Sylvia is an Award-Winning artist specializing in representational painting including still lifes, landscapes, and portraits. Working alla prima from life models and subjects is her preferred form of self-expression. Using bravura brushstrokes she paints the essence of what she feels and sees.

She usually composes her still life arrangements using props that she is emotionally attached to or involved with in her daily activities. In her paintings, one can find her own brushes, her son's musical instruments or flowers from her neighbor's gardens.

Strong composition, lively colors, and emphasis on solid drawing form are the foundation of her painting teaching style and philosophy. As an artist and teacher, Sylvia believes in strict adherence to the highest standards of quality, excellence, and integrity.

Sylvia's international background played an essential role in the development of her skills and in the evolution of her style. She grew up in Poland, received her formal art education in the U.S., and has traveled extensively in Europe, Asia, and Australia. Sylvia lived and worked in France, Germany, England, and Thailand. Her early teachers, including professor Maciejewski of Gdansk, allowed her to develop a strong foundation in drawing and composition. In the spirit of the Renaissance, Sylvia prepared herself for a career in the arts by studying human anatomy at the Medical Academy in Gdansk – now she is able to truly see and analyze her models 'inside-out'.

Over the years, Sylvia's studies have included drawing, sculpture, Chinese brush paintings, theatrical costume design, jewelry design, metalsmithing, and other forms of art. Although prolific and successful in many fields, she selected oil on canvas as her preferred creative instrument. Sylvia also works in pastel, conte, and pencil. Before entirely dedicating herself to painting and teaching, Sylvia worked as a theatrical costume designer. She left her distinctive imprint on many opera and theatre productions in the Houston area. This experience is evident in the character and drama of her artworks.

Sylvia has received a Master of Fine Arts Degree from the University of Houston, Texas. Her teachers include William Anzalone, David Leffel, Howard Terpning, and Master Lim Eow. She has been showing and selling her paintings nationwide and she is a sought after portrait artist. Her paintings have been earning top awards including several Best of Show honors and the National Society of Artists' Signature Membership. Sylvia teaches portrait and still life painting at the Houston Civic Arts Association. She also frequently conducts workshop and demonstrations.

Barmaids - Oil
8" x 10"

Publications

2005

• “How Did You Paint That?” 100 Ways to Paint People and Figures, Volume 2 - International Artist Publishing, Inc.
• International Artist Magazine, April /May Issue, Flowers and Gardens Finalists

2004

• “How Did You Paint That?” 100 Ways to Paint People and Figures, Volume 1 - International Artist Publishing, Inc.
• Performing Arts Feature - Southwest Art Magazine, November Issue

2001

• Workman Publishing Company, Cow Parade Houston
  

Selected Exhibitions and Competitions

2005

• May – “Nature’s Bounty” – Solo Exhibition Galerie Gabrie, Pasadena, California
• April – Finalist in the Flowers and Garden Exhibit International Artist Magazine Art Prize Challenge

2004

• September - Two Person Exhibit “Visual Poetry” Brazier Fine Arts, Richmond, Virginia
• May – “Poetic and Painterly” – Solo Exhibition Galerie Gabrie, Pasadena, California
• May – Salon International Museum of Contemporary Masters of Fine Art Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, Texas

2003

• May – Honorable Mention – Salon International Museum of Contemporary Masters of Fine Art, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, Texas

2002

• March – Winter Street Art Center Exhibit, Houston, Texas

2001

• December - Annual Open House and Exhibit, Artisan Field, Houston, Texas
• September - Bosque Conservatory Juried Show, Clifton, Texas
• March - Winter Street Art Center Exhibit, Houston, Texas

2000

• December - Annual Open House and Exhibit, Artisan Field, Houston, Texas
• October - Solo Exhibition, Mina’s Gallery, Houston, Texas
• September – Best of Show - National Society of Artists, 18th National Juried Show League City, Texas

1999

• September/October - Oil Painters of America West & Southwest Regional Show Sangre de Christo Art Center, Pueblo, Colorado

1998

• November/December – Best of Show - National Society of Artists 16th National Juried Show, League City, Texas
• October – Best of Show, Best Portrait - Best of Houston Art Society Fall Open Show Houston, Texas
• October – Judge’s Merit Award - Houston Civic Arts Association, Fall Open Show Houston, Texas
• March – Best Of Show – Tomball Art League Open Show Tomball, Texas
• March – 2ns Best of Show – Woodlands Art Guild Open Show and Competition Montgomery College Art Gallery, Woodlands, Texas
• February/March – 1st Place – Visual Arts Council of Fort Bend County – 11th Annual Visual Arts Open Exhibit – Richmond, Texas

1997

• October – Best of Show – Houston Civic Arts Association – Fall Open Art Show Houston, Texas

1996

• October – Best of Show – Houston Civic Arts Association – Fall Open Art Show Houston, Texas
• October – 1st Place – Houston Civic Arts Association Fall Open Art Show Houston, Texas

Coach and Horses Pub
16" x 20"