Artists look to different things for inspiration. Some meditate on nature, others look into their dreams. Jersey City artist Robert Piersanti’s pop art is from recollections of his childhood in New Jersey. Piersanti creates vivid portraits in bright eye-catching colors. His new show, “Mermaid A-GOGO” at LITM in Jersey City, features 35 new paintings.
Coney Island dreams
This year, Piersanti did the design for the poster for the Mermaid parade in Coney Island, which is an annual event. In fact, Piersanti’s latest collection of work features images inspired in part from the fantasy world of Coney Island. The parade day has been a source of creativity for Piersanti, who takes pictures for future work.
“I started using some of the side show people,” said Piersanti.
Those people include sword swallowers, fire-eaters, and contortionists. According to Piersanti, his 8-year old daughter Gina, who also paints, goes with him to his shows.
“She’s been my companion and helper at the Mermaid parade,” said Piersanti. “She works every day like her dad.”
Draws from life
Piersanti works in acrylic paint, which is an unusual choice for many artists who prefer the more forgiving blends of watercolors or oil paint. His work is precise and looks like a snapshot image, only brightly colored.
According to Piersanti, he attributes his love of Marvel Comics and packaging from the ’60s as influencing his work.
“A lot of packaging in the ’60s had great lettering, colors, and cool packaging,” said Piersanti. “Even gum ball machines had cool packaging.”
When Piersanti starts to work on a painting, he starts with a photo of the model and makes a detailed sketch before adding the colors, which are layered onto the canvas to create a smooth finish so it has the appearance of a silk screen.
“Once I’ve gathered my references, I do a detailed thumbnail sketch,” said Piersanti. “I apply colors like a comic book page. Then I go back and add the black and then I add more color.”
He works mostly with the primary colors of red, yellow, and blue and uses black to add detail and depth to his portraits. He aims for a smooth canvas for his finished work, which is possible with acrylic.
“If I painted in oil, the paintings would be a lot thicker,” said Piersanti.
Looking at his work, one feels as if they have discovered something. Piersanti creates images that tap into universal themes of childhood. His images recall carnivals, science fiction, and cowboys, yet maintain a natural realism. Yet they aren’t merely colorful fantasies, his images are vividly alive.
Most of his subjects are women, taken from people he has met who have an interesting look to them. While they all have unique features, Piersanti has captured his subjects in expressions of radiant joy.
“People who have come to my openings have ended up in my paintings,” said Piersanti. “Sometimes they have an interesting look or an enthusiasm about the work.”
Early shows
One of Piersanti’s earliest shows was at Maxwell’s in Hoboken in 2002 for the fall Studio Tour. He is scheduled to participate again this year for the tour, which he is happy to do.
“It’s good to give back,” said Piersanti. “I like to do shows for this area and for the people.”
In addition to the Maxwell’s show, he also had a solo exhibit at The Frozen Monkey Café and at BAMA Gallery.
“When I first started to paint I was using references from old magazines. I photographed a lot of local people and when I was on a trip. Sometimes out of 20 snapshots; maybe five would inspire paintings,” said Piersanti.
Before working in the style he uses now, Piersanti worked for years in illustration and advertising before making the switch. It was the events of September 11 that affected the change.
“I started painting after 9/11,” said Piersanti. “We lost so many good people. After that happened, I thought it was time to do some work for myself.”
Piersanti has lived in Hudson County for many years and works in a studio in the Newman Leather Building. In the last five years, he has created over 150 new paintings. His work has extended to magazine art, record covers, book covers, playing cards, and poster art.
“I think after all these years, I’ve finally found my voice,” said Piersanti. “I’m happy. I just want to do this for the rest of my life.”
Piersanti’s work will be included in the upcoming Studio Tour in Hoboken. For more information on the artist or upcoming shows, please visit: www.piersantistudios.com.