“There are always flowers for those who want to see them”. – Henri Matisse

Inlet I-II-II Triptych by Joyce Lazzara. Oil – 48X108

The tropics are home for me. I love all varieties of trees and flowers, as long as they are tropical. Few things are more intriguing and sensual than watching the fronds of a palm tree flowing in the breeze and making the light dance across the coconuts as light and shadow fight for center stage – circles and stripes that keep repeating, moving, and evolving. The challenge is catching all of that movement and setting the mood with color to convey what is going on in my soul at the time of the experience.

Dante’s Inferno by Joyce Lazzara. Acrylic – 48X36

River Morning by Joyce Lazzara. Acrylic – 36X24

When a subject touches my inner core of sensibility, my process begins with photographing this subject and being lucky enough to catch the perfect light. Some paintings require several angles to get a perfect view and help nature along. If the subject is in my yard, I will bring in foliage for accurate color studies because a lot of details don’t show up in photos. After selecting the photos, I make a sketch and position the main subject, taking what I need from each photo to create a good composition. I start with the focal point and work around from there until it is complete enough to start painting, then I make an underpainting that sets up the tonal values. Next, I add more layers of vivid color, watching the quality of contrast and observing the light color patterns. It is fun to play with the clever juxtaposition of warm and cool colors –  this is the area that becomes abstract in thought.

Violet Mist by Joyce Lazzara. Oil 14X18

Finally, I have to judge if the painting has unity and balance. When it needs more darks or just a change of color, I use glazes which is a great way to create depth, giving one the sensation of being in the real tropical setting.

ABOUT JOYCE

Figs by Joyce Lazzara. Oil – 16X20

Joyce Lazzara is one of Tampa Bay’s best-known artists. She currently works in oils, but has used a variety of mediums during her career as an artist. Her use of vibrant colors and exquisite detail earmark her very popular style. She works out of her Tampa studio and a studio on Anna Maria Island. Joyce  has won numerous awards such as Second Prize in the International Artist Magazine “Flowers and Garden Competition”. She was also included in Master Painters of the World, United States Showcase. She was selected as a finalist in two of the American Artist Magazine Competitions.  Joyce is also a “Signature Artist” with the National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society, and she has won four awards, two for “Best use of Light”.

To see more of Joyce’s artwork: http://joycelazzaraart.com