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Alex Venezia is an American contemporary representational oil painter known for figurative and narrative works that combine classical technique with a quiet, emotional atmosphere. Born in 1993 in Virginia Beach, Virginia, he developed an early interest in painting that later grew into a professional practice grounded in observation, light, and mood. He has worked in several locations in the United States and is closely associated with Old Lyme, Connecticut, a historic center for American representational art.
Venezia is largely self-taught and chose a nontraditional educational path, building his skills through independent study and mentorship rather than a formal academic degree. His artistic development was shaped by studying with well-known contemporary realist and classical painters, including Odd Nerdrum, Colleen Barry, Daniel Sprick, Michael Klein, and Jeff Hein. A pivotal influence on his work was an early exposure to Caravaggio, which sparked a lasting interest in chiaroscuro, dramatic lighting, and narrative realism.
His paintings are characterized by subtle light, restrained color palettes, and a sense of introspection or nostalgia. Venezia often focuses on the human figure, still lifes, and intimate interior scenes, using classical compositional principles while maintaining a distinctly contemporary tone. Rather than overt drama, his work tends to convey quiet moments, emotional understatement, and psychological depth.
Alex Venezia has exhibited widely in the United States and has had solo exhibitions with Arcadia Contemporary in New York, including the show Forever Ago in 2025. His work has received significant recognition, including awards from the Portrait Society of America and the Grand Central Atelier Still Life Competition. He has also been featured in publications such as American Art Collector and Southwest Art Magazine, further establishing his reputation within the contemporary realist movement.
In addition to his studio practice, Venezia is an experienced instructor and has taught figure and portrait painting at institutions such as the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts. He is represented by Arcadia Contemporary, and his paintings are held in both private and public collections across the United States.
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· 3rd Annual Hartley Invitational : Best In Show - Salmagundi Club NYC
May 2024 - Judged by Dr. Gregory Hedberg
· The Portrait Society of America : 1st Place Painting : International Portrait Competition
May 2023
· The Portrait Society of America : 1st Place Painting & People’s Choice Award : International Portrait Competition
April 2019
· 1ST PLACE : Grand Central Atelier Still Life Competition - Queens, NY.
June 2017
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Publications· The Epoch Times : Salmagundi Club Celebrates Excellence in Art With Its 3rd Hartley Invitational
· Alex Venezia, “Beyond the Fence” at Arcadia Contemporary : Underpaintings Magazine
November 2021
· Beyond The Fence : American Art Collector Magazine
November 2021 Issue 193
· Of Love and Longing : International Artist Magazine
December / January 2021
· 11 Artists to Collect Now : PleinAir Magazine
November 2020
· In The Studio: Alex Venezia : Newington Cropsey Cultural Studies Center - Art and Culture Now
February 2020
· Alex Venezia at Arcadia Contemporary : Underpaintings Magazine
September 2019
· Melancholic Refrains : American Art Collector
September 2019
· Realist Outlook : Art & Antiques Magazine
September 2019
· The Line - Ep.4 featuring Alex Venezia : East Oaks Studio
October 2017
· 21 Under 31: Young Artists to Watch in 2016 : Southwest Art Magazine
September 2016
· Finalist in Artistic Excellence competition : Southwest Art Magazine
December 2015
· 5 Artistic Prodigies 21 And Under : Article posted to Buzzfeed
September 2015
· Aspiring Artist of The Month : Artist's Blok Magazine
March 2014
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In this course, Alex will demonstrate his step-by-step approach to painting the portrait from life. Alex's method emphasizes working in layers, rather than Alla-Prima, allowing for greater control and refinement of the final result.
Throughout the course, you will have ample opportunity to ask questions and receive feedback as Alex provides individual critique of your work. -
5 days Tuition from Jeff Larson
Fresh pastries, yougurts or fruit in the morning with tea and coffee in the morning
All lunches, snacks & soft drinks every day
Two evening meals, at least one will be home cooked!
VAT (20% UK Sales Tax)
Easels, Paper Towels, Gloves, Trash Bags
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We offer payment plans. The first payment secures your place and is your deposit. The second is required 1 month later. The third, 1 month from then.
We split the payment into three equal amounts (£565.00 GBP).
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Please read through our FAQ’s.
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Please click the following link. There’s lots of important information there.
If you still have a question, don’t hesitate to email us.
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To see our terms and conditions, please click here.
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So, although you can pay via the website, they charge extra fees. Truth be told, there’s extra fees for all international payments, but if we call you and take payment over the phone, it’s only 4%.
If you are in the UK, you should do a bank transfer as there are no bank fees that way.
If you book through the website, we will need to ask you for a 5% bank fee payment.
