RENEE C. DINAPOLI, MFA

Professional Artist Biography

Renee C. DiNapoli is an award-winning professional artist, educator, and former faculty member of Ringling School of Art & Design whose oil paintings are recognized for their luminous color, dramatic contrasts, and exceptional attention to detail. Known for her contemporary florals and beachfront interior realism, she has spent more than three decades developing a distinctive artistic vision centered on light, atmosphere, and a profound sense of place.

DiNapoli’s artistic foundation is rooted in extensive classical training. She studied with an Italian master and spent many years studying at the Louvre in Paris, experiences that continue to influence her approach to composition, color harmony, and the treatment of light. She later earned her Master of Fine Arts degree from the Red Mountain Institute of Art.

Inspired by frequent travels throughout the Caribbean, DiNapoli’s work captures the beauty and tranquility of coastal living. Her signature interiors often frame expansive views of the sea, allowing viewers to experience the landscape from within the comfort of an elegant living space. These paintings create a sense of presence, inviting the viewer to step into the scene and experience the interplay of architecture, light, and water. Her large-scale floral paintings further distinguish her work through their contemporary presentation, vibrant palette, and striking visual impact.

Oil remains DiNapoli’s medium of choice because of its richness, versatility, and ability to convey luminosity. Whether painting a floral subject, an interior overlooking the sea, or a commissioned portrait, her goal remains constant: to create beautiful images that glow with light and evoke an emotional connection with the viewer.

In addition to her studio practice, DiNapoli has enjoyed a distinguished teaching career. She has served on the faculty of Ringling School of Art & Design in Sarasota, Florida, and has taught at both Tulane University and Loyola University in New Orleans. Her commitment to artistic excellence has influenced generations of students while strengthening her own dedication to craftsmanship and creative expression.

Her work has been widely exhibited throughout the United States and has received numerous national and international awards. DiNapoli’s paintings are included in the permanent collections of the State of Florida and the Vieques Museum of Fine Art in Puerto Rico. Her work also resides in distinguished private collections across the country, including the Virginia Toulmin Collection, Ehrlich Collection, Creely Collection, Knafla Collection, Tsolinas Family Collection, and several other notable collections.

Corporate and private commissions have played an important role throughout her career. Notable projects include a commissioned oil painting for Stallion Boot Company in El Paso, Texas; six Monet-inspired paintings for a major Chicago banking institution; artwork created for a $250 million residential development in Virginia Beach, Virginia; and a monumental 30-foot corporate montage commissioned by The Flegell Corporation in St. Louis, Missouri.

Recent recognition includes First Place in the 2024 International Women’s Artist Competition for Rose Transparency, Third Place in the 2025 Fusion Art International Still Life Competition for The Essentials, Second Place in the 2025 Fusion Art International Colors Competition for Patio Stripes, and recognition by the World Art Awards for Realism. Her paintings have also been featured in numerous juried international exhibitions sponsored by Fusion Art, Camelback Gallery, Tervarna, and other respected organizations.

Today, DiNapoli continues to create original oil paintings and commissions from her Sarasota, Florida studio. Her work celebrates beauty, light, and the enduring emotional connection between people and the places they love.

DiNapoli Studios • Sarasota, Florida • www.dinapolistudios.com