 Jeff
Bonasia grew up north of Boston and spends
his time between his Charlestown studio and as an active member
of the the lower Cape art community. His influences include Eugene
Conlon, Andrew Wyeth, John Singer Sargent, Anders Zorn, Joaquin
Sorolla and Antonio Mancini. He began his fine art career as
a watercolorist and now works exclusively in oils.
His education includes independent study at The Art Students League
in New York City, the Lincoln Road Arts Center in South Beach,
Miami and Florida International University where he studied with
Aramis O’Reilly and James M. Couper III. In Miami, Jeff was invited
to participate in a two-man show at the Burger King Corporation.
Jeff is a member of the Copley Society on Newbury Street in Boston,
the oldest, non-profit art association in the United States. In
2009, Jeff was featured in Cape Arts Review and American
Art Collector.
Artist's Statement:
Robert Henri, the late, much admired artist and teacher at the
Art Students League in New York, described the creative process
as “seeing beyond the usual”. For me, an aging dock, for
example, comes to represent the travails of hundreds of fisherman
that have gone out to sea. A weather-beaten boat embodies the
character of those who have sat at the helm. Painting connects
me to all of life and makes me feel more alive. Hopefully, those
viewing my work will enjoy it and occasionally chance to see
beyond the usual. |
