August 2, 2026

The first piece is an impression of my father walking his dog, Dolly, on the boardwalk in Asbury Park. He lived there for a year and really loved taking her out for walks; this piece is my visualization of what that would have looked like in front of the Convention Center.

A man's best friend, watercolor, 9 x 12 1/2, 2026

These next two pieces are from our recent portrait painting nights

"Mia", watercolor, 9 x 12

Ballet Dancer/Director, Tamara Rojo, rehearsing

Small Sketches:

Sketches for Asbury Park Boardwalk painting.

Dickenson Hall, Princeton University Campus

Sketches of my father

Painting of David and more

My newest painting here is based on the story of David's battle with Goliath and his victory based upon his faith. God did for him what seemed impossible for a young man of his stature, compared to Goliath's. I used the three sculptures of David that I admire the most. The sculptures I referenced are from Donatello, Michelangelo and the center figure from Bernini.

David, watercolor and ink, 9 1/2 x 13, 2026

David sketch, 7 x 10 inches

I had fun with this loose watercolor of Lincoln with some red, white and blue.

Abraham Lincoln, watercolor and ink, 5 1/2 x 8 inches

    

Sketchbook paintings from Ocean Grove

The Stokes Statue in Ocean Grove, with a couple of tent homes in the background.

5 1/2 x 8 1/2, watercolor and ink

Food Stand, watercolor and Ink. 6 x 4 inches

Life Drawing and Portrait Painting Sessions

for inquiries email: spdamato@gmail.com

Art Reception/exhibit

My painting, "The Swan And The Golden Moon" is currently on display with the NJ Art Association's exhibit, at the Library of the Chathams, in Chatham, NJ.

MAY 1, 2026 TO MAY 30, 2026
LIBRARY OF THE CHATHAMS
CHATHAM NJ 

The Reception is Sunday May 17th, 2 - 4 PM

The Swan and The Golden Moon, watercolor, ink and graphite, framed 16 x 12 inches

other new work

James Dean, graphite and watercolor, 9 x 12 inches

 Sketchbook drawings 

graphite, ink and watercolor, 5.5 x 8.5 inches

 

New work 4-10-2026

Swan, watercolor, 10 x 8, 2026

Bardot, watercolor and graphite, 9 x 13 inches, 2026

Ballerina Sketch, watercolor, graphite and ink, 7 x 10 inches, 2026

Passion, watercolor, graphite and ink, 7 x 5 inches, 2026  NFS

Tatiana, from a drawing session, watercolor, 9 x 13 inches

Figure Drawing Session "Ryessa"

 My painting of our model Ryessa, from our figure drawing session, Thursday, March 19th.

Ryessa, watercolor, 13 x 10 inches

20 Minute initial quick sketch.

Ryessa, watercolor, 10 x 6.5 inches

New work and opening reception

 Slice Of Life 2026 exhibit

"My Regular Ride"

"My Regular Ride", 8 x 8 inches, watercolor, ink and graphite, 2026

This drawing is my entry in this year's, Slice Of Life exhibit. Riding my bike regularly is my main source of exercise and I really enjoy it. I especially like going out to ride the various bike trails in New Jersey, when I can. This winter being unusually cold and with some significant snow, has gotten me to change my routine a bit. I've switched to riding indoors, on my spin bike, until the weather gets a little warmer. I am looking forward to riding my old Trek 6000 bike again soon. I've made some more comfortable changes to it over the years. It is now also more efficient for the type of riding I like doing. 

*** The opening reception is Sunday, March 8th, from 1- 3pm. ***

The exhibit is on display now until April 4th. There are usually quite a number of entries in the show. This is my fourth year participating. Each piece is created by an artist with the Slice Of Life theme in mind. The artist can use any medium they choose, provided it is created with a piece of mat board, that measures 8 x 8 inches. All sales are to be handled through The Artist Framer.

The Artist Framer

116 North Avenue West, Cranford, NJ 07016  

Opened Monday - Saturday from 10am - 5pm

 

From a recent figure drawing session.

A small 20 minute block in sketch for the composition and lighting. Graphite and watercolor.

"Brian." 10 x 14 inches. A longer pose with watercolor and graphite.

Stephen D’Amato, 908.377.9677,  spdamato@gmail.com

Painting gifts for my parents

I finished this painting for my Mom last night. I hope she'll like it. I worked from some older photos through time.

Mom, watercolor, 13 x 9 inches

This is a still-life that I painted for my Dad. It was a birthday present, as he turned 94 this month. Something for his kitchen area in his new place.

Still-life with fruit, watercolor, ink and graphite, 7 x 5 inches

Paintings from recent life drawing sessions

 Some recent watercolor paintings from local life drawings sessions. Always a great experience to paint in these nightly sessions and among other artists. I look forward to attending more.