Artist Statement
Gloria J Zucaro
I’m a doer, and I don’t mean “doing lunch.” As far back as I can remember, I’ve always done something creative – whether in needlework, pottery or paint. For the past several years, I’ve used acrylic, oils and, most recently, pastels.
I love the texture of oil paint and the vibrant hues of pastel. Subjects with sharp contrast and lots of color are what attract me most, but recently I’ve discovered mixing complements to produce beautiful grays.
I like paintings that tell a story: melancholy Southwest scenes, unusual sculptural trees, the colors in a sunset. Lately, I’ve been painting little collectibles and combining them with flowers, fruit or eggs. Sometimes I do a series of up to three paintings about a recurring idea, like the green tile on my kitchen counter combined with a figurine, an old barn or even a Martian in a space ship! This year – after an inspiring workshop with artist Carol Marine – I’ve started creating smaller paintings for my new blog, producing many different subjects in a week.
I love working around other artists, which has become an important part of my social life. I do my best work at my own pace, usually painting four to five days a week, often at Mainstreet Art Center in Lake Zurich, Illinois.
I enjoy being a member of The Oil Painters of America, The Chicago Pastel Painters, Contemporary Fine Art International and the Daily Painters Showcase.
I began painting with acrylics in the 1980's and participated in art & craft shows during the next fifteen years. I also practiced mosaics, stained glass, and machine quilting. In 2004 I began to paint predominantly in oils, then added pastels in 2007. This year I added drawing and watercolor to my interests. Each medium offers new challenges and opportunities for growth
I have studied with; Jan Hanson, Frankie Johnson, Susan Ploughe, Jan Berglund, Thia Malenchik, William Schneider OPA, PSA, Gabor Svagrik, Ron Rencher, Bonnie Paruch, Cheri Christensen, Kay Brathol-Hostvet, Thomas Trausch, Dian Johnson, Elvin Griffith, Joe Fettingis, Ken Backhaus, Tony Armendariz.
Schools for study; Main Street Art Center in Lake Zurich, IL The Fredericksburg Art School in Fredericksburg, TX , The Palette and Chisel Academy of Fine Art in Chicago, IL, The Scottsdale Artist School in Scottsdale, AZ, The Clearing Folk Art School in Ellison Bay, Door County, WI
Paintings in Permanent Collection include;
The McHenry Government Center, Mchenry, IL
The Medical Center Dental Association of Elk Grove Village,
The Pictures Round the Pond at Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington ,IL.,
Prarie Nature Center Mural, Schaumburg, IL
Private Collections; Washington State, Montana, Texas, Indiana and Illinois.
Juried Show Participation;
Richeson International 75 Juried Shows for; Pastels, Landscape, Still Life, Small Works 2009,
Art Center 2008, 2009, Elk Grove Village, IL.,
A Walk in the Park Art Fair 2008,Arlington Heights, IL.
Pride of the Fox Riverfest 2008, St Charles, IL,
Current Works 2007, 2008, Robert T. Wright Gallery
Awards;
Purchase Award "Tucson Morning" - Art Center 2009, Artist Association of Elk Grove Village,
Memorial Award "Tucson Morning" - Patricia Del Vecchio, Art Center 2009, Artist Association of Elk Grove Village,
Northland Area Art League Spring Art Show 2009-Honorable Mention"The Camel Ride"
Arlington Heights Art Guild Member Critique 2009, Honorable Mention "The Forest Floor",
Arlington Heights Art Guild Award of Excellence 2007 "California, Mexico & Brazil"
Gallery Participation;
IHM Gallery 2009-2010, Barrington, IL
Arts in Action Gallery 2007-2008 Lake Zurich, IL
Art Associations; The College of Lake County Foundation, Northwest Area Arts Council, the Chicago Artists Coalition, Barrington Cultural Arts Center, the Oil Painters of America, and The Chicago Pastel Painters.
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