John Aquilino
Rockville, MD United States
The urban landscape has been the focus of my artwork since I moved from New York City to Maryland in 2003. While living in New York, I was an illustrator and graphic artist for more than 20 years. I now paint full time and exhibit regularly in the Wa... More
Artist Statement:
The urban landscape has been the focus of my artwork since I moved from New York City to Maryland in 2003. While living in New York, I was an illustrator and graphic artist for more than 20 years. I now paint full time and exhibit regularly in the Washington, DC region and the northeast. I am currently represented by several galleries and corporate art firms.
In exploring the cityscape theme, I'm fascinated by the endless patterns of colors and shadows produced by the changing light throughout the day and even at different times of the year. My goal is not to document a particular city or view but rather I manipulate shapes and shadows to create striking compositions. The colors are exaggerated, the surfaces are simplified, and architectural features are rearranged or eliminated. My work often combines realistic and abstract elements, and I find this contrast really interesting. My preferred medium is oil, but I also use photography, drawing, gouache, and collage to create urban landscapes.
In exploring the cityscape theme, I'm fascinated by the endless patterns of colors and shadows produced by the changing light throughout the day and even at different times of the year. My goal is not to document a particular city or view but rather I manipulate shapes and shadows to create striking compositions. The colors are exaggerated, the surfaces are simplified, and architectural features are rearranged or eliminated. My work often combines realistic and abstract elements, and I find this contrast really interesting. My preferred medium is oil, but I also use photography, drawing, gouache, and collage to create urban landscapes.
Awards & Distinctions:
Bethesda Painting Awards, Maryland (Finalist, 2016 and 2011; 2nd Place Award, 2005)
Edward Hopper House Art Center, New York, “Small Matters of Great Importance: Light and Shadow,” Honorable Mention (2015)
Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County, Maryland, Individual Artist Grant (2010)
Maryland State Arts Council Individual Artist Award for Visual Arts: Painting (2010, 2008 2006)
New American Paintings, Southern Competition #88, 2009 (published June/July 2010)
Edward Hopper House Art Center, New York, “Small Matters of Great Importance: Light and Shadow,” Honorable Mention (2015)
Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County, Maryland, Individual Artist Grant (2010)
Maryland State Arts Council Individual Artist Award for Visual Arts: Painting (2010, 2008 2006)
New American Paintings, Southern Competition #88, 2009 (published June/July 2010)
Exhibitions:
Solo Shows:
2018 NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, “Metropolis @ NIH: Paintings by John Aquilino”
NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, “Making Waves: Seascape Paintings by John
Aquilino”
2017 Artists & Makers Studios, Rockville, MD
2016 Marin-Price Galleries, Chevy Chase, MD
2014 Marin-Price Galleries, Chevy Chase, MD
2012 Marin-Price Galleries, Chevy Chase, MD
2011 Marin-Price Galleries, Chevy Chase, MD
2010 Gallery Neptune, Bethesda, MD, “New Works by John Aquilino”
2008 Gallery Neptune, Bethesda, MD, "Another Level: New Works by John Aquilino"
2007 Gallery Neptune, Bethesda, MD, "Urban Color: New Works by John Aquilino"
2018 NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, “Metropolis @ NIH: Paintings by John Aquilino”
NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, “Making Waves: Seascape Paintings by John
Aquilino”
2017 Artists & Makers Studios, Rockville, MD
2016 Marin-Price Galleries, Chevy Chase, MD
2014 Marin-Price Galleries, Chevy Chase, MD
2012 Marin-Price Galleries, Chevy Chase, MD
2011 Marin-Price Galleries, Chevy Chase, MD
2010 Gallery Neptune, Bethesda, MD, “New Works by John Aquilino”
2008 Gallery Neptune, Bethesda, MD, "Another Level: New Works by John Aquilino"
2007 Gallery Neptune, Bethesda, MD, "Urban Color: New Works by John Aquilino"
Artist Tags:
cityscape, urban landscape, buildings, street scenes, urban
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