Aleta Rossi Steward

I was raised in New York, in an artistic family. My Father was a professional musician & rare stringed instrument dealer & restorer. My Mother was a ballet dancer that studied with Madam Bronslav Nijinska. My Italian heritage included family members that were visual and performance artists.

Growing up, I spent many summers in southern Maryland and chased butterflies through the fields there. I also had the opportunity to live in the mountains of northern California, and explore the beaches and marshes of Cape Cod. A love of nature and these open spaces influenced my choice of subject matter.  I make it a point to spend time in the field observing and learning as much as possible about my subjects. Nantucket island in Massachusetts is my birding location of choice, and I have been fortunate enought to spend many summers there on my sailboat "Little Wing".

My studies in the field of art have been well rounded . I studied at the Art Students League in New York City under the Master Artist Frank Mason, who specialized in chiaroscuro portraiture & figurative works in the tradition of Rembrandt. I continued my studies with artist Paul Wood of Long Island, who concentrated on abstraction. I then studied with various artists in California, where an appreciation for color was instilled. I am was also influenced by artists Jessie Arms Botke who painted beautiful exotic birds during the 1930's, not only for her works, but her determination to continue her career despite the great depression.

I have exhibited throughout the U.S., and in Great Britian. During the 37 years that I have been selling my work, I have been included in numerous exhibitions, featured in magazines & have shown in many different galleries. My work is now available through Christina Gallery on Martha's Vineyard, MA.

* This statement has been provided directly by the artist in association to their 14^th International ARC Salon entries. This content has not been edited for typos or grammatical errors and has not been vetted for accuracy.