Novi Velia, Salerno, Acyrlic Paint, 16" x 20", April 6, 2021

The feeling of walking through the streets of a beautiful country, such as Italy, is best described by my artwork. This painting portrays my grandmother’s hometown of Novi Velia, Salerno, where she grew up and lived for the majority of her life. Italy holds a special place in my heart because it is both my background and the original home country of the majority of my family. I've always admired Italy's architecture and landscape through photos but I hope to visit the country one day and see the beauty through my own eyes. The vivid colours and plants can make the spectator feel comfortable and unwinded when admiring the painting. As I slowly developed my painting, I incorporated different elements of art and Principles of Design such as colour for the blue door, line and shape for the plants and variety throughout my entire art piece.

I experimented with palette knives, saran wrap, texture paste and tape for clean lines and edges during the texture process. All of these methods aided the painting's realism. I learned about the importance of patience during the process of making my first real painting. When you're painting, being hurried just adds tension and makes you feel less secure in your work. Now I'll ask you this question: “Does your artwork really belong to you if it has no meaning?”

Valentine's Day, Black Pen, 9" x 11", February 8, 2021

Jesus meets the Women of Jerusalem, Digital, 8" x 11", March 12, 2021