About the Artist

Elizabeth Zanzinger studied traditional drawing and painting from life at the Aristides Classical Atelier and Gage Academy of Fine Art in Seattle, Washington. She completed her education with a fellowship at the Grand Central Academy, New York City. Since then she has continued to develop her personal work while accepting commissioned portraits and teaching year round. She works full time in her Berkeley, CA studio, continuing to enjoy her creative practice.

Personal work: www.ezanzinger.com

Statement

Painting is the most archaic creative act on the planet and I am fascinated by its persistent relevance. My work explores that humble act of painting, focused on the tangible personality of my subjects as they exist in their space. I embrace academic craftsmanship as a way of celebrating elements with care, frequently working from life. My painting subjects are increasingly found embedded in natural surroundings, providing a departure point for abstraction or anchoring in reality. The genesis of my work pairs intuitive mark-making with carefully considered passages of observed reality. I use this rhythm to express my astonishment over the complexity of form and consciousness. In this way I aim to hold in the balance my reverence for the long history of art while I work in response to the energy of the present.

Elizabeth taught classes at the Sadie Valeri Atelier in San Francisco, which has transitioned to online classes only. If you are looking for amazing comprehensive online instruction, check out the fantastic resources provided at www.sadievaleriatelier.com