About Catherine Puccio

I have been painting in oils since the age of 13. For 10 years, I taught art in the public schools in Fairfield, Connecticut. Recently I left teaching to pursue my painting career full time.

I received my B.A. in Art History from Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, and received my Master's Degree in Education from the University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport, Connecticut. I studied art in England, France and Italy. My education in the art of oil painting began at the Ridgewood Art Institute in Ridgewood, New Jersey.

My love for animals, in conjunction with the pursuit of truth in nature, has brought a human and oftentimes humorous quality to my work.

 

Artist Statement

The pursuit of truth in nature -- the flow of light regardless of the subject -- is the artist's quest, but without feeling, the painting has no soul. To succeed, the fine painter must strive to not merely delineate the subject, but also to bring the very essence of a subject to life, whether animal, vegetable or mineral.

For this reason, I have always loved the 17th Century painter Velazquez. With an exacting eye and hand, he painted pathos with each stroke whether his subject was a "clown or king". (Henri)

With each painting, I try to be true to nature using humanity and oftentimes humor to communicate to my viewer.

 

 

 

 

 

Inspiring Quotes

"There are two sentiments (in painting), one of nature, the other from the heart. The greatest of art has been balanced on these two"

Frank Vincent Dumond
Painter and Teacher
New York Art Students League