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Biography
Born in Brazil, Luiz Vilela was raised on his family’s coffee plantation where he developed his love of imagery and all forms of artistic expression. This led him to pursue a degree in Architecture and Urbanism at Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. While in college he began his graphics design career working for advertising agencies and designing sets for the theater. A career in book illustration followed. Wishing to broaden his artistic education he moved to New York City where he received a degree in illustration from Pratt Institute and subsequently joined the art department of Golden Books. At Pratt, he studied painting with Brooklyn artist Meri Bourgard, among others. He also attended the Art Students League where he practiced with Ronald N. Sherr.
Recently, Luiz has been attending workshops in Philadelphia at Studio Incamminati, the school founded by renowned portraitist and artist Nelson Shanks. This has further refined his already extensive art education enabling the artist toproduce some of his most atmospheric work to date. Luiz’s paintings, watercolors and drawings have been exhibited ingalleries in Bucks and Hunterdon Counties. His work has won several awards including two The Lambertville Historic Society Award in The Lambertville And The Surrounding Area Exhibition, at Coryell Gallery; and the Robert S. Prichett Award for a Scene of New Jersey, at The Phillips’ Mill Show, 2009. Luiz's work has recently been included in the 79th Annual Exhibition of the Hudson Valley Art Association at The National Arts Club, New York City; he won the Thora M. Jensen Memorial Award Portrait.
“My goal is to reproduce what I see with my eyes, but also what I feel with my heart. To do that, I must think, imagine, compose and create my truth in a way that makes the art achieve an atmosphere and enchantment that will be universally appreciated,” says the artist. Currently a designer at Random House he divides his time between Manhattan and his home and studio in Lambertville, New Jersey. Luiz Vilela is a member of Portrait Society of America, and the Artsbridge’s group in the Delaware Valley.
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