Italian Scenes

Italian Scenes: Paintings from Cortona and Beyond

My ‘Italian Scenes’ is a collection of paintings inspired by my journeys across Italy, including visits to Venice, Rome, Sicily, Florence, and the picturesque hilltop town of Cortona in Tuscany. I reside in Cortona for part of the year, capturing its landscapes, people, concerts, cafes, and churches through my art. One of the highlights of my artistic calendar is ‘Passeggiando per Cortona’ or ‘A Walk Through Cortona,’ an annual exhibition that showcases two distinct styles: the timeless plein-air paintings and my innovative linear works. Visitors to my exhibitions often comment that my paintings beautifully encapsulate the vitality, essence, and spirit of Cortona. Notably, my signature piece, ‘Passeggiando per Cortona,’ a substantial linear watercolor measuring 43″ x 32″, portrays a man and his dog strolling through the cypress trees of Cortona. It not only harks back to my daily walks amidst ancient Etruscan walls but also evokes the enchanting memory of Dorothy and her dog, Toto, from the classic film ‘The Wizard of Oz’ as they embarked on their magical journey

Linear artwork

Rome, Palatine Hill Vertical View, Italian scene painting by Clare Stokolosa

Apertivi in The Piazza Repubblica, Italian scene painting by Clare Stokolosa

Sosta Mattutina Italy, Italian scene painting by Clare Stokolosa

Male Violinist with Shades of Greens and Violets, Italian scene painting by Clare Stokolosa

Classic artwork

Church in via Roma, Italian scene painting by Clare Stokolosa

Cappuccino Cups of Morning coffee with Friends, Italian scene painting by Clare Stokolosa

Homes in Cortona with View of the Valley, Italian scene painting by Clare Stokolosa

Cortona Valley with roof tops and tree -Albero con Vista.jpg, Italian scene painting by Clare Stokolosa

View from Kitchen Window, Italian scene painting by Clare Stokolosa

Mocha caffé with pink Background, Italian scene painting by Clare Stokolosa

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As Seen in the Press

Photos: Opening reception held for ‘NYC Faces in Motion’ art exhibit at Zaruma Gold Coffee in LIC

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Bayside artist shines: From Italy solo exhibit to Brooklyn dual showcase

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Passeggiando Per Cortona Estate 2024

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Artist Clare Stokolosa Exhibits “NYC Faces” Series of Larger-Than-Life Paintings At Brooklyn’s Landmark Pfizer Plant

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Paving the way: ‘Resilient’ art exhibit at Brooklyn Federal Courthouse features all women artists

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Queens Artist Clare Stokolosa Featured at Islip Arts Council Exhibit For Women’s History Month

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Reviews

Michele Murphy-Smith

I went over to see Clare’s paintings one day in November. I was actually looking for a certain one that I remembered from a previous exhibit. But when I saw La Valle del Terrazza, I knew I wanted to have it in my home. It was a wintery and dark time. But the painting was of a different season, a lighter time. We have a loop road around the top of the mountain and it is a good walk. One of the small, joyful everyday pleasures is when you round over by the Cafe Torreone. A simple morning walk, with a stop to visit with people, a beautiful view, maybe a coffee, and gratitude for living here. It was a reminder of softer days coming up in the spring and summer. And I love the reminder. All year long.

Marguerite Nugent

My "Vista di Cortona" takes me there! Grazie mille, Clare!

Joe Roeder

This evocative rendering of the Hi-Line in Manhattan instantly caught my eye at one of Clare’s shows years ago. It has been displayed prominently in my living room ever since. Clare is a talented, loving, and caring artist, and it translates to all her paintings.

