Latest Paintings:
Building With Beard David's Place Christopher and Seventh
Embellishment Tent House
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.
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. Prices start at $100 for an 8"x10" size painting. All commissioned paintings are priced by size. To view my price list, click here
Contact me at: emappel44@aol.com
Photo Prints
Matted photo prints are available for most of the images on the site.
Sizes: 5" x 7" print-8" x 10" mat-$15
8" x 10" print- 11" x 14" mat-$25
Framing is available on request