Artist of the Week 32
Christopher Pierce
Christopher Pierce is nationally recognized for his figurative, floral, and portrait paintings. His work is about a certain realness of life, a subtle romance, and a sense of awareness that the viewer can relate to immediately.
Pierce, who has been called a poetic realist, grew up near New York City and attended Hackley School in Tarrytown. He received his bachelor's degree from Skidmore College and his master's degree from the College of St. Rose. He has also studied with David A. Leffel and Terrence Coyle at the Art Student's League.
16 x 8"
In a year marked by rising national acclaim, his painting "Wingback" won Honorable Mention at the 110th Annual Exhibiting Artist Members' Exhibition at the National Arts Club. In 2008, his painting "Sunflowers and Peacock Vase" won the Helen DeCozen award for a floral at the American Artists Professional League Grand National Exhibition in New York City. Also in 2008, he won the Visual Arts Program award in the National Arts Club Online Exhibition.
In 2006, Pierce's portrait "The Gardener" won First Prize at the Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists' annual competition. Pierce's other awards include the Frank C. Wright Award at the Hudson Valley Art Association.
Pierce continues to attract interest for his deliberate and exquisite style of artistry. He has been elected to the internationally known National Arts Club in New York City, and is also a member of the prestigious Salmagundi Club.
Pierce, who has been cover artist and featured oil painter in American Artist Magazine, has also been featured oil painter in International Artist Magazine, American Artist Highlights Magazine, American Art Collector, Adirondack Life Magazine, and New York Art Review.
Pierce paints florals, still lifes, portraits, figures and interiors with panache and a mature sensitivity. He is well known for the huge and commanding florals that come from the bounty of his gardens. His colors are ground in the traditions of the old masters, which lend his work a timeless quality.
Pierce paints in his upstate studio in Shushan, New York.
