James Giaccio

James Giaccio is an emerging representational painter, with watercolor his preferred medium and still life and the figure his preferred subject matter. His artistic influences in watercolor include Winslow Homer, Paul Cezanne, John Singer Sargent, and Andrew Wyeth, along with contemporary artists Dean Mitchell, Marzio Tamer, and Stephen Scott Young. His painting methods – attention to detail, charged areas of saturated color, layered glazing, a palette incorporating titanium white and ivory black, and the use of dry brush at times, all supported by heavyweight cold-press Arches paper – lend a certain uniqueness to his work. He moves the image somewhat away from the lightness and transparency often associated with watercolor and toward the solidity and opacity found in other media. The desired result is to strike a balance that will resonate with the viewer.

Born and raised in Jersey City, NJ, Giaccio displayed an interest in fine art and a talent for drawing and painting from an early age. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree from New York University, he attended Parsons School of Design to study commercial art. He enjoyed early success as an illustrator, with portraiture and editorial illustrations appearing in Forbes Magazine, Psychology Today, and Dunn & Bradstreet Reports, among other publications. His portraits were often purchased by the subjects after publication.

Over time, Giaccio came to find illustration artistically unfulfilling. He therefore chose to end his career in commercial art and join a family business outside the arts, while attending to the needs of raising a family of his own. However, his interest in fine art and his desire to paint never subsided. Fortunately, he was able to return to the easel in earnest several years ago.

James currently lives with his wife Carolyn in Summit, NJ. He dedicates his days painting in the comfort and convenience of his home studio.

James Giaccio: Natural Harmony
Feb 01, 2025 to Feb 28, 2025   9:30am to 5:00pm
Artist : James Giaccio