James Nyika

Derby III, Original Painting

2021

Artist Comments
"The fanciful notion that these blocky residences were carved right out of the side of the cliffs was the impression that inspired this painting," shares artist Joe Giuffrida. He presents a panoramic view of a city on the Amalfi coast. He leaves most of the architecture white to create one large shape that fits like a puzzle piece into the surrounding cliffs and foliage. The space becomes the central highlight of the entire composition against the vibrant shades of enclosing nature.

About the Artist
Artist Joe Giuffrida paints impressionist landscapes frequently balanced with architectural arrangements. His artistic vision diverges from traditional styles depending on the subject at hand. "My creative energy is best developed through being on-site, observing a location, and getting the feel of the environment," says Joe. An expression of what is felt but not necessarily seen flourishes in his work, pushing the limits of color and value beyond what is there. Joe sought mentorship through workshops and college classes, then supplemented his learning by reading books on art techniques. He developed a firm belief in his craft being good through the perception of feeling rather than visuals. Emotional connections hold a crucial part of his creative process, challenging himself to be able to convey his responses while leaving room for the viewer's interpretation. He works in two studios, one for subtle watercolor painting and the other for bold and heavy acrylics and oils - systemized by organized clutter. His work has been featured in American and European publications and displayed in England, Germany, France, and the United States. Outside of painting, he channels his prowess as a musician, spending considerable time learning new guitar music...

Artist Comments
Artist Suren Nersisyan paints an impressionist Belted Kingfisher in gentle brush strokes. The bird roosts on the dense summery ...

Artist Comments
A charming mountain village in France stretches out magnificent rolling hills in artist Joe Giuffrida's impressionist work. The houses dotting the hilly community build a grand panoramic view. He captures the beauty of the surrounding range presenting interesting focal points in the design. The middle-ground farmhouse leads a circular pathway of interest into the apex and then back to its base. "Such that the eye will move upward, downward, and back to the home," notes Joe.

About the Artist

Words that describe this painting: France, south of France, Europe, countryside, landscape, impressionism, village, mountain, hill, watercolor, town, rural, paper, trees, house, home, buildings, peaceful, impressionism, landscape, watercolor painting, green

Roussillon...

Artist Comments
Artist Catherine McCargar exhibits a scenic landscape of Mt. Diablo with an impressionistic style. The dense leaves of the lush trees rustle from the refreshing gusts of mountain air. Catherine notes that the dark parts of the mountain appear obscured in the shadows during early fall when the lower foothills turn a soft golden yellow. She captures the view en plein air from a location in Walnut Creek...

Artist Comments
Part of artist Judy Mudd's marine collection, her inspiration comes from numerous trips to the coast. Judy captures the brilliant sunset as it colors the sky above a lighthouse. "I was intrigued by the sweeping clouds and the backlighting from the sun that reflected on the water," says Judy. As such, she felt it would create a visually striking painting.

About the Artist
For Judy Mudd, creating a work of art means much more than simply reproducing something she sees. “It is more than painting a subject, it is expressing a feeling,” she explains. Judy develops her paintings with thorough reconnaissance work. She goes out on photo shoots in a variety of atmospheric conditions, sketches outdoors, takes notes, and completes color and value studies. From there, back in the studio, she lets the paintbrush guide her. Outside of painting, Judy also leads watercolor workshops and runs a real estate business with her husband.

Words that describe this painting: paper, impressionism, marine, lighthouse, ocean, Thomas Point...

Artist Comments
Part of artist Judy Mudd's rural collection, she depicts a white country home covered in the shadows of a large leaf-covered tree. A winding path makes its way ...