MADELINE TARANTO
MADELINE TARANTO PLEIN AIR ARTIST

Softly veiled scenes of the countryside, an occasional stream or pond, strands of trees and meadows, a mysterious subtlety; compelling one to contemplation. An innate talent merging with perseverance and self discipline, Madeline Taranto's work is evocative. The timeless quality of her work reflects a continuation of traditional plein air painting combined with an interpretation of the present. Taranto's landscapes are a process of evolution and discovery, expressed through the universal properties of painting. Inspired by the late 19th century landscape painters, in particular Inness and Lathrop, she continues to offer powerful evidence that fresh, provocative painting can be rooted in tradition.

As a young girl, Madeline's desire to become an artist was influenced by her Aunt's paintings and drawings which were displayed in Taranto's home. "I remember visiting my Aunt and feeling that she was so fortunate to have the ability to draw and paint, as if it were something unobtainable and mysterious, and wishing I was able to do the same." This strong will to become an artist was present from an early age.

Directed by a suggestion from an artist friend, Taranto attended the prestigious Art Students League of New York where she was awarded two scholarships. There, Madeline studied drawing with Robert Beverly Hale and painting with David A. Leffel, for whom she was class assistant. Madeline credits Leffel with his philosophical ways of expressing ideas about painting and he continues to serve as an inspiration to her. Taranto has participated in many invitational, juried, group and one person shows throughout the United States. Additionally, Madeline has received awards from the Allied Artists of America, N.Y., Pen & Brush, N.Y., The Phillips Mill, Pa. and the Hunterdon Museum of Art, N.J., among others. Nestled in a valley in rural Northwestern New Jersey, Taranto's studio is surrounded by mountainous pastoral landscapes. Natures beauty provide continuous inspiration for her plein air paintings, always presenting new challengers and growth as her next piece evolves. She lives with her husband Al and their son Claude in New Jersey.