Oils on Canvas by Gloria Cigolini-De Pietro

Born prematurely and later diagnosed with a life-threatening childhood disease, Cigolini-De Pietro spent much of her early youth in hospitals. After surviving several near death experiences, Ms. De Pietro remembers most vividly her intense desire to break free and recover. Creative projects she completed while a patient opened up a world of joy and healing. She knew she would commit her life to painting and drawing.

Growing up, Cigolini-De Pietro spent much time at the Metropolitan Museum of Art where the works of Matisse and Bonnard greatly influenced her. She attended New York's School of Visual Arts, and afterwards worked professionally as a textile designer. Changing her course, Cigolini-De Pietro moved to Paris in 1977 to realize her dream of further study and painting.

In Paris, she studied at The Louvre and Paris American Academy, steeping herself in art history and architecture. Her painting teacher, Monsieur Arnaud D'Hauterives, recipient of the coveted Legion of Honour Award in 1977 and a student of Balthus, introduced her to several Salons. In less than a year she was invited to exhibit with the Salon de Comparison and the Salon Des Artistes Francais, winning an award at the Grand Palais in the Artistes Francais 1978 exhibition for her large canvas, "Moving On."

She returned to New York earning other awards: first place at the Duncan Gallery Prix de New York 1979 exhibition, and the Mamaroneck Artists Guild 1980 juried exhibition refer to her resume for a complete list of awards.

Returning to Europe again in 1982, she developed a series of  Mediterranean paintings being influenced by the Macchiaioli painters of Tuscany. These works had a profound effect and influenced her in the creation of a successful series capturing this sun-drenched region. Received enthusiastically, the series was shown in New York and in the Midwest at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Columbus Ohio Museum, and Indianapolis Museum.

Another later series depicts Renaissance type Angels in a celestial setting. Creating a mood of classic beauty, these Angels are truly majestic, filling us with wonder, and inviting us to share in their simple pleasures.

Drawing from her inner reservoir of creativity, continuously guided by her muse, and always striving toward new levels of creativity, Cigolini-De Pietro has gone on to paint landscapes of the Hudson Valley and create a reservoir of work now available for purchase through the Fine Art America web site. Ms. De Pietro went on to study and obtain her masters degree in art therapy at the College of New Rochelle and is now licensed by the state of NY to practice art therapy. She has been working with disadvantaged youth since 2004 and offers workshops for adults and counseling in her studio in Red Hook, NY

"I have never tried to imitate life, instead give life to creative energy on canvas."