A Love Story

EXHIBITED
ANTHONY WAICHULIS
(BORN 1972)
A Love Story
Oil on panel
10 x 8 inches
Signed

PROVENANCE
Anthony Waichulis
Rehs Contemporary Galleries, Inc., New York City

“The Bachelor’s Drawer by nineteenth century Trompe L’oeil master John Haberle is by far one of the most influential works I have ever laid eyes on. I remember that upon first glimpse I was not only awestruck by the captivating demonstration of virtuosity, but also by the sentiment and candor inherent to this intimate snapshot of nineteenth century living. As a young aspiring artist, I was inspired beyond words.
It was not until many years later that I felt the confidence to pay homage to Haberle’s influential masterpiece. My 2005 work “A Bachelor’s Pad” was not only an attempt to strive to meet the technical standards of the celebrated nineteenth century master---but was also an exercise in weaving another intimate glimpse at lifestyle.
Now, 10 years later, I am elated to find the opportunity to revisit the influence of Haberle’s great masterwork for the highly-anticipated 2015 Rehs Contemporary exhibition, Sexes. It is my intention to again explore the potential of this ‘intimate snapshot’ to present a more mystery-laden landscape to be explored. I sincerely hope that the viewers will enjoy the challenge…”

BIOGRAPHY - Anthony Waichulis (Born 1972)
Waichulis began his academic artistic training in Northeast Pennsylvania at 14. His first few years of art education were well rounded under the guidance of Judith Hatcher and eventually the diverse staff of Instructors at The Luzerne County Community college in Nanticoke. His college years would provide significant inspirations that resulted in a vast amount of attention both regionally and afar. His first one-man exhibit would end up a near sell out within one hour of its opening; a strong foreshadowing of the reception his work would receive across the nation and beyond.

By continuing his education at The Schuler School of Fine Arts in Maryland, Waichulis would meet some of the most respected artists in their field. The school was founded by nationally renowned portrait artist Ann Schuler, who had served as assistant to Jaques Maroger, former Director of Restoration at the Louvre. A brilliant faculty offered a wide spectrum of expertise that would add new dimension to Waichulis' endeavors. Baltimore would also receive his work with resounding interest, allowing his Trompe L'oeil paintings to become highly prized by knowledgeable collectors from across the country and abroad. It was at this time Waichulis thought of returning to Northeast Pennsylvania to continue to pursue his work in the region in which it began.

In 1997, Anthony opened the doors of his own studio in his Pennsylvania hometown. It was this Atelier, The Waichulis Studio (TWS) that would become responsible for training some of the most celebrated realist artists today. TWS would quickly become one of the most respected Representational apprenticeship studios in the United States. In 2010, Anthony’s highly successful educational efforts caught the attention of a newly forming entity with aspirations for an educational effort on a global scale. This new entity, The Ani Art Academies, was the brainchild of Mr. Tim Reynolds, co-founder of a thriving Wall Street trading firm, passionate artist, patron of the arts, and founder of The Tim Reynolds Foundation. Mr. Reynolds’ vision was to create a non-profit effort that would provide an intensive multi-year art skills education to aspiring artists around the world. In 2011 The Waichulis Studio merged with the Ani Art Academies project to form the domestic flagship of the Ani project: The Ani Art Academy Waichulis.

Today, Anthony continues to grow his craft at the Ani Art Academy Waichulis. He has exhibited in many of the most respected venues throughout the country including the Arnot Art Museum, the Washington Museum of Fine Arts, the Smithsonian Institute, the Midwest Museum of American Art and the Orlando Museum of Art. Anthony's works continue to appear regularly in top national publications such as The Artist's Magazine, American Art Collector, and Fine Art Connoisseur. His efforts have garnered top honors in nearly every prestigious national and international competition held today including The Artist's magazine's Annual Competition and the Art Renewal Center's International Salon Competition. In January 2006, Anthony became the first Trompe L'oeil painter to be granted Living Master status with The Art Renewal Center.

"My painting efforts still remain as steadfast and focused today as they have when my journey began. I continue to teach and lecture privately, at academic institutions, and various art associations throughout Northeast Pennsylvania. My desire to learn and grow as an effective Representational Trompe L'oeil painter remains unfettered. I aspire to honor those I follow and strive to give benefit to those who may one day follow me." -Anthony Waichulis