Mary Beth Sasso
& LuluBella
My life. My love. My Art.
I find art to be a journey of self-discovery, allowing me to appreciate the beauty of life in all that surrounds me. My specialty is pastel painting, which I love for its pure pigmentation, allowing me to capture any subject's true essence. Every painting I create fills me with contentment, and I’m constantly amazed at the inspiration the world provides me for my art.
My art is not merely a creation; it is an extension of my soul, an invitation to explore the beauty that surrounds us and lies within us all.
Art has been my passion since childhood and is a source of joy and inspiration. I have a natural talent for drawing, which led me to pursue a career in the arts. At 14, I began studying under the tutelage of Claudia Post, Master Pastelist and gained much knowledge about artistic development from her as my mentor.
I received a B.A. in Graphic Design from Central Connecticut State University, where I honed my design skills even further. For over 30 years, I worked as a graphic designer, creating visually captivating designs that resonate with audiences. In 2008, I returned to my love of fine art, which has been a transformative experience for me.
My studio, located in the Northwest Corner of Connecticut, is a peaceful and inspiring place where I can explore various styles and techniques to showcase my creativity. I have a particular affinity for working with pastels, but I also use watercolor, oils, graphite, and charcoal to create unique and expressive pieces.
My art is focused on capturing the essence of people, animals, and the natural world. I strive to reveal my subjects' inner beauty and depth through finely composed portraiture and plein-air paintings.
As a mentor, I can share my passion with students of all ages. I teach beginner and intermediate levels the fundamentals of pastel painting and basic drawing skills, helping them nurture their creativity. In addition to my other professional endeavors, I hold the position of associate faculty member at Santa Rosa Junior College in California; I am fortunate to have the opportunity to teach the fascinating and rewarding field of art. In addition, I'm a certified Teaching Artist through the John F. Kennedy Arts Center. I teach K-12 art in combination with core subjects.
In addition to teaching, I am also a certified yoga teacher. I find that the synergy between art and yoga is incredibly powerful, providing a meditative and creative experience that benefits the mind, body, and spirit. Overall, my art is an extension of my soul, and I am grateful to be able to share it with others.
MEMBERSHIPS
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Five Points Arts
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Northwest Connecticut Arts Council
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New Britain Museum of American Art
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Connecticut Pastel Society
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Pastel Society of the West Coast
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Petaluma Arts Center
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Creative Sonoma
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Luther Burbank Center for the Arts