In the Studio with Nick Savides
Nick Savides in front of his painting Central Park – Bethesda Terrace in Autumn
“My paintings have a calming effect, but with a quiet intensity. There is a stillness about them, as if time was slowed down, and then suspended. I’m inspired by the effects of light and the drama created by light. Influenced by artists such as Johannes Vermeer and Edward Hopper, I strive to create paintings that capture a sense of time and place, making that moment eternal. They draw you in with the familiar and invite you to interpret the story behind them.”
Nick has exhibited in group and one person exhibitions in the US and Canada. Recent solo exhibits include: “NYCityscapes”, Wagner College, Staten Island, NY, 2018-19, “Recent Paintings”, Shakespeare & Associates, Milford, PA, 2018, “Expressions”, The Good Gallery, Kent, CT, 2016, “New York Icons”, Berkeley College Art Gallery, NYC, 2015, and “New York – Paris”, Nabi Gallery, NYC, 2009. Group shows include: “Third Annual National Juried Exhibition“, Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art, WI, 2019, “28th Annual Juried Competition”, Bowery Gallery, NYC, 2019, “JuxtaPositions”, The Painting Center, NYC, 2018, “The Art of the Figure”, Gallery North, Setauket, NY, 2018, “Art of Painting in the 21st Century”, John Natsoulas Gallery, Davis, CA, 2018, Affordable Art Fair NYC – UGallery, 2017, “REversion 2016 – A Figurative & Portraiture Art Exhibition”, Super Wonder Gallery, Toronto, Canada, 2016, “Small Matters of Great Importance – Light and Shadow”, Edward Hopper House Art Center, Nyack, NY, 2015.
Two books of his work were published by Nabi Press — Nick Savides – New York/Paris, 2009 and Nick Savides – Paintings, 2008. His work was on the cover of the 2015 William & Mary Review, and also in ArtVoices Art Books’ 2016 101 Contemporary Artists, the John Natsoulas Press’ 2018 10th Annual Art of Painting and Open Studios Press’ Studio Visit, Volume 41, 2018. He and his art were featured on June Middleton's "Minding Your Business," which aired on the Manhattan Neighborhood Network in 2010. He is a volunteer educator with ArtWorks NYC, teaching art literacy in the NYC public school system and leading museum tours in the Brooklyn Museum.
How is self isolation due to the virus affecting your work?
These last few months I have been self-isolated and working in my home studio on paintings that have been in the planning stages since last year. Physical distancing is now a consideration when I compose cityscapes with people. Also, I would normally be out walking around, getting ideas for new work and taking reference photographs, or getting inspiration from museums or galleries. Now, more than ever, I experience art through social media. Two exhibitions I had planned for this year have been postponed due to the gallery closings.
http://nicksavides.com
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Nick painting Rooftops from Madison Square Park, 2020, oil on linen, 24″ x 24″
Chelsea at Sunset, 2019, oil on linen, 18″ x 24″
Washington Square Fountain, 2020, oil on linen, 16″ x 20″
Physical GraffiTea, 2019, oil on linen, 36″ x 48″