About the Artist

CHRISTOPHER PIERCE is a nationally recognized fine artist who paints florals, still lifes, portraits, figures, and interiors with panache and a mature sensitivity. Along with his stunning portraiture, he is well known for the huge and commanding florals that come from the bounty of his gardens in Upstate New York.

This year(2025) his paintings were featured in the December issue of AMERICAN ART COLLECTOR magazine. And his painting, "Fragile" was featured in the same magazine's article on the  Salmagundi Club's annual members' show.

In 2024 his painting, "Sunday Morning" was a semi-finalist in the Art Renewal Center's 17th International Arc Salon Competition.

Also in 2024 his painting, "Departure" was selected as a finalist in the 2024 RICHESON75 Figure/Portrait competition and exhibition.

In 2021 his work was featured in the July issue of AMERICAN ART COLLECTOR magazine. And later that year, the magazine 518 Profiles in November 2021 published a lavishly illustrated article chronicling Pierce's experience and education in fine art and classical music. Along with reproductions of recent paintings there are photographs of his imposing Shushan, New York studio and of the artist at work. Mr. Pierce is quoted, saying, "It's all about passion for me. I get wrapped up in the passion of art. I'm the luckiest person in the world because in the studio I have my Steinway piano and my easel. I can give recitals, my artwork hangs in galleries around the country, and I'm doing what I did when I was nine-years-old. I'm fulfilled." Click here to see the November 2021 issue.

Also that year his painting "Early Summer Blossoms" won the Kaitlyn V. Moriwaki Memorial Award at the Hudson Valley Art Association's 88th annual juried exhibition; and at the same show in 2020 his painting."White Peonies on a Crimson Tapestry" won the Kazuko Moriwaki Memorial Floral Award. 

In 2018 his painting, "Prelude to Summer" was selected as as finalist in the still life category of the ARTISTS MAGAZINE's  33rd annual art competition. He was also awarded second prize in the Sylvia Maria Glessman members competition at the Salmagundi Club, NYC.

In its April/May 2014 issue, International Artist Magazine published a feature article on Mr. Pierce's work, his studio, and a demonstration of him creating one of his paintings. Also that year his painting Alex: Homage to Sargent and Tuke was awarded the "Speaks to You" prize in the American Artists Professional League online Portrait and Figure Exhibition.

In 2013 Mr. Pierce was featured in articles in both American Art Collector and Fine Art Connoisseur magazines. His paintings were also finalists in both the Portrait/Figure and Still Life/Floral categories in The Artist's Magazine's annual art competition. His work was published in the Exhibit Book for the Richeson75 Online Still Life and Floral Exhibition.

In 2011 The Artist's Magazine featured a six-page article on Mr. Pierce's work in its June issue. His painting Alex: Homage to Sargent and Tuke was reproduced in the magazine, having been chosen as a finalist in The Artist's Magazine's 2010 portrait competition. A demonstration of how Pierce painted the life-size portrait on a 7' canvas can be seen by clicking here

Mr. Pierce had a two-week solo exhibition of 90 paintings in the main gallery of the National Arts Club in New York City in January, 2010. Also in 2010, Pierce had a six-week solo exhibition of his paintings at the Spa Fine Art Gallery in Saratoga Springs, New York.

In September 2009 Studios Magazine featured a seven-page article on Pierce's studio in Shushan, New York.

In 2008 his painting Sunflowers and Peacock Vase won the Helen Decozen award for a floral at the American Artists Professional League Grand National Exhibition in New York City.

In 2006 Pierce's portrait The Gardener won First Prize at the Connecticut Society of Portrait Art annual competition. His landscapes, figures, and floral still lifes were featured in Adirondack Life magazine and New York Art Review.

The artist, who has been called a poetic realist, grew up near New York City and attended Hackley School in Tarrytown, New York. He received his bachelor's degree from Skidmore College and his master's degree from the College of St. Rose. He has also studied with David A. Laffel and Terrence Coyle at the Arts Students League.

