Reflections on 17th Street; Train Shed c. 1900

by John Attanasio

My painting goal is to capture beauty and light based on my observations of people, places and things. As I paint, I often find myself re-living a moment in time or a feeling about the subject. In addition to painting from direct observation, I often develop my paintings by composing and photographing a scene, a person or a site for later use as a reference. My paintings are representational, but my style is flexible: it varies from realist to impressionistic depending on subject matter and mood. The subjects of my paintings usually reflect an interest in specific people, places or things. In Philadelphia (where I have lived for many years), I am drawn especially to the Schuylkill River, with its many bridges, and to the city's historic, quaint and authentic neighborhoods and structures. In Downeast Maine (where I also have a home and studio, I am constantly inspired by the ever-varying sunsets, by the rocky coastline and by the astounding views of ocean and bay.