21 Under 31: Young Artists to Watch in 2016 | Alex Venezia

Virginia

Alex Venezia, Reflections of Life, oil, 16 x 20.

Art Education: Self-taught with workshops from artists Jeff Hein, Michael Klein, Casey Baugh, Darren Kingsley, John de la Vega, and Ken Garcia Olaes. I am currently studying the book The Practice of Oil Painting & Drawing by Solomon J. Solomon.

Style: Contemporary, classical, and representational.

Creative Spark: Inspiration comes in many forms, and usually far from the easel, but there’s nothing like seeing the work of an artist that you hold in high regard in person. It has a way of putting me in my place and motivating me to be a better painter.

Second-Choice Career: Musician.

Other Passions: Music, poetry, film, and nature.

Best Advice Received: From a fortune cookie, “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always gotten.”

Pet Peeve: When people assume that artists were born with natural talent instead of working hard to get where they are.

Mantra or Motto: Painting is just shapes of color in the right place.

Favorite Studio Music: Iron & Wine.

Favorite Work by Another Artist: ST. GEORGE by Solomon J. Solomon. This is a favorite because it’s a beautiful representation of both realism and fantasy, and also because of Solomon’s careful control of value. For example, though they are placed right up against each other, the princess’ shoulder is so much brighter than St. George’s head. Something I’d think would seem unnatural, yet here it’s executed perfectly.

Future Goals: Apprentice under an artist whom I admire. Create art with a higher sense of realism, narrative, poetry, and emotion.

Price Range: $400 to $7,000.

Representation:
www.alexvenezia.net.

Featured in the September 2016 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art September 2016 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.