Pierce is currently represented by Lily Pad Gallery in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, Lily Pad|West in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Spa Fine Art in Saratoga Springs, New York. Pierce has been elected to membership in the National Arts Club and The Salmagundi Club in New York City. He is also a member of the American Artists Professional League and the Hudson Valley Art Association.

Premier gallerist and former dean of contemporary realism John Pence wrote of Pierce, "Christopher Pierce is a mature artist whose recent paintings have become immensely popular with John Pence Gallery's key clients. He is a painter richly steeped in the tradition of the Old Masters, who brings vibrancy, atmosphere, and lush coloration to his work. From an early age painting was a passion that Pierce has pursued with great success. In recent years the art press has focused attention on his talents with rave coverage in American Artists Magazine, International Artist Magazine, and numerous regional journals. In addition, Mr. Pierce has garnered prizes and awards from prestigious organizations across the country, including The Salmagundi Club's "Best Traditional Oil" award and "Best of show - Master's Division" at the Central Adirondack Annual in Old Forge, New York. His colors are ground in the tradition of the old masters, which renders his work with a timeless monumentality. Mr. Pierce has been with John Pence Gallery since 2002 (until Mr. Pence's retirement 2016,) having previously shown widely in the New England and New York area."

• MA - College of St Rose, Albany, NY, (1982)
• BA - Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY (1975)
• High School - Hackley School, Tarrytown, NY

• Four Months Painting in Tuscany, 2019
• Seven Months Painting in Tuscany and Sicily, 2002
• Art Students' League, New York, NY
• Studied with David A. Leffel and Terence Coyle

• Fellowship to Adamant Community Cultural Foundation, Adamant, VT (1989)

• Cover Artist and featured article in 518 Profiles Magazine, November 2021
• Featured Artist, Fresh From the Garden, American Art Collector Magazine, July 2021
• Featured Artist, International Artist Magazine, April/May 2014
• Luminescent Interplay, Featured artist, American Art Collector Magazine, June 2013
• Featured Artist, Fine Arts Connoisseur Magazine, February 2013
• Exhibit Book, Richeson75 Online Still Life and Floral Exhibition 2013
• Featured Artist, "Still Life Paintings: Still in Bloom" Fine Arts Connoisseur Magazine, February 2013
• Featured Artist, The Artist's Magazine, June 2011
• Featured Artist and Studio, Studios Magazine, September 2009
• Featured Artist, Glens Falls Post Star, May 12, 2009.
• Featured Artist, American Artists Magazine, December 2006
• Featured Artist, American Art Collector Magazine, August, 2006
• Featured Artist, The Artist's Magazine 2005, Calendar
• “Allegories,” Invitational Exhibition, John Pence Gallery, Editor, 2004
• “Nudes,” Invitational Exhibition, John Pence Gallery, Editor, 2003
• “Self Portraits,” Invitational Exhibition, John Pence Gallery, Editor, 2003
• “ Still Lifes, Florals and Interiors,” Invitational Exhibition, John Pence Gallery, Editor, 2002
• “Master Painters of the World, International Artist Magazine, August-September, 2002
• “Sunflowers in a Chinese Vase ”(24"x36" print), Portal Publications, Worldwide Release, 2001
• Featured Artist, International Artist Magazine, February-March, 2001
• Cover Artist and feature article, 'The Scene" Glens Falls Post-Star, November, 2000
• Cover Artist and feature article, American Artists Magazine, May, 1999
• Profiled, Adirondack Life Magazine, April, 1992
• Profiled, New York Art Review, 1991 Annual

