The New York Optimist

01/06/2026

Stephen M. Russ
Fine Art
​
https://www.stephenmruss.com/home

Ellicott Square Building- 24 x 31

1896
https://www.thenewyorkoptimist.net/stephen-m-russ-fine-art.html
Was the largest office building in the world made with structural iron when it was completed. Erected on the site that Joseph Ellicott chose for himself when he laid out his plans for New Amsterdam (now the city of Buffalo) in1797. The title for the property was retained by heirs for almost 100 years and was subsequently named Ellicott Square.

29/05/2026

Sara Conca
​Artist - Model
https://www.saraconcafineart.com/

And A Few Questions With The Artist'

TNYO: Sara It has been a pleasure over the years knowing you and tripping the light fantastic through the NY Art world.
Your art is fantastic and filled with light and color, Can you tell us what inspires you and how you go about creating your art?

https://www.thenewyorkoptimist.net/sara-conca-8203artist---model.html

Sara: I draw my inspiration from nature and aquatic free flowing energies.
I like to create artwork that is healing and grows with you.
I use a lot of crushed crystals and raw mica flakes to help manipulate the organic effect of constant flow,reflection ,movement and energy from the reflecting light on each piece.

TNYO: Can you tell us a little about your modeling career?

Sara Conca: I downplay a lot that I was a successful model in NY.
It worked against me in what I wanted to be. Or so I thought. Yet I kept persisting in my creative Endeavors and feel safe enough to agree yes I have had two amazingly successful careers in my lifetime as of yet. Modeling has surely helped me understand the need of showcasing with elegance and class.

​I really can’t be more grateful to Ralph Lauren for the countless years by being his fit model. It has schooled me on creating timeless pieces that withstand most fashion decor trends. It also has educated me on the uses of color in feeling.

29/05/2026

The Art Of Rodrigo Sanz
http://www.rodrigosanz.org/bio.htm
Title:: Casineros in a Rueda
​Etching
https://www.thenewyorkoptimist.net/the-art-of-rodrigo-sanz.html
I am a New York based artist who has been fortunate to study Art in New York, Spain and Italy with very talented artists.

My art work has been influenced and inspired by many artists like Rembrandt, Velasquez, Vermeer, Caravaggio, Goya, Kathe Kollowitz and Antonio Lopez Garcia. My interest in literature, music, dance, cycling and nature have also inspired
my art work and many times they are the subjects of my drawings ,prints and paintings.

I work in various mediums, black and white and color, and I prefer to not be limited to one genre.
This series of prints are about strong contrasts between dark and light, life and death, music and silence. The compositions are divided by shadows and light and the main characters are musicians, dancers and nature.

29/05/2026

https://www.thenewyorkoptimist.net/peter-gustav-kluge8203-8203artist-1945---20188203.html

Peter Gustav Kluge​ ​Artist 1945 - 2018​ ​ Stories I've never been very good at creating a statement that explains what my work is about. Short stories or Snapshots come closest. My earliest exposure to ‘making art’ was in grade school.

21/05/2026

Christopher Roche
Fine Art

https://www.christopherocheart.com/

“Batman”
Original Acrylic on Canvas
48”H x 36”W
$5000
​Limited Edition Giclee Prints available on gallery wrapped canvas

Adam West was "Batman" for an entire generation of American children, including me. I was born in 1961 and when the original "Batman" TV series hit the airwaves in 1966, I was glued to the TV for every episode. Thank goodness it was broadcast twice a week, which was very unusual for that time. Always my favorite superhero, I will always remember "Batman" as Adam West from the original TV series, none of the later big Hollywood movies ever connected with me like that TV show. With the 60th anniversary of the first episode airing just a couple of weeks ago, I couldn't resist painting my version of 'Batman". The original is currently available for purchase, in addition to 100 limited edition giclee prints on canvas which will be available in various sizes, including custom sizes upon request.

21/05/2026

Maria DeFranco
Sculpture

https://www.defrancoartworks.com/

21/05/2026

https://www.thenewyorkoptimist.net/doug-stuckle-8203fine-art.html

Doug Stuckle ​Fine Art Artist Doug Stuckle Was born and raised near Courtenay North Dakota, He paints in oil in a realism / Naturalism Style. Favorite Subjects Include People and Places In the Midwest and other places he has travelled. His work has

21/05/2026

https://www.thenewyorkoptimist.net/michelle-soslau-8203fine-art.html

Michelle Soslau ​Fine Art Michelle Soslau's career as a visual artist and art education included an extensive exhibition record and faculty positions with museum, college and community programs. To date, Ms Soslau has had ten solo exhibitions in the Phi

21/05/2026

https://www.thenewyorkoptimist.net/nina-clayton-art.html

Nina Clayton ​Art What is the best way to say something to others visually? Perhaps it is something that will engage the viewer on a subconscious level. Create a conduit to the imagination, like seeing faces in passing clouds. Summon natural instincts,

21/05/2026

https://www.thenewyorkoptimist.net/antje-roitzsch-multi-media-art.html

Antje Roitzsch Multi Media Art Take a moment to breathe. Watch the mobiles move and come to your own center. The gracefully moving sculptures have the potential to transform the energy of the room and yourself. Watching the ever-changing shapes awakens