North Bergen resident and artist Ninetta Nappi can often be seen focusing intently on her paintings within the boundaries of James J. Braddock North Hudson Park.
“The park is my backyard,” said Nappi. “I like to feel the atmosphere of the place I’m in, and I feel that’s reflected in my work.”
A practitioner of the “en plein air” method – the act of painting the outdoors while outside – Nappi has long captured vivid landscapes of the park at different times of the year.
“I feel a lot of peace when I look at beautiful things,” said Nappi, “and I think people need to be reminded of the beauty that’s in the world.”
According to Nappi, she is often approached by curious park-goers who hope to gain insight into her work.
Nappi’s practice of the “en plein air” method extends into photography. She often attempts to capture the “natural and rustic beauty of old world Italian grandeur” through shots of Venice, Naples, Rome, and Amalfi. In fact, her photographs (and paintings) have earned her numerous awards, such as “Best in Show” at the Edgewater Council of the Arts.
“My work is inspired by the places I go,” said Nappi, adding “There’s no such thing as a vacation without my paint.”
Nappi also often travels to the Jersey Shore, visiting beaches such as Lavallette.
“I have a big collection of painting from that beach,” said Nappi. “It’s very colorful. The lights and the sky and the reflection of the water are aesthetically moving.”
Most recently, Nappi has joined the North Hudson Creative Alliance (see last week’s edition), who hope to someday hold an arts festival in the park.
bA natural talent
Nappi first became interested in the arts when she realized she had a knack for drawing in grammar school.
“I guess I was only natural at it,” said Nappi, “my picture was always put up in the hallway.”
Indeed, the acclaim of her teachers at a young age seemed to have a lasting effect.
“I guess that’s why people become who they are,” said Nappi. “It comes so easy, so to speak.”
Nappi eventually majored in fine arts with a minor in education at the New Jersey City University.
“I thought, ‘What am I going to do with all this art knowledge,’ ” said Nappi. “I knew it was a very difficult field to break into, so I fell back on teaching.”
Nappi soon began teaching at the Robert Fulton School in North Bergen. From there, she earned positions teaching art appreciation at Passaic County Community College, and later an “Experiencing Art” class at the Hudson County Community College.
“It was a lot of fun,” said Nappi. “I really enjoyed it.”
”My picture was always put up in the hallway.” – Ninetta Nappi
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Giving back
Nappi noted that much of the frustration of the “en plein air” method comes from the casual park-dwellers’ tendency to interfere during her paintings.
“When a person is painting outside it requires deep concentration,” said Nappi. “Any interference is unwelcome.”
“It’s a difficult thing to have people understand,” she added.
Nappi, who currently teaches watercolor classes at the Temple Beth El in uptown North Bergen, has recently decided that perhaps it’s better to fight fire with fire. She is currently accepting registrations in order to provide “en plein air” watercolor classes within the park.
“We will learn to paint the autumn foliage in addition to painting the lake, sky, and grass with awareness of atmosphere perspective,” stated Nappi in a release.
The six-week course, which begins in fall, requires no previous experience. It costs $120 and carries a $25 materials fee.
See Nappi’s website at www.ninettanappi.com
Stephen LaMarca may be reached at slamarca@hudsonreporter.com