oil on canvas 24 x 60 in framed: 32.5 x 68.5 in
Coming to the United States from Hungary in 1957, Bela began his life in America with a good omen. Arriving in New York with virtually no command of English, he set his easel up in Times Square and let his work do the communicating, selling his first painting in a matter of hours. Since that time, he has lived on both coasts and the Midwest, eventually settling in his present location in Northern California. As his career flourished, Bela was approached by Walter Foster Publication to create and design a book on the art of painting landscape scenery. The resulting publication, 32 Painting Lessons in Oil, is still respected as a fundamental source of information, and is still carried in hundreds of art supply stores nationwide.A romantic impressionist, Bela's work in landscapes and his magnificent florals are full of energy, reminiscent of those artists who revolutionized the Paris art world a century ago. Noted for his masterful use of luminous color and light, Bela regards texture as an integral part of the finished work. "What makes my art appealing is the texture with which I complement every painting," he says. "Texturing a painting doubles the amount of pigment required, but it adds to the depth and impact of the composition." This multi-talented personality has made a significant contribution not only to the world of art, but to the realm of humanities in general by also distinguishing himself as a musician and classical composer. While it is not true that an artist has to suffer for art, it is true that they do possess the gift of channeling negative experiences into positive expression. Perhaps, in part, the tenacity and bravery Bela Bodo has shown for the sake of his freedom has played a role in making his talents so prolific and varied, and his work so eloquently appreciative of the beauty found all around us. His paintings are in the fine art collections of Nancy Marriott, Marriott Hotels, Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego and many other private and corporate collections throughout the United States.