What made you decide to become an artist? What is your background?
I am a self-taught artist who since very young was attracted to Art but decided to pursue a career in Banking and graduated with an MBA. In 2015, I renewed with my passion: oil painting and had my 1st exhibition in April 2019 in Luxembourg on the theme “Carré de soie” influenced by the silk scarves of the prestigious house Hermes. Today, I collaborate with several art galleries and digital art platforms and more recently with Van Gogh Art Gallery in Madrid and M.A.D.S. in Milan, Italy.
What are the 3 things that differentiate you from other artists?
Similar to Matisse, my paintings strive to unite decorative orientalism to occidental realism. However, contrary to Impressionist Matisse and the Nabis movement, I employ Old Masters glazing techniques to further create light, depth, transparency and glow in colours which cannot be achieved with other mediums. I believe this makes my art quite unique in todays contemporary world.
Where does your inspiration come from?
My style is influenced by my passion for the sea and by my Mediterranean origins where flamboyant & rich colours and Moorish accents are used. Therefore, it is not surprising that my main inspiration comes mostly from countries where such old techniques are still being used mainly in the Russian, Oriental and Mediterranean Art World
Tell us about the conception of your works, do you have a long preparatory work or is it rather spontaneous?
The conception is long process. Before I finish a painting, I am already thinking about the next one. Then several sketches are produced to define the perfect composition. Once this is done, the drawing is done to add the correct values. The drawing is then transposed on a canvas. The color scheme is defined after several days of research from existing artists. The colors are then tested quickly . This process can take several weeks, until the underpainting is performed (sometimes with a single color such as Burnt sienna or using directly the main colors).
What do you want to show through your work?
My pursuit is to give the viewer the joy of the richness and light of Old Masters painting in Modern painting.
In your work do you use techniques or materials that are out of the ordinary?
Not really.
Do you have a favorite format? Why or why not?
I do like painting on large canvas. Due to the amount of details in my paintings, these cannot easily be seen on small paintings.
What difficulties do you encounter in your work?
Despite taking time in preparing my color scheme, when I start painting, it can take me several weeks until I am satisfied with the color combination. Some experts say if the value is right, the color is not important. I tend to disagree to this statement. I see many well done paintings where the values are right but the painting is dull due to poor color combinations or simply dull colors employed.
How do you work? At home, in a shared workshop, in your own workshop?
I work at home which limits me in the size of the paintings I can produce.
Does the work of an artist lead you to travel a lot?
For now not really. I tend to be physically in exhibitions which are held in Europe.
What was the best moment of your career?
I am an emerging artist so I believe there will be even more exciting moments to come. But I have to admit that the biggest excitement so far as been being nominated several times by a Facebook club composed of only great artists!
How do you see your work in ten years?
I continuously search for the light and I believe my painting will evolve towards softer colors and more transparency. I am a big fan of artist Francoise de Félice.
What are you currently working on? Are you planning an exhibition soon?
I am now being represented by an art gallery in Québec, Canada and they have requested smaller artworks, so I will soon start working on this collection which I have called Del Re in honour of Marco del Re, who was influenced by Matisse.
If you could have created a masterpiece in the history of art, which one would you choose? Why or why not?
There are so many I would choose from. If I had to pick one, it would probably be "Figure Décorative sur Fond Ornemental" 1925 from Matisse. It defines exactly the style I am attracted to.
If you could invite a famous artist to dinner (dead or alive), which one would you choose? Why or why not?
Definitely Francoise de Félice. I would like to know how she is able to create such magnificent transparencies!
Olimpia Gaia Martinelli
