Clarissa Payne Uvegi is a contemporary figurative artist whose work is noted for its boldness and candor.  With a disarming, unabashed honesty and penetrating vision, her paintings often open us up to a deeper understanding of our own emotions, as well as those of the model and artist. She achieves this penetrating perception with a powerfully energetic use of color and line.

In describing her work, Clarissa has said, “… the study of the figure is an ongoing, compelling process, especially when painting from life.

“The self is the ever-present ‘model’.  For this reason, I often return to self-portraiture, using a mirror. Being my own model affords me all the time I need. It is that freedom of time which allows greater opportunity to get to the essence beneath the surface.”

Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, Clarissa has studied art at Douglass College, Rutgers University, graphic design at Parsons School of Design and drawing and painting at the Art Students League of New York. She lives in New York City with her husband, two children and their bird, Sunny.

PUBLICITY

The Art Students League of New York

EDUCATION

2000 - Present: Art Students League of New York
Studied with Gustav Rehberger, Peter Cox, Richard Pionk, Michael Burban, Dan Gheno & Mary Beth Mckenzie

1982  BFA in Communication Design, Parsons School of Design, New York
Studied with C.P. Pineles and Henry Wolfe

1979  BA in Art, Douglass College, Rutgers University, New Jersey.
Studied with Joan Semmel and Leland Bell


EXHIBITS & HONORS

2009-2010  Finalist, Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition 2009,
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution 

Exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery,
Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC
October 22, 2009 - September 6, 2010

2009         "Waterworks" - exhibit on the SS Lilac, Pier 40, New York


Art Students League of New York:
2001 - Present      Annual Group Show
2010            Merit Winner’s Exhibit
2009            Merit Scholarship winner
2009            Red Dot** Recipient
2009            Red Dot** Show
2009            Blue Dot* Recipient
2007            Blue Dot* Recipient
2006            Red Dot** Recipient
2006            Red Dot** Show
2005            Members’ Juried Exhibition

 

1979 -1981   Parsons School of Design Annual Group Shows

1978            Douglass College, Rutgers University Library Group Show

*Honorable Mention
**Best in Group Show