Joe Velez
Email: joevelezart@gmail.com
Contact for purchase and commission inquiries.
Artist Statement :
For as long as I can remember, I have been captivated and mystified by art—its history, its techniques, and the artists who have shaped it. My work primarily consists of portraits and narrative pieces, exploring the nuance of human presence and emotion. I create figurative paintings in oil, as well as drawings in charcoal, graphite, and pastels.
I am particularly drawn to the drama of the Baroque period and the expressive power of 20th-century figurative art. These influences and that of film, photography and the dynamics of human behavior guide my approach.
In addition to my fine art practice, I work as a commercial, fashion, and portrait photographer, which I think has further refined my understanding of light and storytelling through imagery.
I am also a teacher of painting, drawing, and photography, privately and in educational institutions. Teaching has become an essential part of my practice, allowing me to share what I've learned while continuing to evolve as an artist. I live with my cat, Egon (named, of course, after Egon Schiele) in Jersey City, NJ.