My art is an outward realization of an inner expression. My focus leans towards animals and nature from photographic references. Using bold brush strokes, pallet knife gestures, transparencies and colors, allows me to express different animal personalities as the representation of my personal healing.
Painting in acrylic my approach is varied, sometimes realistic, sometimes abstract and has been described as nostalgic, contemporary, deconstructive and surreal. In abstract work I find inspiration in Picasso, Matisse and Franz Marc in their bold use of color and gestural expressions. My more realistic work is influenced by Rosa Bonheur, Fred Stone and photographer Robert Vavra. Some paintings are a messy display of beauty mixed with calamity, while others simply disappear, get painted over again and reveal more of a glowing romanticism. My newest work includes figures to explore concepts of trust and faith in humanity.
Education
2022 Mesa Art Center drawing
2022 Mesa Community College painting and graphic design
2017-2020 A.T. Still University master’s education occupational therapy
2015- 2017 Moorpark College anatomy, painting
2001–2006 UCLA Extension Certificate in Graphic Design
1995–1998 Sonoma State University BA – Art
1993 Community College of San Francisco Art History and painting
1991-1993 Humboldt State University painting life drawing
Professional Experience
2019 – 2022 Hospice of the Valley volunteer bereavement and dementia care
1996–2017 Della Monica Riding and Training Owner Trainer Manager
2013-2017 Sanaa Pharayra Stables Riding School Instructor
2013-2015 Ride On Therapeutic Horsemanship Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor
2014–2015 Hearts Therapeutic Riding Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor
2009-2010 Santa Monica City Police Horse Attendant
2007–2008 Mill Creek Equestrian Center Riding School Director
2001–2007 Special Equestrian Riding Therapy Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor
1993 La Hue & Associates Sign Design and Installation, intern
Skills and Achievements:
2001- 2022 American Red Cross CPR and First Aid certified
2017 Moorpark Community College Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society
2016 QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Certificate
Ira@IraDellaMonica.com IraDellaMonica.com 818-219-5391
Ira Della Monica
2007–2008 Horses in the Hood Director and Instructor of inner-city youth program
2007–2008 UCLA Horseback Riding Program. Director and Instructor University Program
1998 Sonoma State University Honors Award
Group Exhibitions
2022 Arizona Artist Guild Winter Exhibit Phoenix, Arizona
2022 Gecko Expresso Apache Junction, Arizona
2022 Hunkapi Farms Therapeutic Riding Annual Gala event Scottsdale Arizona
2022 Follow Your Heart Animal Rescue pet adoption event Mesa Arizona
2022 Gucci Pooch Pet Salon Mesa, Arizona
2022 Elite Paw Spa Mesa, Arizona
2022 Power Postal Mesa, Arizona
2022 Jarrod's Café Mesa, Arizona
2013 Calabasas Tennis and Swim Calabasas, California
2012 Follow Your Heart Restaurant Canoga Park, California
2008 Calabasas Saddlery Calabasas, California
2005 Horse Shows in The Sun Indio Grand Prix event Indio California
Memberships
2022 Arizona Artist Guild
2022 Sonoran Art League
2022 West Valley Arts Center
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