Though I work quite deliberately, employing both traditional and innovative techniques, I approach each piece of work with my fingers crossed wishing for a successful outcome. I am often surprised at the shapes and forms that begin to appear in my work. I am always happy to be introduced to them. I strive to make sense visually, and hope the poetry will follow.” – Artist Statement A prolific and self taught artist, Tom Martinelli, originally from Providence, RI, has made Newport, RI his home for the past 25 years. With his love of nature and the outdoors the New England coastline became the inspiration for many of his pieces. A former house painter by trade, his love of color and texture led him naturally to experiment with painting and sculpture. Tom uses a mixture of oil paint and cold wax. Each layer is applied with brushes and palette knives. This process is repeated numerous times for each painting until he reaches his desired effect. Tom uses his instinctive and intuitive eye to inspire and guide him. His work is suggestive rather than descriptive. Capturing a feeling, dreamy and full of texture his art captivates the imagination.