JOE VELEZ is a Jersey City native who has been a visual artist for over 20 years. As a self-taught artist through careful study of the technique’s of the old masters, Velez learned how to create more classically inspired work with dramatic tension and an implied narrative. Velez's paintings and drawings are included in art collections worldwide and he also does commissioned work including individual portraits, family portraits, still life and landscapes. Additionally, he has been teaching art for many years in New York City, Hoboken and Jersey City in formal education settings as well as through private art lessons. Velez has explored and taught various painting techniques throughout his artistic career, from improvisational to technical approaches. Although his main focus has been painting and drawing, Velez has recently widened his scope to include photography and theatrical sound design. He believes there is a connection between the disciplines and his long term goal is to combine them for exhibitions.
ABOUT THE WORK
Dancer is a painting of a model/dancer that posed for just one sitting. Velez was immediately struck by her presence and vulnerability. Through his painting he attempts to capture that impression of the dancer. The portrait is created using a monochromatic gray scale color palette and is intentionally composed to have an unfinished effect, which is unlike his typical work.
ABOUT THE WORK
Dancer is a painting of a model/dancer that posed for just one sitting. Velez was immediately struck by her presence and vulnerability. Through his painting he attempts to capture that impression of the dancer. The portrait is created using a monochromatic gray scale color palette and is intentionally composed to have an unfinished effect, which is unlike his typical work.