Rehnuma Sayara

I received one of Clare’s paintings as a gift. The name of the painting is “Roses for Beauty.” What I loved most about it was that it reminded me of my favorite Disney movie “Beauty and the Beast.” The painting also has colors that were very similar to my bridal shower dress: red, green, yellow and hints of sky blue. I absolutely love this painting it’s a very unique gift. The painting represents my personality in terms of the things I love and is reminiscent of one of the special events of my life. Every time I look at this painting, it evokes feelings of nostalgia and makes me feel at peace. Every detail of the painting is masterfully crafted in a way that makes the painting come together. This painting always puts a smile on my face. I’m grateful to Clare.

Ava Wisniewski

Clare’s pieces add a pop of life to whatever space they are destined to! I particularly was drawn to this small still life from her Stay at Home video series. During the pandemic, Clare had filmed herself doing a painting each day, while recording her thoughts like a diary. It was such a unique way to stay in touch with the world at the time, and acts as memory capsule to us in the present. I assisted in editing these videos at the time and wanted a piece to commemorate the resilience it took to complete this series for as long as she had! This particular still life’s colors spoke to me and thought it coronated well with our quiet kitchen shelf. I am happy to have such a beautiful piece of a special series!

Erik Andersson

With the light, expressive strokes and the lovely motif from a central square in the city, we have brought the lovely atmosphere of Cortona home to Denmark.

Teresa Beutel

Inspiring artist. Beautiful work! Love the landscapes and subway series, bridges and portraits. I have purchased several of Clare's paintings for my home. A favorite is a painting of the piazza in Cortona, Italy where patrons are enjoying a coffee or glass of wine.

Denise Johnson

What began as a brief encounter at a mutual friend’s birthday celebration, culminated in a most memorable and treasured experience for me. Meeting Clare Stokolosa brought me into a wondrous journey from my participation in her watercolor art class in Sicily to hanging one of her original paintings in my home. Every morning I am greeted by her gorgeous, colorful, whimsical, and descriptive watercolor that brings me back to those sunny days spent in Italy. I especially enjoy her relaxed interpretation of what is viewed and that warms my heart and home! Her work is inspirational and has encouraged me to practice the skills she taught. For that I remain forever thankful! Denise Johnson

Victoria Debrocke

My friend and I attended Clare’s Beginning Watercolor Workshop in Sicily in June of 2022. Neither one of us had ever painted before and wanted to learn. Clare’s instruction was excellent, the materials we used were top notch and the accommodations great. Our group painted, toured the area around Palermo, had a lot of laughs and a great time. My friend and I have since continued to take water color painting classes in our local area. I would highly recommend Clare’s class.

Lisa M Mangual

Clare is an amazing and gifted artist! I love art and I have a lot of artist friends, I always wanted to take a beginner art class however, I would have never imagined myself painting outdoors in beautiful Sicily! Clare made that come true! She was such a good teacher, I thought we were just going to paint but Clare taught us firstly how to set up our palette with tube paints taught us all the basics so then I was able to actually paint which for me was a big accomplishment . It was so wonderful and magical not only learning how to paint but also painting in this environment outdoors in Sicily! Clare, this was an adventure of a lifetime for me and I owe it all to you! Grazie Bella!

Janice Gordon

Clare’s Watercolor Tour of Sicily was a beautifully designed to meet the needs of our entire group from complete beginner to intermediate. The magnificent sights and flavors of the island could not have been better. We painted, we ate, we swam, we toured and we shopped. Then we did it all over again. We all drew inspiration for our watercolors from the vistas of sea and mountains and flowers, and the gorgeous towns we visited. All in all, it was a memorable experience with a great group of people and an excellent painting instructor.

Madeleine Eichhorn

Clare was a wonderful teacher and gave me a newfound love for painting. Before going to her workshop, I hadn’t painted anything since I was 13 (not to mention I HATED IT!). Since leaving Italy, I have been working on my watercolor skills and following along to Clare’s videos. She gave me a new love in my life and I am so grateful. Not to mention the beautiful adventure we went on in Italy. She planned the entire trip full of fun excursions and great food without any of us having to worry about a thing. I am so grateful for the opportunity to experience this with Clare.

