James Nyika

Bar du Central, Original Painting

2022

Artist Comments
Artist Catherine McCargar presents an old barn on top of a sloping road in rural California. As a plein air painter, she sometimes ventures out in less-than-ideal weather conditions. "The day was cold and foggy, but this made for beautiful, nuanced colors and muted tones delightfully rendered in watercolor," shares Catherine. She draws inspiration from the Swedish painter Carl...

Artist Comments
Artist Siyuan Ma displays an impression of the Huayan Temple in Datong, Shanxi Province. It holds significant scientific value for ancient Chinese architectural...

Artist Comments
During a recent plein air outing near her home, Judy saw a man walking his dog on a downtown street. The brightly colored awning and decorative lamps, combine...

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
"Restaurant Julii is a wonderful new fixture on the Washington, DC landscape," says artist James Nyika. "I was strolling the neighborhood and came across this b...

Artist Comments
Artist James Nyika depicts a cold January afternoon before a snowstorm near the US Capitol in Washington DC. Glowing in the afternoon light, James captures the ...