ARTIST SPOTLIGHT JOHN BAYALIS

John Bayalis, born in 1950, showed an interest in art early on being educated in the Northeastern U.S. He was influenced by the works of Hopper and Wyeth and realism became the primary importance for him. Mr. Bayalis earned a BFA degree in art and an MFA degree in painting at the University of Delaware and taught all levels of art from elementary school through college. He pursued an active studio and exhibition schedule throughout his career, being affiliated with fine art galleries throughout the United States including The Leslie Levy Gallery in Scottsdale, Az. and the ACA gallery in New York City.

He has also participated in juried exhibitions throughout the world. Bayalis resides in St. Petersburg, Florida with his wife Margaret, a painter as well. He has been the recipient of numerous awards and has traveled in Ireland, England and France conducting painting workshops and working on location. Among his honors are an award of a DSAC individual artist’s fellowship grant and selection for The Watercolor Page in AMERICAN ARTIST magazine where his work graced the cover.

Recently he was featured in Watercolor Artist magazine and Fine Art Connoisseur. His works are included in private and corporate collections throughout the United States.

What is it like, two artists in a marriage?

Mutual admiration and trust in each others art instincts are important. From the early stages of a work I seek out feedback and impressions from Margaret to solidify my commitment to it. It is very special to have a life partner that shares a love of the arts.

What artists do you admire, and why?

I have been influenced by many artists particularly realists painters Johannes Vermeer, Edward Hopper, Andrew Wyeth and Richard Estes to name a few. Their subject choices, compositional elements and techniques have effected my own choices in painting.

I have explored different subjects over the years which can seen in viewing the works from my current show at Woodfield Fine Art. I have experimented with various levels of realism and composition which is evident in the works in this exhibition.

Do you do prints of your originals? Limited Editions?

I have issued limited edition giclee reproductions of select paintings. These are available upon request. They are printed on archival paper using light fast inks and I supervise the scanning and printing process.

How many buyers of your art would you consider collectors of your?

25% or so of buyers return to buy additional works which I define as a collector. My works have also been purchased museums and corporations.

Do you do commissions?

Yes, if it fits into the framework of my subject matter and techniques.

How many pieces of art do you think you’ve sold in your life?

I would list sales as:

Major works ( 30"×22" and larger): 300+

Smaller paintings, drawings, plain air lworks: 500+

Valuation and pricing can be difficult for some artists. Do you use a formula, or are you passed that?

I base pricing on the production time, materials and scale of the work, as well as previous sales of related works.

Are you aware of any of your pieces that have resold in the market for a higher price than what you sold it for?

Not that I am aware of.

Do you feel that collectors mainly buy because. 1. They just love the work and want to hang it on their wall. 2. Look to make money by reselling the piece? 3. Just want to support the artist? Other?

I feel buyers usually relate to a work on a personal level. When they connect to it that way, then want to have it . Collecting can be a consideration if they have purchased previous works and find a new one that relates to the earlier connection.

Have you painted something that you will just not sell?

Yes I have produced personal works that are not for sale. These are subjects and moments that are special to me.