"From My Studio Window," by Bruno Zupan is inspired by the view from his work space in Mallorca.

The artist, who divides his time between Europe and Columbus, Ga., will be festured in a one-man show at St. Simons' Left Bank Art Gallery.

It was a pleasure recently to spend a few quiet minutes speaking to critically acclaimed artist Bruno Zupan. The interview was held in preparation of Left Bank Gallery's annual one-man show for the artist. The show is always held in February, as Zupan and his wife Jane travel much of the year, spending only a few winter months in the States at the family home in Columbus, Ga. The balance of the time is spent in the artist's native Europe, where he most often paints. It was Zupan who titled his style Poetic Realism, and it would be difficult to find a more accurate term for it. While many of his works express the charm of the Old World - the canals of Venice, the parks of Paris and the villages of Mallorca, they are all about the romance and beauty often overlooked in today's world.

CAA: What can you tell us about your work environment and schedule?

BZ: I work every day except when I'm traveling. The best times are early morning and late afternoon when the colors are most intense. Eight months of the year, I work outside, in the fields, by the lake, in the garden or by the sea. Here I am completely free. Four months I work in the studio, painting still life subjects and whatever comes from memory.

CAA: What was your first art inspiration?

BZ: As a child, born when World War II began, we had to make our own toys. I loved making toys from chestnuts, turning tin cans into cars and cutting out windows and doors in boxes to make houses. From then I knew that I always would want to make something with my hands. Before age 10, I realized that I wanted to be a musician or painter. I was very bad in math; beautiful images and nature are what interested me.

CAA: Do you come from an artistic family?

BZ: No, my father was a judge.

CAA: What formal training have you received?

BZ: I graduated from a five-year program at the Institute of Art in Zagreb, plus I had two more years of formal training at the Fine Art Institute. Then I went to Paris where I studied at a number of different art academies.

CAA: Is your work influenced by any of the art Masters?

BZ: In the beginning, yes, it was. The great artists of Greece and Egypt influenced me, and I particularly admired Goya. Later I developed my own style.

CAA: How does culture and travel influence your work?

BZ: Art is universal; it belongs to everyone. I never want to become a "local artist." This is why I am constantly traveling from Georgia to my major studio on Mallorca, to Paris, to Venice and to New York. When the circuit is complete, I start all over again.
In these travels I am following the sun, timing my trips to when the sunlight is at its best. When I have good sun, it is easy to create a third dimension, almost like sculpting between light and shadow. Once I have put down the light and shadow on a canvas, one-half of the painting is complete.

CAA: Do you have favorite subjects to paint?

BZ: Ones that are colorful, full of life and movement like the flowers, the clouds and the sea.

CAA: You work in oil and watercolor. Do you prefer one to the other?

BZ: I like switching from one to the other. It gives me vitality, inspiration and energy. It is a challenge to create energy in different mediums and radiate it to the viewer.

CAA: Are you always happy with your finished paintings?

BZ: Some I become more attached to than others, but I always believe the next one will be better.

CAA: If your paintings could see the faces or listen to the hearts of their viewers, what would you want them to learn?

BZ: I always enjoy watching people looking at my work. I hope they are filled with the same life, love and almost religious feeling I get when I create them.

CAA: How would you compare your work today with that of 10, 20 or 30 years ago?

BZ: It is difficult to say. They are like steps. If you want to get from here to there, you can't escape taking the steps. Each step is important.

CAA: Do you have a goal for your artistic future?

BZ: Yes, I do. I would like to be one of the best.

CAA: Do you have a favorite quote?

BZ: I have many, but perhaps this one is appropriate to our discussion: "Bad artists are recognized by their long hair and beards, the good ones by their work."

For more information on Bruno Zupan and the Feb. 8 opening of his one-man show contact Mildred Huie Wilcox at Left Bank Art Gallery on St. Simons Island, 1-800-336-9469 or (912) 638-3017. Online: www.leftbankartgallery.com/