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"Those who find beautiful meanings in beautiful things are the cultivated. They are the elect to whom beautiful things mean only beauty." ~Oscar Wilde
My interest in art has always been in the great masters. Rembrandt and Caravaggio are masters of light, of drama and of emotion. I share their philosophy concerning integrity and authenticity, and as experienced practitioners of life and tradition, they continue to teach me their craft. I believe there will be a paradigm shift in these uncertain times back to the clarity of the wisdom of the Old Masters; in essence, a renaissance of simple beauty in its pure form in nature, animals and all beings.
Mary Elizabeth WelchMy education began with the words and examples set by a remarkable woman, loving and strong, creative and forgiving. When I gave her this drawing she was in a wheelchair, nearing the end of her life with us. She cried. She was my mother.
Mombasa, 24" x 29" Oil on CanvasMy father, an Italian-American architect, worked in Africa and loved its wonders. He lived his later years on the island of Mombasa. Through him I, too, learned of the natural beauty of Africa and its people. He also instilled in me respect for fine art by taking me to see the museums and churches of Europe. The pictures were even more magical than I had imagined, and my journey toward the Old Masters began.
Polonius in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet articulated my guiding principal: “This above all: to Thine Own Self Be True.” Thus I have followed Robert Frost’s “Road Not Taken,” the road, for me, in the shadow of the Great Masters, shunning the easy road.
THE ARTIST
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Statement:
Nicholas PetrucciTwo influences determined my direction in art. The first was being fortunate to visit several art museums in Europe as a child. I was impressed by the drama and technical mastery of the Old Masters that seem to make the paintings so life-like. Because the classical skills were not offered at the university level during my art education, I began to study the concepts of traditional painting on my own, to teach myself the language of what seemed to be the lost art of classical portraiture. This research taught me to incorporate grace, beauty and dignity into my paintings, the very attributes I admired as a child.
The second influence came from Oscar Wilde in The Picture of Dorian Gray; “To paint life’s experiences into each portrait.” He validated my choices with his statement, “Those who find beautiful meanings in beautiful things are the cultivated. They are the elect to whom beautiful things mean only beauty,” as did Pope John Paul II with “Artists express themselves to the point where their work becomes a unique disclosure of their own being.” Both together formed my direction and passion in portraiture.
Therefore, I believe that to create a beautiful likeness that reveals our own character is what makes a painting memorable.
Biography:
Nicholas’ 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:
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:
International Guild of Realism
American Portrait Society
Oil Painters of America
NANPA
Representation:
Big Cypress Gallery, Florida
ArtExpo New York
Aboard the World, where Nicholas lectures on classical art.
Nicholas' studio is open by appointment.
“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
Nicholas and his wife, Connie BransilverPrincipal residence:
Bay Pointe, Naples Cay - 60 Seagate Dr. #406, Naples, FL 34103 USA
13 Ellesmere Road - -Oxford OX4 4JG, England
Nicholas'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