• 2021 "Early Summer Blossoms" won the Kaitlyn V. Moriwaki Memorial Award, The Hudson Valley Artists Association 88th annual juried exhibition
• 2020 "White Peonies on a Crimson Tapestry" won the Kazuko Moriwaki Memorial Floral Award, The Hudson Valley Artists Association
• 2018 "Prelude to Summer" selected as finalist in the still life category of The Artist's Magazine's 33rd annual art competition
• 2018 Sylvia Maria Glesmann Floral Members' Exhibition Second Prize. The Salmagundi Club, New York City
• 2016 "Golden Majesty Iris" won Sylvia Maria Glesmann Floral Members' Exhibition Second Prize, The Salmagundi Club, New York City
• 2014 "Alex: Homage to Sargent and Tuke" won "Speaks to You" award, American Artists Professional League Members Only Portrait Theme Show, Online Exhibition.
• 2013 Finalist, The Richeson75 Online Still Life and Floral Exhibition
• 2013 Finalist, The Artist’s Magazine National Competition, Portraits/ Figures Category
• 2013 Finalist, The Artist’s Magazine National Competition, Still life/Floral Category
• 2012 Honorable Mention Award, 113th Annual Exhibiting Artist Members' Exhibition, National Arts Club, New York City
• 2010 "Alex: Homage to Sargent and Tuke" was Finalist in The Artist's Magazine National Competition, Portrait and Figure Division
• 2009 Honorable Mention Award, 110th Annual Exhibiting Artist Members' Exhibition, The National Arts Club, New York City
• 2008 "Sunflowers in Peacock Vase" won Helen DeCozen Award for a Floral, Grand National Exhibition, American Artists Professional League, New York City
  
• 2008 "Who's the Fairest?" won the Visual Arts Program Award, The National Arts Club Online Exhibition
• 2007 "Massimo Receiving the Letter" won Members' Popular Vote 3rd Place, The National Arts Club Open Online Exhibition
• 2007 "Sunflowers in White Chinese Vase" won Crimson Atelier Award, Grand National Exhibition, American Artists Professional League, New York City
• 2006 "The Gardener" won First Prize, The Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists, ”Faces of Winter” Show
• 2005 Visual Arts Award, The National Arts Club Online Exhibition
• 2005 "Sunflowers in Chinese Vase" featured in The Artist's Magazine Competition Finalists Calendar, April
• 2005 Frank C. Wright Award, The Hudson Valley Art Association, Hastings-on-Hudson, New York
• 2004 "Sunflowers in Chinese Vase" chosen as Finalist, The Artist's Magazine 2004 Art Competition
• 2004 "A Christmas Table" presented Certificate of Merit, "Holiday Theme Exhibition," The Salmagundi Club, New York City
• 2001 "Sunflowers in Chinese Vase" won First Prize in Traditional Painting, The Salmagundi Club Annual Combined Exhibition, New York City
• 2000 American Artists Fund Award, Grand National Exhibition, American Artists Professional League, New York City
• 2000 "Sunflowers in Chinese Vase" received the Gene Magazzini Memorial Award, Annual Members Show, The Salmagundi Club, New York City
• 2000 "Wingback" won Best Traditional Oil Award, The Salmagundi Club Annual Members Show, New York City
• 2000 "Sunflowers in Chinese Vase" selected as Finalist, The Artist's Magazine 2000 Art Competition
• 1999 Elected Fellow, American Artists Professional League
• 1999 Awarded Membership, Hudson Valley Art Association
• 1995 "Christopher's Letter" won the Ruth Dyke Challacombe Director's Award, Oil Painters of America, San Antonio, Texas
• 1995 "Christopher's Letter" won Best of Show, Master's Division, Central Adirondack Annual, Old Forge, New York
• 1994 "Victorian Morning" won Honorable Mention, The Salmagundi Club Annual Summer Exhibit, New York City
• 1994 Peter Matulavage Memorial Award, American Artists Professional League  Grand National Exhibition,, New York City
• 1994 "Sunflowers" won the Carleton Wiggins Memorial Award, The Salmagundi Club Annual Members Show, New York City
• 1994 "The Family" won a Certificate of Merit for Outstanding Work, Silent Auction, The Salmagundi Club, New York City
• 1993 "Christopher's Letter" given Award of Merit, Knickerbocker Artists USA Annual National, Washington DC
• 1993 "Christopher's Letter" won Samuel T. Shaw Memorial Award, The Salmagundi Club Annual Members Show, New York City
• 1993 Donald Donaldson Memorial Award The Salmagundi Club Annual Thumb Box Show, New York City
• 1993 "Young Man" won the Donald Donaldson Memorial Award, The Salmagundi Club, New York City
• 1993 First Prize, North Country Council of the Arts Annual, Glens Falls, New York
• 1992 Elected to Immediate Membership, Hudson Valley Art Association Annual Exhibition, White Plains, New York

