Well-Attended 12th annual Holiday Open Studio

What a fabulous Holiday Open Studio we had this year! Even with Hurricane Sandy setting us behind 2 weeks, we still had a well-attended, if fact the most successful show in our 12 year history at this New Jersey location.

Carolyne Volpe Curley of the West Essex Alternative Press wrote the following article.

November 17th and 18th, marked the twelfth annual Holiday Open Studio for Caldwell’s resident artist, Lisa Palombo.  Her studio is located in the rear of her family’s Mountain Avenue home and is open to the public by appointment.

Walking in to Palombo’s multi-level studio, one is instantly transported into an alluring meditative but bright atmosphere.  Along the walls and posed on the shelves are vibrantly colored Van Gogh inspired sunflowers and lush, deeply embracing water scenes reminiscent of Monet.

photo by Lisa Palombo Studios

The patio-level open space allows the natural daylight to pour in through the windows; it is here that the artist creates her impressionistic-style Landscapes, Still-lifes and Florals.

Palombo refers to the second level as the Mezzanine, here there is a welcoming gathering area for eating and relaxing.  The third level overlooks the bottom two and it’s there in the office space that Palombo conducts her business.  


Predominantly displayed for her Open Studio weekend were Palombo’s paintings from her “Fields of Joy,” “Koi,” and “Water Lilies” series.

Within the art world, Lisa Palombo is considered a Contemporary American Impressionist.
She started studying art at the age of 9 during summers at the Rhode Island School of Design, from where she later graduated with honors.  She went on to complete her graduate work in Fine Art in Rome at the European Honors Program.

According to Palombo’s own website:
“Palombo produces magical florals, still lifes and landscapes in a unique style that is unmistakable in her expressive brushwork and fearless use of color. She is considered a master of color and the natural form.”

"Follow Me #3" 12" x 18" acrylic on paper

"Autumn" 12" x 36" acrylic on canvas

Roseland collector Marti Koestler, owner of The Frame Shop in Caldwell,  was present at the Open Studio and commented, “You don’t see original artwork as beautiful as this very often. These paintings are very memorable.  They bring joy to my home, and I know people feel happier just viewing them.”

On the mezzanine level, shoppers enjoyed wine and sweets and snacks.  Customers quickly became friends as they relaxed in the warm environment and shared their passion for art and Lisa Palombo’s creations.

Maria Petrino of North Caldwell commented:
“I’ve been collecting since 2000 and I have 4 of Lisa’s painting scattered throughout my home. She paints with such happy colors, the artwork really brings a room to life.”

Lisa told us, “Sometimes I’ll bring pieces of my artwork to a person’s home and help them select the perfect one to match their room design.”

A former student of Palombo’s, Denise Koper from Pompton Plains, attended the Open Studio with her friend from Jersey City.  Both women recalled Palombo’s original Hoboken studio and followed her business here to Caldwell. Koper commented, “I had taken some of Lisa's Saturday morning classes at the time, it was a very meditative atmosphere, and she is very patient with students at all levels. I currently own some of Lisa’s prints and look forward to collecting more.”

Lisa’ artwork is produced with 3 different types of media:
1. Oils on linen
2. Acrylics on canvas and paper
3. Giclee Prints on canvas and paper - a special technique which captures the image with all the tones and hues of the original painting.

Displayed at the Open Studio was a copy of Palombo’s elegant book “ Lisa Palombo American Impressionist” which is a collection of her recent works.

Palombo opens her art studio and gallery to the public twice a year to showcase her new original, oil-on-linen  and acrylic paintings.  If you were unable to attend Palombo’s Holiday Open Studio, she has a website and online store where she explains: “I love florals, color and juicy painting!”

Lisa’s husband, Chris Faust enthused:
"Every year has built on the year before - but this year certainly stands as our most successful ever. We are already looking forward to our spring show in May.'"


Carolyne Volpe Curley writes for The Alternative Press covering the West Essex Area.