About
"The relationships I've developed in the artistic community, with both collectors and students are very important to me. Sitting down together in my studio, steaming cups of coffee in hand, talking about why certain pieces resonate, the creative process, or discussing a commission, foster a connection that I consider to be part of the artistic process. " Materese Roche
For over a decade, Materese Roche has been well regarded for her atmospheric landscape paintings. Her award-winning work is sought after by art collectors and interior designers for their emotive qualities as well as their unusual sense of place - simultaneously specific yet universal.
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With classical training, she earned the necessary technical skills to capture the appearance of a landscape. However, it is the quiet, focused study of nature that allows her to uncover the poetry of a location. Subtle light and color gradations, combined with unexpected textures give her work a depth and movement viewers can feel.
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Born in Philadelphia, she received her Bachelor of Arts from Temple University. A lifelong advocate of the arts, culture, and education, she returned to her first passion of painting, after many successful years in a corporate career.
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Materese trained at The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and studied aesthetics at the Barnes Foundation. She earned a coveted place in a 5-week master class to study with internationally renowned landscape artist Israel Hirshberg in Civita Castellana, Italy. Completion of the Best Painting Practices Workshop at the Florence Academy of Art under George O’Hanlon refined her craftsmanship by focusing on conservation-grade art materials and their proper use to ensure the highest physical quality and longevity of oil paintings.
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Her work has been exhibited in group shows at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Newman Galleries in Philadelphia, Gratz Gallery in Bucks County, PA, and was awarded a solo exhibition at the Philadelphia Sketch Club.
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Much of her work focuses on coastal and maritime paintings of New England, and creating commissioned landscape paintings for art collectors and interior designers.
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Inspiration and Process
Comments and Reviews
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"One of the area's most prestigious and talented contemporary artists . . . highly regarded for her masterful compositions".
Paul Gratz, Owner, Gratz Gallery, Doylestown
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"A mathematician, like a painter or poet, is a maker of patterns, and Beauty is the first test. Through her paintings, Materese Roche continually proves this theory to be true". Diana Cerone, art critic, and writer
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"It's not just a meadow or still life object in front of her, Materese incorporates all of her senses into her work. Combined with her unique vision, this is what makes her work distinct."
L. Bradley, Specialist, Fine Art Department, Rago Arts and Auction
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Invitational Exhibition at Gratz Gallery