This week’s featured artist: Alex Tolstoy, member since 2012:
ME: Born in NYC but growing up in DC (near the zoo; says a lot) I had a brief four years in Hawaii – a good experience – and I now live in Virginia. For over 40 years I was a research scientist (mathematician, actually) working primarily in Underwater Acoustics and signal processing. It kept me off the streets. But it became time for something completely different. Painting. More fun than a psychiatrist (but not necessarily cheaper). It does help enormously that I am happily married to a wonderful photographer, Ron Colboth. He is a source of continuing support and inspiration, and his photos are free to me…
MY ART: From ’08 to ’12, I studied watercolors with Barbara Januszkewicz of the Corcoran College of Art. I’m addicted to this quirky medium that does its own thing, giving one the illusion of control. My inspirations include the loose and deceptively easy styles of such painters as Andrew Wyeth and J.M.W. Turner, and Australians such as John Lovett and Joseph Zbukvic. I have had solo shows at places such as the McLean Project for the Arts and the Foundry Gallery. For more details check out my website: www.atolstoyart.com.
Most of my work involves scenics or seascapes. However, florals and other efforts do creep in from time to time. I say that whatever strikes your eye, try it. The results may not be your usual topic but they may be surprisingly pleasing. What’s to lose? After all, Picasso did everything and then some! Play Picasso.
MFA & ME: As for the MFA — what a terrific opportunity to see lovely art, to submit paintings, and to meet wonderful individuals. Everyone I have dealt with there is unfailingly great to interact with. Having a picture accepted for the Circle Gallery, in particular, is always a thrill and a chance to have one’s work seen by a large and appreciative community. Their shows (even when they do not take something of mine) are always well done, in a great locale, and a pleasure to see. Keep up the good work, MFA! Artists and the community need and appreciate you.
Every week, we feature an MFA member for “Me & My Art Monday.” If you are interested, please submit a photo and three paragraphs: one each about YOU, YOUR ART, and MFA & YOU totaling approximately 350 words, to meandmyart@mdfedart.org.
