Jeff Bonasia grew up north of Boston and spends his time between his Charlestown studio and as an active member of the the lower Cape art community. His influences include Eugene Conlon, Andrew Wyeth, John Singer Sargent, Anders Zorn, Joaquin Sorolla and Antonio Mancini. He began his fine art career as a watercolorist and now works exclusively in oils.

His education includes independent study at The Art Students League in New York City, the Lincoln Road Arts Center in South Beach, Miami and Florida International University where he studied with Aramis O’Reilly and James M. Couper III. In Miami, Jeff was invited to participate in a two-man show at the Burger King Corporation.

Jeff is a member of the Copley Society on Newbury Street in Boston, the oldest, non-profit art association in the United States. In 2009, Jeff was featured in Cape Arts Review and American Art Collector.

Artist's Statement:
Robert Henri, the late, much admired artist and teacher at the Art Students League in New York, described the creative process as “seeing beyond the usual”. For me, an aging dock, for example, comes to represent the travails of hundreds of fisherman that have gone out to sea. A weather-beaten boat embodies the character of those who have sat at the helm. Painting connects me to all of life and makes me feel more alive. Hopefully, those viewing my work will enjoy it and occasionally chance to see beyond the usual.