Janis Sawicke

I thoroughly enjoyed participating in Clare's watercolor workshop. It was my first experience using this medium in guided zoom instruction. Clare was patient and careful to show the steps needed to organize a still life composition. She also demonstrated paint strokes and talked about color while teaching. I wish we had more zoom time to work on the project together!

doris bodine

Clare’s Watercolor workshop exceeded my expectations. Im a beginner and leaned enough to continue doing some painting on my own. She explained everything clearly and her instructions were easy to follow. She gave many practical solutions like setting up you color pallet and paining an index key do you know the location of each color in your pallet. It makes things so much easier. Most of all i thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Anne Hogan

Upon completion of a home renovation which included a new staircase we commissioned Clare for a grand landscape piece to go with our other landscapes. We wanted this piece that was large since it was for the top of the stairs. She created this beautiful 3X5' landscape of the Italian countryside with the long lines of cypress trees to highlight the stairs. Also, since the piece is next to a window we wanted it to have depth as if you were looking out over the countryside and again she nailed it. We could not have asked for anything better. Now when we walk up or down the stairs we have a beautiful view of the Italian countryside.

Ann Sue Mushnick

How perfect she has captured a NYC subway rider with just a few strokes and added color. Such a talented artist!

Arline Abdalian

Clare is very talented and also very civic-minded. I purchased her beautiful watercolor painting Lemons and Tomato during the October 2020 Queens Historical Society's YouTube fundraiser. It hangs on my kitchen wall. Love looking at it when I cook. As someone who is a rank amateur and paints only as a hobby, I can tell you that watercolor is not easy. Clare is a master. What a joy to have such a great local artist. She is also a very nice person! I have shared her website with friends. Clare, many thanks, and keep painting!

maria conciatori

Maria Conciatori I met Clare at the adult Italian classes at St. Luke’s Church. She has a generous spirit and likes to share her gifts with others. As an accomplished painter , her work brings light in the darkest day. Her presentation on video on how a painting evolves, has inspired my grandchildren. Her connection and love to Italy, it’s language and culture is evident in the way she captures its spirit and beauty. Thank you Clare!!

Darlene Cruz-Rodriguez

I received the most beautiful painting from Clare! I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted for my kitchen, I sent her pictures of where the painting would go and gave her some thoughts about the color scheme, etc. She interpreted those ideas into a very thoughtful and personal ( we met in Cortona years ago ) painting that is special. She is an extremely talented artist AND beautiful person all rolled up into 1. The color scheme is perfect, there's beautiful details incorporated into the water color and I'm absolutely thrilled with what she came up with. Thank you Clare for sharing your talent.

Stella Jacobsen

Having acquired a second home in Cortona, Tuscany, we came across Clare and her beautiful watercolors and knew immediately that her pieces would look wonderful on our walls. Apart from being a wonderful person, Clare has the ability to see and catch the 'air' of a special place or scenery and transfer it to her works of art. Wonderful.... thanks a lot .. we enjoy looking at them all the time ..

Sally Ferrante

We recently purchased a beautiful watercolor from Clare Stokolosa entitled “Entrance to Cortona, Italy “. When it arrived it literally took her breath away. It is a beautiful piece. She is an amazing artist.

Sophia L

The painting I have by Clare Stokolosa is Vista Sulla Campagna (View of the Countryside). The countryside is Tuscan and the time is early afternoon. Two rustic houses amid fields are depicted in bold, energetic brush strokes of dark brown, and suggest hot dry weather, but just beyond are green hills and a shimmering lake. The light blue sky and mountains in the distance beckon us forward. And then, close to the viewer, are tree branches with delicate leaves – feathery, luminescent green and yellow. This oil painting is a celebration of natural beauty and a reminder to enjoy life and nature. Our visitors are equally drawn in. Clare is warm and welcoming, helpful in every way. For example, she graciously helped me choose a perfect frame for the painting. She is a passionate lover of Italy and New York City and her paintings exude the energy she possesses.

