Biography Originally from Brazil, Luiz Vilela spent his childhood on a farm in the midst of a coffee plantation. It had deep influence on his life. The love for imagery and all forms of artistic expression led him to Rio de Janeiro, where he got a BFA in Architecture and Urbanism at FAU/Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. While still in college, he began his career working in graphics for advertising agencies and in theater set design. Soon he was also illustrating children's books. Looking to broaden his experience in the graphic field, Luiz moved to New York City, where he received a degree in Illustration from Pratt Institute. He was fascinated by New York. Luiz joined the art department of Golden Books and began to illustrate, paint and design for such clients as The World Bank Group, Makron Books, Editora José Olympio, The New York Times, The Meredith Publishing Group and, most recently, The Apprentice: Martha Stewart. In addition, he attended classes at the Art Students League. The artist's considerable output continues to be primarily in oils and in watercolor. The sketch pad is a constant companion. He loves travelling and discovering places that will be the subject of new paintings. One of his favorite locations is Nantucket Island, MA. On a trip to the Delaware River area in the fall of 2000 Luiz found a new source of inspiration. Since then, the work has focused on picturesque locations along the river, roads and towns, especially Lambertville, NJ. Through a path bathed in sunlight, a rower on the river or a quiet street corner, the artist is speaking to the ones who appreciate a moment of beauty: images that tie people to certain places and times in their lives. Currently, Luiz divides his time between Manhattan, where he works as a designer at Random House, and his studio in Lambertville, New Jersey. Exhibits 2007 - Hunterdon & Landscape (solo show), Howard Gallery, New Hope, PA, 2007 - Lambertville And The Surrounding Area, The 27th Annual Juried Art Show at           Coryell Gallery, Lambertville, NJ, 2006 - Hunterdon Land Trust Alliance (HLTA) plain air contest event, Doris Duke’s Estate,Hillsborough NJ, - Second prize Award 2006 - Shad Festival/Poster, Lambertville, NJ, - Best in Show Award 2006 - Lambertville And The Surrounding Area, The 26th Annual Juried Art Show at           Coryell Gallery, Lambertville, NJ,  - Lambertville Historical Society Award 2005 - On Nantucket Island (solo show), Louisa Mellrose Gallery, Frenchtown, NJ, 2005 - Lambertville And The Surrounding Area, The 25th Annual Juried Art Show at           Coryell Gallery, Lambertville, NJ, 2004 - New Jersey Chapter of the American Artists Professional League, Inc. - Fall Open Juried Exhibition 2004, Louisa Mellrose Gallery, Frenchtown, NJ, 2004 - Shad Festival/Poster, Lambertville, NJ, - Fred Lewis Memorial Award 2004 - Lambertville And The Surrounding Area, The 24th Annual Juried Art Show at           Coryell Gallery, Lambertville, NJ, 2002, 2003, & 2005 - Shad Festival/Poster, Lambertville, NJ, - Best Humorous Award 2003 - Lambertville And The Surrounding Area, The 23rd Annual Juried Art Show at           Coryell Gallery, Lambertville, NJ, - Lambertville Historical Society Award 2003 - Fourth Art Juried Show, Louisa Mellrose Gallery, Frenchtown, NJ, - Best in Show Award 2002 - At The Boathouse (solo show), Coryell Gallery, Lambertville, NJ, 1999 - Images (solo show), MammaSaid Cafe Bar, New York, NY, 1997 - AOS Program Show, Pratt Institute, New York, NY,