Gayle Madeira is an award-winning artist, dancer and choreographer based in New York City. She has been obsessed with and has studied the human figure her entire life and has been fortunate to have the world of ballet and modern dance at her disposal for learning anatomy and for utilizing models. In addition to the human figure, Gayle grew up on a farm in Virginia and had many animals available for drawing and painting inspiration. She received a BFA from the State University of New York, College at Purchase in dance performance and choreography.

Although she has drawn and studied the full figure extensively, Gayle prefers to work close-up on the face and in particular, the eyes of her models. She feels that the eyes are quite possibly the most beautiful things existing on the planet.

Gayle has exhibited at The National Arts Club, The Salmagundi Club, the Williamsburg Art and Historical Center and the New York Hall of Science among others. Her paintings are included in numerous private and institutional collections. Gayle was selected as a finalist in the prestigious Artist's Magazine in 2009 and was the Artist-of-the-Month for Artist's Magazine in their February 2010 issue. You can see the Artist's Magazine article by clicking here.

Gayle’s paintings are prominently featured in the independent film “Prayer to a Vengeful God” directed by Dan Eberle. It is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Technique
Gayle Madeira's primary mediums are oil, charcoal and watercolor. Her painting process is extremely detailed yet simultaneously delicate. In watercolor, she utilizes primarily drybrush painting technique, working mainly wet-on-dry to create high contrast and crisp edges.

Artists Statement
I believe that painting and dance flow from the same source and the viewer is a participant in the choreography of my paintings. The fragility of life fascinates me and through the creation of extreme close-up portraits I search for intimacy and connections.