I received this portrait as a birthday gift from my husband a year after my brothers passing. This was our last St. Patricks day together. Clare’s rendition of him from that last picture, captured both his softness and his strength. From the details of his uniform to his beloved bagpipes that he cradles. His feather bonnet almost appears to be wind blown, as it would when he marched down 5th Avenue. It hangs over the staircase in the house where we spent our summers as kids, a beautiful reminder of the happy times we shared, especially St. Patricks Day. Thanks Clare.

Susan Kaye

The large pieces are breathtaking. Clare’s use of pastels leaves room for your imagination to finish the piece in your mind. Her watercolors are stunning and soothing. Wish I had walls on which to hang several of her paintings. But how would I take some and not all? Susan Kaye

Magda Ramirez

I love nature themes! The "Flower Series" is probably my favorite right now. The warm colors are beautiful.

Ninja DP

Love the use of watercolours, gives them a vibrant but dreamy feel. Gives a refreshing look to NYC subway passengers. Nice attention to specific details. Currently own a painting from this amazing artist. Please keep up the good work 👍👍👍

Mapia

Had two paintings done by Clare... portrait and landscape. Both are phenomenal, which get many comments /compliments on.

Peter Ellis

We bought two paintings from Clare. One was from her 2005 vintage and the other, a much larger piece was more bespoke to our needs. Clare also helped with all the framing and the sizing of the bespoke piece to make sure it exactly fitted our needs. The end result was totally splendid. Absolutely delighted. What was a totally white room as come alive with people taking with the right mix of colour. Could not be more delighted. Thank you Clare.

Ben Rosen

Let us begin by saying that we are the proud owners of a Clare Stokolosa painting. We have visited Italy many times and have a fondness for the Tuscan region. We have seen artwork by many fine artists, who try to capture the beauty of the region. Ms. Stokolosa's artwork, not only captures the beauty... but the very essence of the countryside, and of our favorite town, Cortona. Her vibrant colors bring to life the people and charm of the community. Whether it be the sunflowers, or Cyprus trees; the valley; mountainside, or churches, Clare's paintings are a true reflection of the Tuscan lifestyle. We happily display our painting "Cena Teatro", which helps us retrieve and capture the fond memories of our stay.

Jeanine Eichhorn

We love how our watercolors by Clare Stokolosa have added to the decor of our house. We bought one of her scenes of New York’s subway from her show at a museum in NYC. We enjoyed it so much, we used her website to help us put the finishing touches on our living room remodel. She helped me pick out scenes of Italy that remind me of a recent visit. Real art work is inspirational and a must have or a beautiful home.

Harry Zaltzberg

After admiring Clare's paintings for years, I bought one of her Italian water colors a couple of years ago and still get so much pleasure from the evocative colors and gardens. Like being In Italy without the shlep!

Patricia Calvo

I bought a "Stokolosa" painting about a year ago and every time I see it hanging up in my dining room, I feel a little bit more cheerful. The various colors of the flowers brighten up the room. Stokolosa was able to capture the beauty of mother nature in her painting and it's mother nature's job to nurture us-especially in our home. This painting does just that!

suretta white

Yes! I own an original "Stokolosa!" What a conversation piece ! It was a great addition to our home!

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Ciao, here is a silent tour of my new studio in Cortona, Italy! This is a very exciting milestone for me to have another place to create and display my pieces! I hope you can visit if you are in Italy.
Thank you so much!

A Silent Tour of Clare Stokolosa’s Italian Studio

This is my current intro for my YouTube videos, almost like I was running my own TV show!

My YouTube Channel Video Intro

Morning walk on #ferragosto in Cortona, Italy 🇮🇹 #travel #cortona #tuscany #italy

Blue Eye Glasses With Poem #nycfaces #poem #nyc

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