We're enamored with John Varriano's Figurative Oil Paintings

New York Rapture: Part I of our 4 Part Series

If you’ve been following my posts you know that I’ve stumbled upon a fantastic artist named John Varriano.  Styled as John Varriano, American Artist, his body of work is impressive and denotes incredible skill with abstract and figurative oil painting.

His work ranges from demure to copious with grand fugues measuring over 8 feet.  Today, I’m sharing some of the insights I’ve gleamed from exploring John Varriano’s figurative oil paintings. 

The artist was born and raised in New York City, and Manhattan is the place he still calls home. Enamored with the eclectic mix that makes up the city, Varriano has given a significant amount of time and artistic energy to immortalizing the people who inhabit this bustling metropolis in his Figurative Oil Painting Series, New York Rapture.

He shows us the glitz of the city’s wealthy elite, and the nocturnal happenings from dusk till dawn. He brings us on commutes with city folk has they go about their daily life, and he presents a close up and personal look at those individualized who have been marginalized by society. 

NIGRONIUS PONTIFICUS – From John Varriano, American Artist “Gilt Edged” Collection

Nigronius Pontifus

Oil Painting on Canvas by John Varriano, American Artist

Shown here on dark wall with stunning model

John Varriano, American Artist presents us with a well-dressed gentleman who is in the act of making a point to some fellow investors. One might say the he is pontificating, thus the Latinized name for the painting. Because his fellow businessmen are outside the scope of the scene, we feel as though the protagonist is actually speaking directly to us.

His impeccable suit, bow-tie and matching handkerchief give a hint of his Ivy League status. He is clearly well groomed with sparkling glasses and nicely combed hair. That pointing finger and open mouth let us know that he is passionate about his ideas. His left hand is hanging comfortably from the bar, and we get the sense that just a few moments ago his back was turned and has just spun around rapidly to engage with crowd with his brilliant thoughts. He is clearly very much at home here.

In Nigronius Pontificus, Varriano’s insight into body and facial language is on full display. Despite the gravity of the moment though, there is something just a little bit comical about this fellow. Can we trust him, or believe what he is saying? His right hand is revealing some thoughts, but the left hand is comfortably holding something back. He might just as well be a card sharp or a magician with vanishing cards in those hands.

The bartender in the background, who knows this man well, has a slight grin on his face as though he understands his client’s routine or as it is said in New York City, Schtik. If the deal goes well, he stands to get a nice fat tip. In this respect, every good bartender is like a silent partner, looking out for the best interests of their customers.

The paint is handled with exceptional craftsmanship, with a soft, blended realism. The face is brilliant in the way the artist captures the moment, and the hands are beautifully rendered. There is an outstanding balance of tone, lighting, and cool and warm colors. The painting is a masterful work of art.

Continue on to part II of this series or visit www.johnvarriano-americanartist.com to explore all of the artist’s work.