Artist Statement My work, in many regards, is conceptually similar to traditional landscape and plein air paintings. It’s a portrayal of life through the natural world, an attempt to capture time through the changes of light and color at a specific moment. I work from photographs that I take in nature, but prefer working in the controlled environment of a studio, where I can spend longer periods of time with my subject and contemplate its relationship to formal elements of painting. Initially, I am looking for impactful compositions and the unique individuality of the plant life that creates the sense of wholeness in an image. The image is transformed and simplified with considerations for shape, line, form, texture, space, tone, and color during the painting process. There is an emphasis placed on how the photographic information translates to a newly created object and the exploration of the seemingly endless possibilities of variation from piece to piece within a series. The process becomes a dialogue between the organic sensibility of the subject and the slow creative process of oil painting. I portray it representationally in a manner true to its existence, mindful of inherent meaning and symbolism, while isolating it in a visual space. The approach results in these moments in nature being treated as still-life. They are intended to display a quiet, meditative quality. A contemplation of our connection to an ephemeral presence as it relates to the emotional and intellectual bonds we share with it. My overall intention is to capture a moment of existence within the cyclical aspects of life. Colors blend into one another with paint replicating natural processes of formation and decay, creating permanence as a tangible object. Biography Frank DePietro was born and raised in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and his interest in art piqued during childhood. Frank earned a BFA from Bloomsburg University in 1997 with a focus in painting, drawing, and ceramics while minoring in art history. In 2000, he earned a post-baccalaureate degree in art education from Moore College of Art and Design. Frank continued to live and work in Philadelphia for several years while painting and teaching at several museums, art centers, and schools in the region. During this time, Frank earned accolades for his work in painting and teaching. In 2010, he relocated with his family and took residence at the world-renowned Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA, where he lived on the property of the gardens until 2021. The submergence into this surrounding nature quickly became the primary source of inspiration for his painting and continues to be to the subject of much of his work today. Frank currently resides in Landenberg PA, teaching classes and workshops at Longwood Gardens, The Delaware Art Museum, and The Center for Creative Arts. He is represented by several galleries and exhibits regularly around the country. Franks paintings are collected publicly and privately throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. His work is part of the permanent collection of the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the Sage Corporation, several national hospitals and health care facilities. Frank currently has paintings on loan to the U.S. Embassy in Belize. Bloomsburg University Bloomsburg, PABA: Art Studio Minor: Art History Concentrations Included: Painting, Drawing, and CeramicsMoore College of Art and Design Philadelphia, PAPost Baccalaureate Certification of Art Education (Grades K-12) Solo Exhibitions Rehoboth Art League “Ephemeral," 2023, Rehoboth Beach, DEBloomsburg University “Circle in the Round” 2019 Bloomsburg, PAMain Line Art Center “Ephemeral” 2019 Haverford, PAThe Station Gallery “Ephemeral” 2019 Greenville, DEDelaware Center for Horticulture, “Still Nature” 2017 Wilmington, DE Gallery at 122 Main, “Recent Paintings” 2016 Elkton, MDDarlington Art center, “Close to Nature” 2015 Garnet Valley, PA Z Gallery, “Recent paintings” 2015 West Chester, PANewtown Public Library, “Recent paintings 2014 Newton Square, PAJ &W Gallery, “Reflections” 2014 Lambertville, NJBeauty Art Gallery, “Recent Paintings” 2014 Newtown Square, PAMala Galleria, “Trees” 2014 Kennett Square, PAMala Galleria, “Water Lilies” 2013 Kennett Square, PA Select Group Exhibitions Peninsula Gallery “Larger Than Life," 2024, Lewes, DEParlor Gallery “Autumn Salon,” 2023, Asbury Park, NJCarrie Haddad Gallery “My Own Back Yard,” 2022, Hudson, NYHot Bed Gallery “Summer House,” 2021, Philadelphia, PACarrie Hadadd Gallery “Still | Life | Like,” 2019, Hudson, NYOld City Jewish Art Center “Trees of Life,” 2019, Philadelphia, PAMorris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania “Time in the Garden,” 2018, Philadelphia, PA The Art Trust “Forest for the Trees,” 2018, West Chester, PASquare Pear Gallery “Petals and Leaves,” 2018, Kennett Square, PADelaware Center for Contemporary Art “Contemporary Gala,” 2017, Wilmington, DEStation Gallery “Recent Paintings,” 2017, Greenville, DEAnn Marie Sculpture Garden “Spectacular Skies,” 2017, Solomons, MD Public Collections Pennsylvania Convention Center Philadelphia, PAPenn State Health Lancaster Medical Center Lancaster, PAPenn State Health Hampden Medical Center Enola, PASage Financial Group Conshohocken, PAMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Middletown, NJArt in Embassies (on loan) Belmopan, Belize