Gia Schifano
New Hyde Park/Southampton
516 509 8445
Member: The Art League of Nassau County
Guild Hall, East Hampton
Huntington Artists Council
Southampton Artists Association
Webpage: www.giapaints.blogspot.com
I have been drawing since I can remember. I have no formal training other than that of some truly inspirational high school teachers and my mother who was a member of many local art leagues. I started painting in Acrylic when I had children to keep the fumes down and found that I enjoyed the medium mostly because of its quick drying time which allows me to dive into detail without the wait.
In the 90’s I worked at Adam Art Center in Manhasset. I began doing commissions for people and eventually left to work as resident artist for a home accessory company called “Il Fiore” where I designed and painted elegant, high-end, pillows with one of a kind floral, animals, and landscapes…whatever the clients wanted. I also did licensed work for them for Lynn Chase.
I have now sold many paintings over the years either through local shows or by request. I show regularly at the East Hampton Guild Hall Clothesline Show and the Guild Hall Artist’s Members Show I have won Best in Show from the Floral Park Art League, Best in Show from the Art League of Nassau County, and First Place from the Smithtown Townships Arts Council for their show “X Marks the Spot”.
I am a 3 time cover artist for the East End’s “Dan’s Paper” and won the “Best of the Best Cover” for 2011 for my painting “got butter?”
I live in New Hyde Park but get most of my inspiration from the East End of Long Island where I spend most of my summers. Lately, due to the recommendations of friends, I have been drawn to the beauty of the North Shore and have found new inspiration there.