut. She approved. My nests tend to have an abstract quality while using the inexactness of a palette knife and the more exacting brush and fingertips for use in the eggs."
- Ruthie Windsor Mann
The second installment of the dynamic Art Experience at the Executive Mansion, titled “Do What You Love in Virginia,” highlights the pastimes, places and people that are enjoyed and adored by Virginians and visitors alike. The Art Experience at the Executive Mansion was designed in collaboration with artists, museums, and curators throughout the Commonwealth to educate, excite and inspire those who visit. The exhibition highlights works from a mix of genres and mediums with particular focus on Virginia artists and themes. It is a living display which will evolve and change over time as additional works of art become available and as different parts of the Virginia story become the focus.
An archive of the inaugural exhibit, “The Spirit of Virginia,” is available here.
Use the dropdown menu to view a full list of artworks by room. Click on the name of a piece to view the art and read more about its origin, or use the menu navigation above the search bar to explore each room.
The first installment of the Art Experience at the Executive Mansion nearly doubled the number of works of art from 26 pieces to over 48 pieces of hanging art, sculpture and artifacts. Expanding on the initial exhibit, “Do What You Love in Virginia” boasts over 75 works from 37 institutions and independent artists. The Art Experience will continue to grow, with more pieces slated for installation in the coming months.
The Mansion’s Art Experience has quadrupled the percentage of artwork and artifacts that celebrate minority subjects, Virginians, and culture.
We are proud that every single piece in the Art Experience represents some aspect of Virginia’s vast geography, peoples, places, history and/or culture. Virtually all the pieces were created by a Virginian, someone who was born in Virginia, lived in Virginia, studied in Virginia, or donated by a Virginian.
A special thank you to our Commonwealth of Virginia art partners and ‘The Art Experience Committee’ of the Citizen’s Advisory Council. Co-chairs: Ann Goettman and Judy Boland.
Living Artists
Museums, Festivals, and other Virginia Institutions