Cooper & Smith is proud to introduce NADIA MAHFUZ. In her paintings, Nadia explores and exploits the the key elements of Classical Realism—form, edges, light and color in both natural and fabricated objects. Her formal training focused on subject matter considered naturally beautiful, such as florals, nudes, seascapes and portraits. As Nadia evolved as a painter, she realized that capturing light and, more importantly, beauty itself can be elusive. She discovered the Japanese concept of Wabi-Sabi, wherein beauty is found in the imperfect, and imperfection is not always attached to a physical trait. She began to experiment with space and light to reveal the quiet beauty that exists in everyday objects.

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Nadia received her classical instruction from R.H. Ives Gammell student Paul Ingbretson. The training followed the atelier system of the 19th century France.  As it did historically, a student was trained in still life, portrait, figure and plein-air painting. She also studied privately with contemporary New York painter Carol Bolsey.  

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