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Marissa Madonna
USA
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“I use layering techniques to create my art, the opportunity inspires me to create something new.”
Even at an early age, Marissa showed an enthusiasm for illustration. Inspiration calls from all aspects of her life – from her childhood memories of ballet dancing and summers at the beach, to the creativity of her teen years playing clarinet, to adulthood trials and triumphs, and the blessing of friends and great mentors.
Ballerina in Blue | Acrylic
I have always been inspired by the beauty and elegance of dance. The model for this painting was a friend of mine in art school who was a dancer. I really enjoyed capturing the tranquility of this piece, and found that the visual elements represented deeper meanings from real life in a beautiful way.
Marissa earned her BFA in Illustration at the Hartford Art School in Connecticut, where she found new motivation from her professors. While there she received many distinctions for her work, including best portfolio in each of her departmental portfolio reviews. She has also had the honor of having her work featured in numerous exhibitions, including the Society of Illustrators Annual Student Scholarship Competition in New York City.
Eclectic | Acrylic
This is one of the most fun pieces I have ever created. I was so inspired by all the details and felt an incredible creative energy as I worked on it. To this day, it is one of the best times I have ever had in the studio.
After completing her first children’s book illustration project, she went on to be featured in numerous publications and television appearances. In collaborations with ESPN, she illustrated segments about Peyton Manning’s “Art of the Comeback” in 2012, and the UEFA Euro Soccer Tournament in 2016.
“Since graduating from Hartford Art School, I have continued to follow my passion as a freelance illustrator and portrait artist.”
Her most recent projects have included a partnership with composer John Jesensky, creating illustrations for Hartford Symphony Orchestra’s production “Tales of Halloween.” This yearly concert series showcases folklore characters from around the world. From wicked witches to friendly giants, Marissa brings her zeal for portraiture into every project she does.
Maggie | Acrylic
This is a portrait of a friend who has been one of the most supportive people in my life creatively. This was one of the first pieces I created after becoming a mother, when I truly felt back in my element in the studio - but with a whole new sense of creativity and accomplishment.
This is a portrait of a friend who has been one of the most supportive people in my life creatively. This was one of the first pieces I created after becoming a mother, when I truly felt back in my element in the studio - but with a whole new sense of creativity and accomplishment.
This is a painting of one of my good friends who had done a fantastic job helping me with character modeling for Tales of Halloween. Once production for the first volume of TOH wrapped, I decided to do a portrait of him using some of the photo reference we had taken, but capturing the details of how he actually looked. This piece ended up being especially meaningful for me, as it was started and finished in two different locations while moving to a new state.
Sean | Acrylic
The first step of creating any art piece for Marissa is gathering reference material, most often photographing live models. Her favorite approach is to work with models she knows, finding so much joy in capturing their likeness and spirit in a story. Marissa is incredibly grateful to have a support system of great friends who she can always look to for inspiration.
“Always embracing my foundation in traditional drawing and painting techniques, I have been dedicated to carrying on the legacy of my mentors from Hartford Art School.”
“I can recall spending hours creating and illustrating stories influenced by the many books my parents shared with me.”
While on some occasions there will be a specific idea going into the photoshoot stage, other times Marissa will let the reference material lead her to an idea. Once the visualization of the work has been realized she will then gather additional references as needed. Quilting these details together is where she finds her greatest artistic fascination: composing her ideas into a preliminary sketch is one of the most exciting parts of the process for her.
Maggie - Rose Kombucha | Acrylic
In this piece, I worked from photographs of a friend that were taken as we enjoyed delicious Rose Kombucha together. Portraying this moment as I remembered it - from the rich colors in the warm sunlight, to the fine intricacies of model and setting, was a lot of fun. To this day my friend and I talk about what a great memory this was.
The completed sketch is then transferred onto the final artwork surface - most often either hot press watercolor board or toned paper. Marissa uses a mixed media approach, combining colored pencil and acrylic. These techniques and materials were passed down to her directly from her mentors, and over the years she has explored and expanded upon them in her own way.
From the moment I first saw the model for this portrait, I was absolutely fascinated by all the details - from the beautiful rich colors of her hair, to the intricacy of her symbolic tattoos. I was most excited to tell a visual story by weaving all these elements together.
Courtney | Acrylic
From the moment I first saw the model for this portrait, I was absolutely fascinated by all the details - from the beautiful rich colors of her hair, to the intricacy of her symbolic tattoos. I was most excited to tell a visual story by weaving all these elements together.
The final artwork begins by mapping out the details in colored pencil. Marissa sees drawing as the foundation that she will always begin with and return to throughout the process of every art piece she creates.
After completing my painting "Eclectic," I decided to create another portrait of the same model. I loved the perspective and simplicity of the photo reference I had taken, and was especially excited to explore color in this piece. I wanted to create something entirely new and captivating by pushing the boundaries of what was naturally there and adding vibrancy in this scene.
Lindsay | Acrylic
“The early spark has led me to some of my greatest artistic passions, including portraiture and children’s book illustration.”
Hair Piece | Acrylic
This was a practice painting of the hair piece I wore for my wedding. Patina surfaces, particularly copper, have always fascinated me. Inspired by my mentor Fred Wessel's use of gold in his paintings, I have often incorporated these metal surfaces into my work - in this case, portraying it with layers of acrylic and colored pencil. I especially loved the way this weathered texture contrasted the delicate shiny details of the hair piece.
The next step in the process is to locate the darkest darks of the composition to begin laying washes with acrylic ink - developing the value structure of the piece. Working in many thin layers, Marissa alternates between the acrylic ink and colored pencil to gradually build up a deep richness. This mixed media approach combines the freedom of laying bold washes with the tight control of drawing - bringing the realism of her references and the day-dream quality of her earliest inspirations together in one piece.
While I was a student at Hartford Art School, I was fortunate enough to take a travel painting class with one of my greatest mentors, Jeremiah Patterson. One of the places we visited during our travels in Sicily was Catania Fish Market. Eight years later, I created this painting in my studio based on one of the many photographs I had taken at the market, wanting to capture the essence of the scene as I remembered it. These memories, along with Jeremiah's teachings, have continued to inspire me.
Catania Fish Market | Acrylic
Using white opaque acrylic to highlight rounds out the value structure and answers the initial call of the darkest darks. Adding the darkest and lightest levels helps to visualize the relationship of the values in between - all working in concert like the instruments of an orchestra.
Timeless Collection | Acrylic
My family and I would spend every summer at Point Pleasant Beach in New Jersey, and many of my childhood memories are from the beach. After our house there was destroyed during Hurricane Sandy, I created this still life of various objects I had recovered. From the shark's tooth bottle, to my recipe for chocolate chip cookies and the Thank You note from a friend, each thing had special meaning to me. It felt most fitting to arrange the scene with the cigar box entitled "Timeless Collection."
“The layering technique not only helps me to understand who I am, but also what I love the most.”
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