D.Colabella Fine Arts is proud to present two artists who are incredibly talented in their realist art. The title of this show, Reflecting Life, refers to the obvious technical skill these artists exhibit, but it also allows the viewer of the pieces to reflect on these tiny slices of life represented by the artist.

“Often depicting ordinary subjects in a unique presentation, these artworks remind us to not take our surroundings for granted,” said Gallery Owner Dee Dee Colabella. “Everyone is busy, myself included, so I’m really looking forward to spending time with these artworks to admire the craftsmanship, and reflect upon the little pieces of life that they depict.”

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

RICH ALEXANDER

In 2009 Rich Alexander had the good fortune of meeting Illustrator Alan Reingold while Rich was designing the 9/11 firefighter Memorial in Mt. Kisco, NY. Alan encouraged him to attend his portrait and drawing classes in Mt. Kisco and at Parsons School of Design in NYC. After working with Alan for two years Rich met fine artist Geoff Barbey who instructed Rich in oil painting at his Dobbs Ferry Studio. Geoff introduced Rich to famed landscape painter John Osborne who taught traditional painting at the Ridgewood Art Institute in Ridgewood NJ and Rich has been painting at the Ridgewood Art Institute ever since.

Rich is a trained Draftsman and owned and operated a Sign Company, hand lettering signs and trucks with lettering enamels. In 1986 Rich became a New York City Fire Fighter. During his 21 year career with the FDNY Rich designed, built and painted dozens of firehouse tables all over New York City, painted murals on firehouse walls and designed many company logos. Most tables have elaborate hand painted murals and are covered in clear epoxy which will last many lifetimes. Rich Alexander has won many National and International painting competitions, most notably, 1st. Place in the Oil Painters of America 2023 National Exhibition wet paint competition in Charleston, SC.

Rich describes his transition from working in some of New York City’s busiest fire houses to working in some of the best studios around as “One of the most exciting things I’ve ever done, I’m blessed to have this opportunity. I’m drawn to anything creative, when I was in high school my father and I restored a 1958 corvette. That experience left an indelible impression.

Witnessing the transformation of a broken down, dusty old non-functioning classic vehicle to an award winning sports car was awe inspiring.” Rich has renovated houses, designed Granite Memorials, and designed developed and managed production of residential lighting. “I’ve had a good run of creative experiences over the years, oil painting however has captured my heart and changed my life. I can’t imagine doing anything else. I’m devoted to developing my skills as an oil painter. The parallel between the comradery I experienced in firehouses all over New York City and the comradery I see in the art studios is captivating. People helping people.” Rich is drawn to seascapes and landscapes but loves still life work as well.

COREY EID

Around two years ago, Corey Eid was at a crossroads professionally: “What I thought I wanted didn’t really matter anymore, and the entire world had stopped operating as we knew it. I was in an uncomfortable position of not knowing what I was going to do. One night, before I went to bed, I prayed to God for something that I could do, that could be mine. I woke up the next morning, and over the next few days, I felt an intense inspiration to start drawing. I haven’t stopped since. I love drawing people. As the old saying goes, ‘The eyes are the window to the soul’ and for me, I truly believe that you can pick up on someone’s energy when you stare into their eyes. That is why my main focus as an artist is to bring out, not just the likeness, but the essence of the subject through my drawings.”

Dates: March 20 - May 12, 2025