Artist Statement
I was inspired to become an artist in my early years of employment at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. While wandering the great halls of the Metropolitan I was immensely intrigued by the great masters and the style of realism, with a particularly strong affinity for the works of Velazquez, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Rubens and David, just to name a few. Therefore, I sought my education in the masters tradition of Academic Realism focusing on Portraiture in various mediums and styles.
Although Impressionism and Modern art were popular, I kept to my hearts desire to study and paint like the masters. In a time when training in the visual arts was limited, I was fortunate to find Cesare Borgia, whom in 1972 became my teacher and mentor for many years to come. Mr. Borgia had a stellar background for he had studied under Frank Reilly. Mr. Reilly, a highly successful illustrator, was considered an expert in the teachings of Academic Realism and taught for 29 years at The Art Students League in NYC. A few years after the death of Mr. Reilly, Mr. Borgia started his own school (Cesare Borgia Art School) as he wanted the Reilly tradition to continue. The school was later renamed: The Reilly League of Artists, Inc. as a not-for-profit art league. Mr. Borgia continued teaching, with a strong emphasis on portrait/figure drawing and painting from life. As well as working from casts, still life and copying old masters. Picture making, landscapes, color, perspective and composition were also taught. Cesare did not limit our education to the old masters, but also to so many great masters of the 1800’s into the early 1900’s. I was in awe of the beautiful works of Bouguereau, Alma-Tadema, Sargent, Sorolla and Paxton, some of my favorites.
I was only able to study part-time, but I immersed myself every week day night for almost 20 years studying, researching, exhibiting, and developing my artistic skills. While an advanced student, I was given the opportunity and challenge to assist new students with basic portrait techniques in oil. As the years progressed and Mr. Borgia’s teaching time became limited I took over teaching the basics, critiquing and encouraging students in the week-end portrait sessions. It was then the desire to teach entered my heart. Eventually, I started instructing interested students in a series of portrait workshops at the League.
Art is my passion — I continue my independent studies through various Workshops and Demonstration Lecture series, as I believe an art education is a lifetime adventure. I enjoy teaching and sharing my knowledge of traditional realism and am especially pleased at the resurgence of this genre of art so evident today.
Whether working in my studio alone, or in painting/sketch groups, or outdoors, I love being able to dedicate each and every day to the ‘art of creating’.
Resume
Exhibits
2022 — Gallery North, Setauket, NY Also: 2021-2005
2022 — Mills Pond House, Smithtown, NY Juried Also: 2021, 2008, 2005
2022 — The Art League of LI, Dix Hills, NY Juried & Members Shows Also: 2020-2005
2022 — Oil Painters of America Online Member Showcase Competition Also: 2021-2013
2022 — Salmagundi Club, NYC Members Juried Shows and Auctions Also: 2021-2007
2022 — The Reboli Center, Stony Brook, NY Invited Also: 2021, 2019, 2017
2021 — Setauket Artists, LI NY Members Show Also: 2020-2011
2021 — Long Island Museum, Stony Brook, NY Juried & Members Show Also: 2019-2008
2021 — Nassau County Museum of Art, NY On Loan to the ‘Songs Without Words’ Exhibition
2021 — The Atelier at Flowerfield, Smithtown, NY Juried Show Also: 2020, 2019
2020 — Catherine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club, NYC Juried & Members Shows Also: 2020-2006
2020 — American Artists Professional League Inc., NYC Juried & Members Show Also: 2019-2008
