Local artist Nadeem lives in a memento-filled townhouse in Old Town Alexandria. In 1999, he began painting studies under Diane Tesler and Lisa Semerad at The Art League School at the Torpedo Factory Art Center. He is constantly seeking new challenges in painting and sketches and is particularly inspired by the natural beauty of the George Washington Memorial Parkway and its surroundings. His detailed nature paintings, usually from preliminary sketches, often include old and unusual buildings. Other paintings reflect the everyday culture of favorite places from his world travels.
The exhibit includes 30 oil paintings and 6 pencil drawings, including several paintings of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Nadeem’s painting instructor encouraged him to include a few works from his Syrian series which depict scenes of daily life in Damascus. These paintings hold particular meaning to Nadeem whose grandmother emigrated from Syria to the United States with her two sons.
“It is a delight to honor Ray and showcase his talent in this solo exhibit,” said Alisa Carrel, Deputy Director of the Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities and head of the City’s Office of the Arts. “Ray is not only an extremely talented artist, he is a very dear member of our neighborhood. A couple years ago, I took a day trip to western Virginia with Ray to photograph old homes and buildings for his inspiration. One of the paintings resulting from that trip ‘Ole Shanandor’ is included in the exhibit and is one of my favorites.”"
