Aleta Rossi Steward artist - Artist, Wildlife, Nature

My Background

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.

My Medium

I began painting with oils in 1974. I enjoy the versatility & blending abilities of oils. I also paint with egg tempera, sometimes combining the two - beginning with egg tempera & finishing with oil glazes. Tempera offers me a change, as it is an immediate and precise medium.

My Inspiration

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.