Detail of "Eye on the Prize" oil on canvas 72" x 48"

I view the world in geometric shapes anchored by color.  The canvas size I usually use exceeds 24" x 36", a comfortable plane to express a preconceived idea or spontaneous emotion.  I work with oils and I use large brushes, palette and jointing knives.  This allows  me the freedom to express myself without restrictions.  I apply the paint with bold brushstrokes and sharp edges.   My styles have evolved over the years, from representational to just the power of colors.  I have produced series of paintings inspired by either attending a concert, exploring sexuality, or expressing my feelings with color, texture and motion

EARLY YEARS

I was born in Puerto Rico and raised in Brooklyn, NY.  The change in culture and environment was intimidating and yet exciting for a six-year old.  I was shy and found comfort with First Readers and browsing my older brother's comic books, studying how the use of a simple line and color conveyed a feeling or an action.   I enjoyed my coloring books and cherished my Crayola box.  The  crayons were used to the nibs!  Orange, red, yellow and black were my favorites.

My first introduction to oils was in my early teens.  I am grateful to a neighbor who encouraged me to paint and gave me an oil set complete with boards, linseed oil and brushes.  I discovered the smooth and sensual feel of the oils, their vibrancy, and how they would liven up the subject matter.  Although I would not use oils until years later, my attraction remained.  I sketched continuously flowers, trees, vases and angular faces with straight lines, few curves and expressive eyes.

ADULTHOOD

In  the corporate world some co-workers shared my interest in art and encouraged me to return to painting.  I attended evening classes in Life Drawing and Fashion Illustration at Fashion Institute of Technology where I acquired the discipline of quick studies of the human form.  I took a photography course at School of Visual Arts and learned the use of light and shadows to create a mood.

I met my spouse, Peter Prorok in NYC in 1976.  In the 80's we moved to New Jersey due to the relocation of our jobs.  In 1995 we formed an antique business , A Stage in Time in Lambertville, NJ.  After a few years we moved the business across the Delaware River to New Hope, PA, an artist community where I met artists and gallery owners who motivated me to pursue my painting.  We now  operate our business in Lambertville where we currently reside above our gallery.

EXHIBITS

I have had exhibitions at the New Hope Sidetracks Gallery's annual "Naked in New Hope" for thirteen years and at the Central Bucks Byers Juried Show.  I have exhibited at benefits for QSPOT, an LGBTQ outreach center in Ocean Grove NJ and for Robert Wood Johnson's  cancer research benefit "We vs C" in Princeton, NJ.   For addition exhibitions, click below.