My watercolor practice is rooted in the luminous tradition of the early English watercolor painters. I begin with a detailed pencil drawing using hard graphite (2H, 4H and 6H) to map tonal values and reserve the pristine white of the paper for highlights. Over this foundation, I gradually build up layers of transparent watercolor. Broad atmospheric movements, such as skies, water or the base for stone walls often require five to eight wet-on-wet or wet-on-dry applications before I refine local details with a dry brush or fine point.
Via Di Belvedere, Florence, watercolor over graphite on cold-pressed paper, 24 x 18" (60 x 45 cm) The walk down Via Di Belvedere offers one of the most charming views in Florence. The ancient walls of Florence frame the path as you oversee the colorful rooftops of the city in the distance. One reason I love transparent watercolor is that it allows me to paint delicate, atmospheric skies. In this painting, the sky is almost a half of the piece and capturing it took an equal amount of focus as the architectural detail.
Bardini Gardens, Florence, watercolor over graphite on cold-pressed paper, 24 x 18" (60 x 45 cm) In the spring of 2023, I visited Florence with an art travel workshop. The photos from that trip have provided inspiration for my artwork ever since. This charming view is found inside the Bardini Gardens grounds. I like the overall warm tone of the piece. In the backdrop, you’ll see typical Italian foliage, the kind that has been the subject of Italian paintings for centuries. The clear, warm Italian light has a brightening effect on the entire landscape on a sunny day.
My style centers on a subtle, atmospheric quality built around rich middle tones, complemented by select highlights and dark accents, rather than dramatic contrasts. The primary focus of every composition is capturing tactile texture and a palpable sense of space.
I have an enduring fascination with old stone walls. Having grown up surrounded by European castles in Slovakia—and missing those ancient structures since moving to New York 30 years ago—I am continually drawn to their profound stability, strength and quiet mystery.
Devin Castle, watercolor over graphite on cold-pressed paper, 24½ x 15" (62 x 38 cm) Devin Castle is located in Slovakia, and this view has been an inspiration since I first saw it. The openings at three levels offer visual relief and an expansive view beyond the massive old wall built centuries ago. I was fascinated by the combination of the strength of the stone wall with the gentleness of the views through the windows. I often spend several weeks working on a single watercolor, so it is important to choose subjects that invoke for me a rich sense of mystery, connection and feeling.
Nitra Castle Towers, watercolor over graphite on cold-pressed paper, 24 x 18" (60 x 45 cm) Nitra Castle is located in my hometown of Nitra, Slovakia. I grew up looking at the view of the castle from my apartment window. The castle has always reminded me of the continuity of time way beyond a single lifespan. In painting this piece, the challenge was to create a sense of space with the visual layering of the brick wall together with a number of towers. After I drew the forms, I carefully masked the light-colored buildings with tape and painted the sky with several wet-on-wet color washes.
Beneath the architectural forms exists an exploration of the ancient and the emergent. The rugged weight of stone represents our deep-seated need for constancy, while the surrounding landscape serves as a testament to nature’s capacity for growth and movement. Through this interplay, I aim to capture a cycle of continual rebirth, where solid, historic foundations are made richer and more vibrant by the fresh breath of new life.
About the artist
Tatjana Garibaldi
Tatjana Garibaldi holds graduate degrees from Cornell University, Central European University and Comenius University. She grew up in Slovakia, then moved to New York City where she has lived for the past 30 years. She studied art with the award-winning American watercolor artist Frederick Brosen, whose artwork graced the cover of the October/November 2022 issue of International Artist. Additionally, she has also attended art classes and workshops at the Art Students’ League of New York.
Garibaldi is a member of the historic Salmagundi Club of New York, the Art Students’ League of New York and the American Artists Professional League. Her artwork has been shown in numerous juried group exhibitions, including at the Salmagundi Club of New York and American Artists Professional League. In 2025, her painting Devin Castle received the Holbein Award for Watercolor at the AAPL’s 97th Grand National Exhibition in New York.
Garibaldi’s upcoming solo watercolor exhibition, Air, Light, Distance, curated by IMUR Gallery director and founder Ivy Huang, will be presented at the Salmagundi Club from October 6 to 20.