house paintings pet portraits favorite places travels
Welcome
I was born and raised in New York City and even though I've spent plenty of time traveling, I'm still a New Yorker at heart.
I suppose my style can probably best be described as photo-realism. I started drawing in my teens, choosing my subjects from books,
newspapers and magazines; gradually going out into the world, camera in hand, finding my own subjects to sketch and paint.
Some have said that I have a cinematic viewpoint about my subject matter and how I portray things. As you will
see, my love of film is most obvious in the 'Faces' gallery. It's more subtle in many of the paintings in the other galleries.
I've never had any formal art training; a self-taught artist, I work primarily with acrylic paint on canvas and specialize
in old brownstones, storefronts, windows and streetscapes. Lately, I've been interested in capturing grafitti images
and building reflections which capture the spontanaeity and pulse of the city.
Some of the artists I most admire include Hopper, Sloan, Picasso, Kahlo, Matisse, Manet, Sheeler, Sargent, Eakins, Klimt, Goya, Magritte, Dali and Rivera-
to name a few.
Except for commissioned works and the images in the 'Faces' gallery, all paintings in the galleries listed at top-left
were created from my own photos.
I find my subjects by walking through neighborhoods and taking photos of anything that catches my eye. I look for details like
an ornamental building facade, a hidden doorway or an interesting window that people may take for granted as they rush from place to place.
I enjoy capturing the contrasts between the 'old' and 'new' city- the vanishing city of stately buildings that have seen better days-
contrasted with the gleaming skyscrapers of today. I'll paint an occasional still-life every now and then- as long as I think I can add something new or
different to it.
I like to use vibrant colors and perspectives that bring the viewer into the picture.
Take a look at my world.
windows & doorways the village new york paintings faces
Commissioning a Painting
In addition to painting my own subject matter, I also accept commissions. If you have a favorite place, house, pet or travel destination, send me a photo, and I'll paint it for you. Or, you can mail me your photo-whichever you prefer. Nothing personal, but I don't do people portraits.
Commissioned paintings make unique and affordable gifts and are a great way to commemorate a special home, favorite vacation spot, even a memorable meal at a restaurant. Each painting takes about 2-3 weeks to complete depending on the size and detail of the subject. All commissioned paintings are priced by size. To view my price list, click here
Latest Paintings:
Ordering a Print Laser prints are available for all images on this site and make great gifts.
Print Size: 5" x7"
Mat Size: 8"x10"
Framed: $25.00
Unframed: $15.00
Some images on this site are available in the following larger size:
Print Size: 8.5"x11"
Mat Size: 11"x14" Framed: $40.00
Unframed: $25.00
Frames are available in gold or silver and your print is shipped ready-to hang. Prices include shipping.
Contact me at: emappel44@aol.com
or
Check out my Facebook page