Biography

"Elio's first oil painting at 16 years old"

Elio Sonsini was born in Italy on May 8, 1944 in Tocco da Casauria in the province of Pescara, a charming town in the Pescara Valley, happily nestled on a hill at the foot of Mount Morrone, and among the richest in history in Abruzzo. Here, in fact, were born some very well-known personalities, among whom we remember the painter Francesco Paolo Michetti and the poet Domenico Stromei, both of whom lived in the 19th century, and the contemporary painter Vincenzo Galli.

Growing up in the atmosphere full of activity of his town, Elio developed since childhood a strong sensitivity towards art, which led to undertaking studies at the Art School of nearby Pescara, named after the Abruzzese painter and sculptor "Giuseppe Misticoni", which he completed with great passion.

In 1967, having moved to America, he continued his studies in Philadelphia at the Tyler school of classical art school. Still in America he attended watercolor painting courses, which became his favorite technique, which he deepened and perfected under the guidance of the renowned painter Clifford Winner, subsequently, embarking on an artistic career and enriched himself professionally with a renowned Philadelphia watercolorist Michael Rocco.

Over the years Sonsini has painted uninterruptedly and with great love for art, he has experimented with different techniques, preferring watercolor and acrylic. The broad path, which has him to reach a high professional level, led him to the years, in which he began a new artistic phase, which is a dynamic expression of his unconscious as well as an unpredictable exploration of the abysses of the human consciousness.

During his career Elio Sonsini has set up various exhibitions in Italy and abroad, much appreciated by the public and by profound art connoisseurs. He has won numerous awards and his works have been published in various Italian art catalogs. His paintings are found in various private and public collections.

Sonsini has taught painting techniques in Italy and currently teaches in America in Massachusetts.

Elio's Art class

Comments from Elio's Art Students

I would like to share a few words about our verytalented painting instructor, Elio Sonsini who will be presenting a large exhibit of his paintings in the near future.
Elio’s work is diverse in subject, including beautiful landscapes, cultural studies of people and populations, varied social and religious statements as well as artisticrepresentations of architectural and design elements.
Our class is a diverse group of “students” with varied art backgrounds and skills who have a common desire to
pursue artistic endeavors. Elio is extremely generous, he volunteers his insights, talents and skills with us weekly in class, and on occasion socially, where much discussion on the arts takes place.
Elio is unanimously appreciated and respected by all. I am infinitely grateful for his teaching, guidance, and the
support and knowledge he shares with the entire class.
Thank you, Elio for your infinite generosity in support of all of your students.

Sincerely
Carol P.

Elio is an enthusiastic instructor who guides his students from the beginning stages to completion of a painting. As a good teacher he first compliments an
aspect of a student’s painting before offering advice on how the work can be improved. Elio has helped me with composition and technique and has encouraged creativity so I am not just trying to paint an exact copy of my photo.
Elio is also a creative artist, primarily painting from imagination and memory, and experimenting with the
technique and mediums of watercolor and acrylic.
He enjoys sharing his personal work with us as he encourages us to experiment and expand as artists. He
has also generously given us some of his small watercolors and invited us into his art gallery.

Phyllis

Elio is blessed with a natural
artistic ability. Thankfully his
creative talentis shared with
his students. He demostrates the multiple skills and elements necessary
to bring a piece to life. Inspiring!

Adrienne

Elio brings unmatched energy and passion to every class. His magical touch with colors and brushstrokes
never ceases to amaze me. He creates skies, landscapes, and flowers that takes my breath away. He encourages us to paint from the heart, and he has a special way of
helping each of us express our emotions through art. His belief in every student is empowering, and his guidance transforms how we see and create.
Learning from him is not just about painting, it’s about discovering, joy and expression in life itself.

Wei Shi

A complete artist, very flexible and creative, able to share his experiences with others, he enriched my life.

Lydie

Magnifico

Elio is the art doctor, I am just learning watercolor and Elio helps me improve love his stile and his generous personality.

Jane

Through Elio guidance, patience and support, he helped me develop an artistic talent I never knew I had. Elio gave me the convidence to experiment with new subject matters and realize that my initial attempts were not failures, but rather steps in the learning process.

Linda A.

Elio watercolor class has been an inspiration to me, he is a publised artist, he visual descriptions and
social observations, have helped me to pull my canvas to life and action.

Diane R.

Thanks to Elio my view of the world has changed, I pay attention to how the contrast of lights and darks make things pop off the page, how the placement of colors and lines create movement, and how the play of sunshine and shadow can evoke emotion. I now look at the world through the eye of an artist.

Shirley Lyon

Elio has inspired me to love

watercolor painting. He brings much joy and passion to our class. I have learned so much from his

experience and talent.

Deb

I had limited experience in watercolor painting from many years ago. Upon starting class with Elio, I learned how fascinating it is to paint in watercolor. Elio is an amazing artist and able to explain, describe and demonstrate this art to his students. He is patient and encouraging as an instructor. It is obvious from the dedication of the group of students that Elio has generated intense interest and a love of watercolor.

Robin Shaye

"He is the truth" right to the point set me free.

Eric T.

Learning to even attempt, to learn watercolor saved me from a dark period. I see the light now because Elio taught me to look at the light-then paint using his valuable teaching.

Guen

The class with Elio is my first class and went beyond my expectations.

Not only have I learned a lot but can also appreciate art from a different perspective.

Jean La