My name is Stella Talamo. I recently graduated from Penn State with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering. Although I graduated in a technical field, I have always been drawn to art since I was little. I started painting when I was about 7 and have not stopped since. I have experimented with using various mediums but now prefer using acrylic paint on stretched canvases.

I have taken inspiration from Van Gogh, Wayne Thiebaud, and Leonid Afremov to name a few. When I first started painting, I immediately was captivated by landscapes. I always found an interest in nature since the bright colors and scenery appealed to me. Recently, I have expanded my subjects and have painted desserts, sports themed paintings, portraits and more. Now, what inspires me is creating something that no one else has. I believe that everyone views the world differently and so I create paintings that reflect this, individualizing each piece.

How does your medium inform your viewpoint? What do you like most about your medium?

What I like most about acrylic paint on stretched canvas is that the pigments are extremely bright. I also like that if I make a mistake or don’t like the way something looks, I can easily change it.

Who or what have been your artistic inspirations?

My favorite artists have been Vincent Van Gogh, Leonard Afremov , and Wayne Thiebaud. I love how these artists use very defined brush strokes and add movement to paintings with these brushstrokes.

Do you have a favorite piece in your portfolio?

My favorite piece I have painted is the one below. I titled it Winter Wonderland.

What would be your advice to artists just starting out in your medium?

My advice would be to use water to blend and also to not be afraid of making mistakes. Always remember if you don’t like the way something looks, you can wait until the paint dries and cover it up.