2020 — Audubon Artists, NYC Juried & Members Show Also: 2019-2008
2019 — LI Professional Artists Showcase (7&7), NY Members Show Also: 2014
2019 — Suburban Art League, LI NY Members Shows Also: 2018-2011
2018 — Art League of Nassau County LI, NY Members Show Also: 2017-2011
2017 — Oils Painters of America Eastern Regional Exhibition Juried
2017 — Huntington Arts Council LI, NY Juried & Members Show Also: 2016-2005
2017 — Barnes Gallery, LI NY Open Group Exhibit
2017 — North Shore Art Guild, NY Juried Also: 2015, 2013
2016 — Home Art Gallery, Port Jefferson, NY Also: 2015
2015 — International ARC Salon/Finalist Juried
2015 — Port Jefferson Village Center, NY Open Group Exhibit
2014 — Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists Juried Also: 2012, 2008, 2007
2013 — American Women Artists/Members Juried Competition
2013 — Huntington Public Library/Main St, NY Solo Exhibit
2013 — Islip Arts Council, LI NY Juried Also: 2011
2012 — Shelter Rock Art Gallery, Manhasset, NY 3 Person Exhibit
2011 — Garrison Art Center, Garrison, NY Plein Air Exhibit Also: 2004-1994
2011 — The Art Guild, Manhasset, NY Juried Also: 2008
2011 — Farmingdale Public Library Gallery, NY Solo Exhibit
2011 — National Art League, LI NY Open Group Exhibit
2011 — Gallery at 425, Huntington, NY Solo Exhibit
2011 — Wet Paints Studio Group, LI NY Members Show Also: 2010-2008
2011 — Brookhaven Arts & Humanities Council, NY Open Group Exhibit Also: 2009, 2008, 2006
2010 — Trapani Fine Art Gallery, LI NY Small Works Juried Show
2009 — Phoenix Fine Arts Gallery, LI NY Juried Also: 2007
2007 — East Islip Public Library, LI NY Solo exhibit
2007 — Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, E. Setauket NY Solo Exhibit
2004 — Rye Arts Center Gallery: The Contemporary Portrait Juried Show
2004 — Metropolitan Museum of Art Employees Art Show, NYC Also: 2003-1976
2002 — Bronxville Women’s Club, NY Two Person Show Also: 1990
2001 — Laurel Lakes Winery, LI NY Solo Exhibition
Collections
Stony Brook University Medical Center, NY
Mather Hospital, Port Jefferson, NY
Works in many Private Collections throughout the USA
Awards
2022 — Smithtown Arts Council/Mills Pond Gallery
2020 — Art League of LI Also 2013
2019 — Suburban Art League Also 2018-2011
2019 — Setauket Artists Annual Exhibit Also 2018, 2016
2018 — Art League of Nassau County Also 2017, 2013, 2012
2016 — American Artists Professional League Also 2015, 2014
2015 — North Shore Art Guild Also 2013
2014 — Huntington Arts Council
2011 — Wet Paints Studio Group Also 2008
2008 — Brookhaven Arts & Humanities Council Also 2006
1996 — Pastel Society of America; Salmagundi Award
1986 — New Rochelle Art Association; Third Prize-oil
Affiliations
Oil Painters of America
Salmagundi Club
American Artists Professional League
American Women Artists
Audubon Artists
Catherine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club, Inc
Portrait Society of America
LI Professional Artists Showcase (7&7)
Art League of Long Island
Setauket Artists
Gallery North
Smithtown Township Arts Council/Mills Pond Gallery
Art Education
|
2006 |
Stevenson Academy |
|
1991 |
National Academy School of Design |
|
1976-86 |
Reilly League of Artist Inc.; Academic studies |
|
1976 |
Hunter College, Art History |
|
1972-76 |
Cesare Borgia Art School |
Demonstration Series
2011 — Rob SilvermanOil
2010 — Joel SpectorPastel
2009 — Max GinsburgOil
Workshops
2009 — Juliette Artistides Drawing
2009 — Max Ginsburg Oil
2009 — Dan Slapo Pastels
1989 — Guy Corriero Watercolor
Experience
|
2022-1986 |
Private Instructions to Teens and Adults |
|
2015-2012 |
Teaching Workshops at Gallery North |
|
2007 |
Judge for The 11th Ann. Multimedia Art Show, Town of Brookhaven |
|
2005-2002 |
Instructor at The Reilly League of Artists, Inc. Also: 1984-86 |
|
1984 |
Judge for the Westchester Beaux Arts Final |
|
1983-82 |
President of The Reilly League of Artists, Inc. |