• 2010 Spa Fine Art Gallery, Saratoga Springs, New York
• 2010 Grand Gallery, National Arts Club, New York, New York
• 2006 Quidley and Company, Nantucket, Massachusetts
• 2006 “Drawings”, Spring Studio, New York, New York
• 2005 Southern Vermont Art Center, Manchester, Vermont
• 2004 John Pence Gallery, San Francisco, California
• 2001 Southern Vermont Art Center, Manchester, Vefrmont
• 1999 Villa Serbelloni, Rockefeller Study Center, Bellagio, Italy
• 1998 Wesley Art Gallery, Saratoga Springs, New York
• 1995 Georgi Museum, Shushan, New York
• 1995 Red Piano Gallery, Hilton Head, South Carolina
• 1994, 1991 Beside Myself Gallery, Manchester, New York
• 1993, 1991 Capital District Community Center, Albany, New York
• 1993, 1990 South Vermont Art Center, Manchester, Vermont
• 1992, 1990 Ginofor Gallery, Cambridge, New York
• 1992 Hubbard Hall Art Gallery, Cambridge, New York
• 1991, 1988 Greenwich Free Library, Greenwich, New York
• 1991 Steuben Club, Albany, New York
• 1989 Benefit Exhibition for "Our Brothers' Keepers" Albany, New York

• 2009 June, Three person show, Southern Vermont Art Center, Manchester,Vermont
• 2008 John Pence Gallery, Invitational, "Floral Show," San Francisco,California
• 2008-2004 National Arts Club, Annual Exhibiting Members Show, New York City
• 2008-1993 American Artists Professional League, New York City
• 2008-1992 The Salmagundi Club, New York City
• 2008, 2004-2000 Audubon Artists, New York City
• 2006, 2004-1992 Hudson Valley Art Association Annual, Hastings-on-Hudson, New York
• 2006 John Pence Gallery, Invitational, "Interiors," San Francisco, California 
• 2005 John Pence Gallery, Invitational, "Allegories," San Francisco, California
• 2004-1989 Southern Vermont Art Center, Manchester, Vermont Annual Open
• 2003 The Salmagundi Club, Thumb Box Exhibition, New York City
• 2003 John Pence Gallery, Invitational, “Self-Portraits,” San Francisco, California
• 2003 John Pence Gallery, Invitational, “Nudes,” San Francisco, California
• 2002 John Pence Gallery, Invitational, “Still Lifes and Florals,” San Francisco, California
• 1997 Akron Society of Artists, Akron, OH
• 1996-1987 Central Adirondack Masters Show, Old Forge, New York
• 1995-1987 North County Council of the Arts Annual, Glens Falls, New York
• 1995 Oil Painters of America, San Antonio, Texas
• 1995-1994 Springfield Museum of Fine Arts, Springfield, Massachusetts
• 1993 Knickerbocker Artists USA, Washington DC
• 1992 Allied Artists, National Arts Club, New York City
• 1990-1987 Adirondack Life Exhibition, Lake Placid, New York

• Lily Pad Gallery, Watch Hill, Rhode Island
• Lily Pad | West, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Artsy.net  See Link Here
• Spa Fine Art, Saratoga Springs, New York
• 1stDibs.com See Link Here

• Portrait Society of America
• The Salmagundi Club, New York, NY
• American Artists Professional League, Inc., New York, NY
• Hudson Valley Art Association, NY
• Southern Vermont Art Center Inc., Manchester, VT