Ethel Gittlin beautiful collection of paintings In Love With The Light On The Riviera will be in exhibition from October 6th. to the 31st. in NY.

Gittlin, a native of New Jersey, was born a painter although she didn’t know that until she was in her twenties.

When Gittlin had that inspiration to paint, she started painting abstract and after 5 years, she decided to study art.  She obtained a B.A. from Hunter College  where she study Art History   and  then  went on to study painting at the Art Students League in NYC
She loved French painters and the impressionist style. Her style was changing over the time and became more and more realistic.  It was then that she started painting those beautiful landscapes that leave you in contemplation.

She has been called a "Romantic Painter” because of her impressive landscapes which are done in oil and the way that she manages color, light and shadows.  To label her work as only romantic, would be to limit your perception of what Gittlin creates. There is drama in every landscape that she paints.  She paints sunsets and dawns, where there is something surreal in the colors, the light that shines on the water, or through the trees.

The absence of human figure or buildings on her paintings creates an intimate relationship between the viewer and the image of nature. All of her works portray a stunning shore and sea, usually the Mediterranean Sea, where she loves to travel.  Hence, the name of the art show: "In love with the light on the Riviera".

 

Her artwork has been in dozens of solo or group exhibitions in many cities of the U.S. and Europe.  Many of her paintings have been acquired by important art collectors.


Ethel, you have an impressive way of using color and light in your paintings, giving them a touch of surrealism.  Can you tell us about your creation process?
The creation process starts with the contemplation of the landscape. Although I don't usually get up early, I do that  when I am at the South of France because the early morning sunlight reflecting on the water is so spectacular, I just don't want to miss it. When I am not traveling, I use my own photos and my memories as a starting point.

Your media is oil, which takes a lot of time to dry.  Tell us about your experience with oil painting and how do you feel, using it to express your creativity.  Have you tried other types of media?

I only use oils! I love the feel and smell of it.  I know that oils do take long to dry but to me its the real thing and I never wanted to use anything else in my art.

Your first solo art show was in Englewood NJ , around 20 years ago, at the Seraphim Gallery. How did you feel at that moment, starting your career in art?

It felt great that people were actually coming to look at my artwork!  I was very moved to see my paintings hanging on the walls as well for the first time.

You have an important art show in New York that starts on October 6th and continues to the 31st.  What are your projects for the near future?

I plan to continue painting, for it is what I enjoy the most.   I don't know what it will turn into, though.  My art has evolved and changed over time and it was never something that I actually planned.  It just happens because of the intensity that I live and experience while painting.  I love painting.  Showing my art in exhibits is great but its the painting process that moves me because of all the energy and passion that is in involved.
 
What inspires you?

Only the landscapes of the south of France for over 20 years I just feel something for it and it shows through in my work. I didn't know this would be what I ended up doing but it feels good because I love the place. 

Do you have any anecdotes from your travel?

I can be at a dinner party in the south of France and I drift off to the other side of the terrace to capture the sunset with my mind.   I literally find myself breaking away from the group to catch that beautiful image.  I can be driving to meet my friends and I stop to capture that special moment on the way, even if I arrive late.  It is just such a moving feeling that it's hard not to get caught up in it.