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ARTIST STATEMENT
Touring the museums in Europe as a young man inspired me to learn the craft from the artists who were to become my favorite teachers, Rembrandt, Caravaggio and Davíd. These artists taught me about beauty, grace, dignity and the control of light. I have never forgotten the feelings of being inspired and connected to those artists.
While attending university I began teaching myself the craft of traditional portraiture while studying modern art. My use of theatrical light is to create elegant and sensitive portraits, and my goal is to always look for the beauty in who we are as individuals. It was Oscar Wilde who validated my choice by saying, “Those who find beautiful meanings in beautiful things are the cultivated. They are the elect to whom beautiful things mean only beauty”.
Because I hold myself to a high standard I strive to compose not only a physical likeness but also to incorporate life’s experiences into each portrait. I have chosen brush and oils to best accomplish that sense of old world drama with contemporary themes. I find it enormously satisfying to know that I can use my talent and experience to provide happiness and deep meaning to others for many generations to come.
I believe there is no other art form that lends itself more to the expression of the human experience than a masterfully painted portrait. It has always been and will always be regarded as high art.
ARTIST'S BIOGRAPHY
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Mary Elizabeth Welch ©Nicholas Petrucci
The idea of becoming a portrait artist was formed when I was thirteen standing in the Louvre looking down the hall at Raphael's portrait of Baldassare Castiglione. Although I was surrounded by great art my eyes were so focused on that painting that everything else seemed to fade away. I remember wondering how colors from the earth could create something so life-like. I marveled at the elegance and the illusion of this painting. I later stood in front of a Rembrandt portrait and knew that was real greatness. Because I was taking pre-med courses it wasn’t until my third year in college that I was able to take any art classes. They brought back all those feelings from my experiences in the art museums and I turned to art for the remainder of my formal education.
Several years ago I received a response from an elderly lady who saw the portrait I completed of Mrs. H. A. Balogun of Nigeria titled “Her Honor”. When I begin to paint this woman I imagined a painting that would represent her stature, her wisdom, and her enigmatic Mona Lisa-like smile. The letter that arrived from California was a special gift to me because it spoke of who I am and what I aim for in my work:
“There is an ancient love and respect here that I have not seen before. Whatever emptiness abides in me is filled when I look at her . . . the absolute grace and wedding of the subject and painter lies beyond the intellectual, but not the emotional comprehension. . . I must have it, in any form, near me. . . In a world that grows increasingly insensitive and cold, you are a beacon. Whenever self-doubt creeps in, and it always does with those who create, please think about my words. . . As a young girl it would have done me a world of good to have ‘Her Honor’ hanging on the wall in my classroom.”
Nicholas PetrucciNicholas’ paintings have been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions in museums and galleries throughout the Midwest and Florida. In addition, his commissioned work is in corporate, public and private collections throughout the United States and abroad. Nicholas lectures and leads workshops on classical art and portraiture.
Education:
Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
University of Illinois, Bachelor of Arts
Awards & Reviews: Life in Naples, Feb 2011
www.LifeinNaples.net
Nicholas’ paintings have been featured in American Art Collector, Southwest Art, Estate Lifestyles, Naples Art & Antiques, Naples Winter Wine Festival, Showcase Southwest Florida Entertainment, Bonita Banner and others. Nicholas lectures at museums and aboard ships on classical art.
His paintings and drawings have won highest honors in competitions throughout the country.
Professional Organizations:
American Society of Traditional Artists
International Guild of Realism
American Portrait Society
Oil Painters of America
NANPA
Representation:
New River Fine Art, Naples, FL
Big Cypress Gallery, Florida
Nicholas' studio is open by appointment.
Principal residence:
Bay Pointe, Naples Cay - 60 Seagate Dr. #406, Naples, FL 34103 USA
Nicholas and his wife, Connie BransilverNicholas's wife Connie Bransilver is an internationally known nature photographer, artist, author and speaker who has photographed on all seven continents. She brings images and inspirational prose to audiences seeking clarity, passion and purpose. Visit her at www.ConnieBransilver.com
“I just returned from Italy . . . and hit all the museums . . . so when I say Nicholas’ painting is inspiring, I know whereof I speak." Art Burns, Head Hunter, Montana
“This artist does not follow current trends in contemporary art. You won’t find him assembling a sculpture or installation with found objects or covering a canvas in a single color. Petrucci wants a return to classicism, which he sees as the purest and truest form of art. Legendary 17th Century artists painted with exquisite technique, elegance, majesty, and drama to depict their subjects . . . realistically. ‘That’s what gives me the impetus to work so hard at what I do,’ Petrucci said." Feature Article, Estates Lifestyles, Spring 2008