In the Studio with Tony Serio

Tony painting in his studio

“My onsite landscapes examine nature in an urban setting. In my most recent landscapes, the composition grows and evolves spontaneously. While taking cues from nature, I seek to reveal the particular character of a place. Aside from the Hudson River views and city parks, I paint street views that highlight the architecture and hilly geography of upper Manhattan. Inspired by my immediate surroundings, I’m driven to create works that draw the viewer’s attention to everyday scenarios that are sometimes overlooked. This drive is reflected in the rich color and physical painting process, which puts my work very much “in the moment.” However, there is a quiet classical balance to these paintings, which belies the urgency and struggle to solidify the image through the physicality of paint.”

Tony studied at Yale School of Art and Maryland Institute College of Art. Solo shows at the Bowery Gallery and other New York venues. Group shows include: Alpha Gallery, Boston, MA; The Drawing Center, NY; The Babcock Gallery, NY and The Hopper House, Nyack, NY. Awards include: Alice B. Kimball Grant for traveling in Italy, Yale University; Drawing Center Show Award and NoMAA (Northern Manhattan Arts Association) Grants in 2008 and 2011 to paint a series of Hudson River Greenway landscapes.

How is self-isolation due to the virus affecting your work?

Painting from my window has always been an option for me since I have a great view to work from that is constantly changing with the time of day and seasons. As an outdoors painter, with the current shelter in place orders and having to paint from my studio window, I feel less guilty staying inside when the weather is nice.

Aside from that, the group show at Westbeth Gallery NYC, that I was scheduled for this spring, “Light of Day: Language of Landscape” has been postponed until next season. I also sold a painting before the lock down, Bridge and Walkway, that is waiting to be delivered when the city reopens.

www.tonyserio.com

Spring Landscape, 2020, oil on paper/canvas, 22 x 30 inches

Spring, Distant Rain, 2015, oil on linen 48 x 56 inches

Under Riverside Drive, 2017, oil on linen 26x 32 inches

Park, Summer, 2019, oil on linen 30 x 48 inches

Bridge and Walkway, 2018, oil on linen 30 x 48 inches