Emerging Artists of Foropoulos Studios Gallery
Vera Bonacci
Vera Bonacci has a BFA from Kent State University and a Masters from Cleveland State University. Vera has studied under several master visual artists. Traditional portraiture with Dino Massaroni and later with Judy Takacs. Color pencil with Sandra Angelo and John Smolko. Currently, she is studying oils with Greek Master Internationally Active Artist-Paul Foropoulos at Foropoulos Studios of Fine Arts. “My goal in my current work is to go beyond the realism, develop a contemporary style under the guidance of Art Professor Paul Foropoulos. Here I continue to explore the energy, life, and vitality of the nature of my subject and theme.
I hope you will enjoy these works and be drawn into that kinetic energy and feel it in your own soul. I hope it will make you smile, wonder, tilt your head, ponder and engage as you join into the energy of each art work.
Michelle Geiger
Michelle Geiger is a contemporary artist living on the Gulf coast of Florida. She attended Saint Petersburg college with a focus on art and design and she completed her art education under the guidance and mentoring of the internationally acclaimed artist Paul Foropoulos at Foropoulos Studios of Fine Arts. Her final style is in contemporary realism with a focus on human figure, human movement, and in impressive color compositions.
Her artistic journey began early on in her childhood. Through difficult times pencils and paint became a means for escape.This blossomed into a life long love for art.
Her work is inspired by the beauty and design of the female face and form. This is featured in her drawings and paintings that combine pencil, acrylic and oils. She has participated in art shows and gallery exhibitions and has some pieces in private collections. Her passion for art is a lifelong journey. Then keep watching her for future creations.
Abby Knauff
Abby Knauff graduated High School in 2021 and is currently attending St. Petersburg College where she is studying Art.
She has loved drawing since she was young, but started taking Art seriously in high school when she began taking classes from the Internationally acclaimed Artist Paul Foropoulos at Foropoulos Studios of Fine Arts.
At only 21 years old, Abby has received many awards from Scholastic Art and Writing Awards as well as from local museums.
She is working on developing her colorful and contemporary style under the guidance of Paul Foropoulos.
Janaki Gummadi
Janaki Gummadi was born in a small village in India. She studied in a small school and furthered her education as an economic major at Andhra University. Her passion for Art grew in Elementary school.
Living in a small village, her access to many materials was limited, but she used what she had. She would make sketches on paper with just a pencil in her free time.
After moving to the USA, she continued her interest in Arts.
With her drive to commit to an Artistic direction, she heard about Mr. Paul Foropoulos, an Internationally Active Artist and Art Instructor at Foropoulos Studios of Fine Arts, with high reputation in teaching.
Then she registered, at Foropoulos Studios of Fine Arts, to study under his guidance. In the present day, she is learning advanced technics and styles, at Foropoulos Studios, focusing in Contemporary Fine Arts!
Artist statement:
Art has given me many things in life, but happiness and peace of mind. It allows me to be creative and original with my ideas and express them through the way of Art.
Geeta Tewari
Geeta Tewari, was born and raised in the Caribbean island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Her passion for Art and Design emerged since she was a child and was further ignited during her years at St. Augustine Girls’ High School where she explored Contemporary Art, working in charcoal and watercolors. Having migrated to Florida 22 years ago, she is now able to explore her own styles and mediums under the Art Education of Paul Foropoulos at the Foropoulos Studios of Fine Arts.
Artist Statement:
Art has been my therapy, my joy, my peace and it has given me clarity as I re-invented myself.
My mission is to push myself to the limits, expand artistically and communicate with the world without words!
Rose Hoven
I got my love of art from my mom, she designed some menus for a restaurant she worked at in St Louis.
I came in 3rd place in a 3rd grade art competition in grade school.
I also had a charcoal drawing displayed in an Art show in high school, that is when I started painting.
I soon got married and raised a family and when I retired started painting again.
That is when God blessed me, by bringing my steps to Foropoulos Studios of Fine Arts, where I met the Internationally known Artist & Art Instructor Paul Foropoulos. Under Paul’s guidance I improved and elevated my Art, to this point and I still do.
When people look at my Art, I want them to see themselves in my Paintings and relate to life's moments!
Tim Bogardus
My first inspiration in art came from my aunt who was an artist and art teacher. I took some drawing and painting classes when I was a child. My passion grew through high school, where I had another great teacher and mentor. Moving away from fine art, I pursued graphic design in college, earning a BFA in Visual Communication. After college, I entered the world of marketing and advertising, where I have had a successful and award winning 40+ year career.
A short time ago, with a desire to return to my roots in fine art, I set out on a mission to find a great teacher. That is when I found Paul Foropoulos at Foropoulos Studios of Fine Arts, an Internationally Active Artist and Art Instructor that is right here where I live. Paul is world-renowned for his fine art and highly successful teaching methods. I am excited about the direction my art is taking as I discover myself under Paul's guidance.
Lauren Shadrick
Since the age of seven, art has piqued my interest. I began by drawing my surroundings, such as the colorful flowers in my backyard, animals, and clothing, which deepened my love for art. I had a passion to turn something like a dull sheet of paper into a captivating piece of art that inspires others. I started seeking the knowledge to improve my art and took any art classes I could find. Over time, I experimented with several mediums, such as colored pencils, acrylic paint, and graphite. At the age of fourteen, I started taking art classes from Paul Foropoulos at Foropoulos Studios of Fine Arts and quickly saw improvement in my artwork. As a result, I found a love for oil paint and a drive to start a career in the art field. Currently, at sixteen years old, I won the Neiman Marcus award from Dali fashion design program. I am producing quality work that I am proud to call my own while I embark on a journey to pursue a career in art.