In the Artist’s Words… My path to being an artist is much like the road less traveled… I have a BS in Accounting. For 44 years I worked for two family owned businesses. The artist who taught me my current technique is a former employee. My second employer gave me an opportunity to showcase and sell my work. Then, at 62, I claimed my true nature, allowing my soul’s mission to lead me to the artist I am becoming.
Creativity and Nature were a big part of my life long before I gave either of them conscious thought. As a child I played in the woods, collected box turtles, and danced ballet. I played with Lincoln Logs, wore out my Etch A Sketch, and made bugs with my Creepy Crawler Bug Maker. At night, my sister and I would stare at the flower canopy above our bed to see what different animals, objects, or shapes we could bring to life with our imagination among the yellow and orange blossoms. We would continue this every night before the light gave way to shadows and eventual darkness.
My father was a musician and maestro. He made music throughout his life, as a Master Sergeant in the Air Force and in various professional orchestras. His life was cut short, passing before my birth, but his creativity lives on inside me. And, although I did learn to play the guitar, my forte is using my hands in a different way. “Draw Winky”, a Bambie look alike ad in the paper inspired me as a child! I ordered the pamphlet and when it arrived, I painstakingly drew this cute little creature, mimicking every detail. I was so sure I would win one of the art scholarships advertised! Recently, I found the “Draw Winky” ad from my childhood. It still captures my heart.
My art rises from my genes and these experiences. Even today, my eyes are lifted to the clouds where I see so many images. When I discovered the oil and cold wax technique I use today, the artist in me leaped out of my being to be seen, organic and true. Today, my artistic endeavors are blossoming, born out of my love of nature, light, and the abstract. My photography drives my artistic vision, and I am adding pottery to my offerings.
Like my father Vincent, I am a maestro. My blank panel is the music sheet, my paints are the notes, and my images are my melodies. This is the gift of my soul, and it is mine to give to the world.
About the Artist… Jacinta Amorosi Porto grew up in Marlow Heights, Maryland moving to Virginia in 1971. When she was 16, her parents recommended she get a part time job like her sister and brothers before her. This part time job turned into a career that spanned four decades, first working for a company that sold art supplies and custom picture framing.
Every day Jac, as she was endearingly called after two weeks on the job at Color Wheel in McLean, Virginia, was surrounded by the tools of the trade while she developed her skills as a Professional Picture Framer, handling and framing every type of artistic expression. In the early 80s Jacinta studied art with Barbara Love, whose formal training began with Ann and Hans Schuler of the Schuler School of Fine Arts in Baltimore, Maryland. Not long after studying with Barbara, she married and started a family. Her desire to paint never waned, but was put on hold dedicated to family.
In 2014, Jacinta went to work for Broadway Gallery in Great Falls, Virginia. It was at this gallery she learned of the art of Jeff Erickson. She was instantly attracted to Jeff’s work. Subsequently, she attended his workshops and had private instruction.
Today, Jacinta works primarily with oil paint mixed with a cold wax medium. This medium lends itself to applying thin layers, thus creating great depth and mood. An avid photographer, she enjoys capturing nature and wildlife with the lens, and transforms many of her photographs to her panels. Jacinta’s energy and passion to create comes alive in her works and resonates with those who view her paintings. There is a sense of calm in Jacinta’s works.
Expressing the Beauty around her is how Jacinta relates to the world.
