Recent Works by Regina Gelfer Presented in the Oresman Gallery Throughout February

Westchester County artist Regina Gelfer, presents her new exhibit, RECENT WORKS, which opens in the Oresman Gallery at the Larchmont Public Library on February 2, and will continue to be on view through February 27. Additionally, there will be a reception in the Oresman Gallery on Saturday, February 11, from 2:00 to 4:00pm. Everyone is invited.

Regina Gelfer’s work consists mainly of acrylic paintings depicting both local landscapes and places she has visited which have inspired her. The beauty of everyday life and nature is the most intriguing for me to paint. Regina finds inspiring subject matter everywhere she goes; the local farmer’s market, a summer day at the lake, or the way the sunlight casts shadows into her living room.

In addition to being a painter, Gelfer is a graphic designer and illustrator. As a result, when she paints, she is constantly mindful of the design, layout and storytelling components in her work. Her goal is to capture an ordinary moment and present it to the viewer for reaction. The beauty of a tree in autumn, the vastness of a mountain range, or the quite dignity of a little cat enjoying the sunniest part of the house. Then perhaps when the viewer goes out into the world, they may put their phone away and be inspired to see with their own eyes that beauty which surrounds them each day.

Gelfer’s influences are far too numerous to mention. Among her most prominent ones are Edward Hopper, Norman Rockwell, Mary Cassatt, Frank Stella and the Renaissance masters. But there are countless more. Gelfer’s two biggest influences were not artists in the traditional sense. They were her parents. They unwittingly taught her how to view the world through an artists eyes by sharing their own wonder of the natural world, and by “creating” through cooking, decorating and in her father’s case, as a barber cutting hair. Gelfer says she would not be an artist today had they not supported and encouraged her to pursue her love of painting and drawing.

Regina, a graduate of SUNY Purchase School of Art & Design (BFA), is a painter, illustrator and designer. She began her career as a studio artist for Archie Comic Publications; pencilling pages for Archie’s Story and Game Digest books, and later becoming editor of the “Jughead’s Pal Hot Dog” comic.

She’s created illustrations and graphics for companies such as Marvel Comics, PepsiCo, educational publishers and advertising agencies. Regina has five published books that she’s illustrated and designed currently in publication; “The Kiss Box” (which she wrote as well); “That Sounds Like Fun” & “Sorrow Cave”, by Deborah Bogisian; “There’s No Place Like Home for Sex Education”, by Mary Gossart and “Miskito”, by Michael Molinski.

She has won numerous awards for her work, including recognition from the National Anti Vivisection Society for an illustration that was used on greeting cards, the Advertising Club of Westchester – Gold and Bronze awards for her direct mail and poster designs, and The Fest for Beatles Fans annual art contest; 2nd place award for a painting of her favorite band! Regina teaches after school art classes and enjoys exhibiting her paintings locally.