Today we’d like to introduce you to Judith Tummino.
Hi Judith, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was always drawing from the age of three. I attended Colorado State University and then continued studying first at Western Michigan University and then at the Chicago Institute of Art. It was there that I met Dan Gustin who was instrumental in my attending the Inernational School of Drawing, Painting and Sculpture in Umbria. I actually considered this experience as the beginning of my life. I went to Italy to study nine times in eight years. I fell in love with Italy: the people, the culture, the art as well as the cuisine, of course. I worked in a realistic manner for some time. In recent years my work, whether in oil or pastel has taken on a more modern approach, becoming more abstract. When I work from observation I tend to simplify the form. The elimination of detail causes the result to emphasize shapes and colors rather than focusing on specific items. I have a strong love for creating and continue to paint on an almost daily basis.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There is never a smooth road to painting. It takes confidence to recognize that your art has value even in the first struggles. Sometimes it takes courage to recognize that the first few strokes have value and therefore your efforts are important. Other times it takes courage and determination to judge your own work to realize that changes might considerably affect the image in a positive way. I feel that the most important thing you can do is to follow your own interests. I feel that my love of painting in Maryland where I grew up, followed by the Italian landscape and now the lush areas of Michigan help me to feel alive.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have shown my work in galleries in the Grand Rapids area as well as New York and in the Port Republic area of Maryland where as a child I spent much of my summers. I returned to Maryland as an adult and spent summers painting early in the morning on the beach before the heat of the day made it necessary to paint inside. I find that the cooler weather of Michigan offers beautiful vistas that draw me outside to observe and paint them.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Dan Gustin was my most important mentor. When I felt that my work was okay but not strong he critiqued my work on a one to one basis. It was upon his suggestion that I started attending the classes in Italy where he was also an instructor. I would not be where I am today without his support, knowledge and encouragement.
Pricing:
- My work ranges from $100.00 to $5,000.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.judithtumminoart.com/
- Instagram: Judith Tummino
- Facebook: Judith Tummino
