Gulfport, FL – Brenda McMahon Gallery is celebrating the new year with the realist works of Belleair Bluffs painter James Rivoli, the gallery’s featured Artist of the Month in January. The exhibit opens on New Year’s Day, with an opening reception scheduled for Friday, January 6, 2023 from 5-9pm during Gulfport’s First Friday Art Walk.
Rivoli paints in a realistic style that represents subjects from a compelling perspective. Since relocating to Florida from Maine in 2019, he’s found an abundance of subjects that inspire him, including beautiful views of the gulf and intracoastal waterways, vintage car culture and unique architecture.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome James and his realist works to the gallery as our Artist of the Month in January,” says Brenda McMahon Gallery owner Brenda McMahon. “We’re excited to showcase his distinctive works and to welcome visitors and arts-lovers to speak with him about his unique creative process.’
Rivoli’s work begins with taking numerous photos and cropping them into the composition he intends to paint. In regards to his classic car paintings, he focuses on what becomes the ‘jewelry,’ with reflections in the chrome bumpers and headlights pulling the viewer past the car, into the moment. The challenge becomes finding the hidden gem within each subject.
Said McMahon: “James’ detailed paintings of local waterways, vintage cars, architecture and other subjects are instantly eye-catching and we’re looking forward to showing his work to arts-lovers from across the region. It promises to be an exciting first month of 2023 at the gallery!”
Brenda McMahon Gallery is located at 2901 Beach Boulevard S. in downtown Gulfport and can be found and shopped online at brendamcmahongallery.com and on social media outlets @BrendaMcMahonGallery.