(above) Three works by longtime Warren resident Ralph Garafola
Ralph Garafola Donates Original Painting to the Township of Warren
Mayor Gary DiNardo recently accepted a donation of 3 original paintings by the artist Ralph Garafola, a longtime Warren resident. These beautiful paintings were donated to the Township of Warren by Township Committeeperson, Carolann Garafola, and the late Ralph Garafola before he left for Florida. Mr. Garafola loved Warren Township and the opportunity to paint throughout the town. He was particularly thrilled that the Township used his design for the 9/11 Memorial which is located on the municipal grounds and can be seen from Mountain Boulevard. Below is a brief description and a little history of Mr. Garafola’s process for each piece of artwork that was donated:
Duderstadt Barn – This was painted En Pleine Aire over 10 years ago, oil on canvas board. Ralph painted it because he liked the architectural design of the building. He set his easel up across the street from the barn, before it was boarded up. En Pleine Aire painting takes advantage of the natural light and changing shadows of a setting and what the artist transfers onto the canvas. The drawing is made on site and the painting is completed as best as time and lighting will allow. Ralph would then take the painting back to the studio to “tickle” it, meaning to touch it up. This is the original and only copy of this piece of artwork as there are not any giclee copies of this painting.
High Point State Park – Another original and sole copy, it was painted with the intention of going into the New Jersey Governor’s Mansion, Drumthwacket, under the McGreevy administration, but the transaction didn’t take place and Mr. Garafola kept the painting. The house in the valley was from the American Revolution and it backs onto High Point State Park. It was owned at the time by Red Laffey, a good friend of the Garafolas.
Best Lake – This piece of art was also painted En Pleine Aire, again oil on canvas board, and was done on site. Warren Township has received the original, but a giclee copy of this piece hangs in the Watchung Courtroom. Mayor DiNardo said, “Ralph Garafola was a truly talented artist and these paintings bring to life these important landmarks in Warren Township, the surrounding communities, and the State of New Jersey. We are proud to display them throughout Warren Town Hall.”
Submitted by Evamarie Hode
