Diane Romanello is a self-taught artist whose scenic paintings are characterized by a sense of beauty and romance, inviting the viewer into a serene natural world. Whether depicting pastel flower gardens lining a promenade, brick lanes leading to lakefronts, or boardwalks which entice a walk on the beach, her images suggest the memory of a treasured place.

Romanello's paintings blend luxuriant and soothing color with sumptuous texture, her brushstrokes evident in every image. Her luminous beach scenes, landscapes, gardens and country retreats merge elements of fantasy with realism, accomplished by the artist's keen sense of light, texture and composition. Savoring the intensity of color and calming energy inherent in nature, both present in her paintings, the artist's aspiration is simply stated: "I want the viewer to feel as though they can step right into my work."

The artist is equally attentive in her ability to impact charitable organizations' prosperity through her artwork. Contributing an original oil to United Way of Long Island to augment fundraising efforts, Romanello donated "Idle Hour" to The McGaw Foundation, a non-profit arts industry endeavor for AIDS prevention, care and cure in May 1994. Sales of the poster from "Idle Hour" directly benefit charities committed to supporting people living with AIDS.

With her one-person shows consistently selling out, and her selection by private and corporate collections nationwide, including AT&T, Columbia Pictures, Equitable Life Insurance and United Way of Long Island, Romanello's message is clearly well-received.

BIRTHPLACE: New York City, NY EDUCATION: Queensborough College, Queens, NY

New York University, New York, NY EXHIBITIONS: Art Expo, New York, NY

Soundview Art Gallery, Port Jefferson, NY

Garden City Art Gallery, Garden City, NY

Robley Gallery, Roslyn, NY

Soho Editions, New York, NY

Gallerie Sarelle, Los Angeles, CA

Prestige Fine Art Gallery, Baltimore, MD

Stricoff Galleries, Soho, NY

Renaissance Galleries, Baltimore, MD

Left Bank, St. Simons Island, GA

Atlantic Art Gallery, Red Bank, NJ

Gallerie Americana, Carmel, CA

Post Galleries, Houston, TX

Reflections on Canvas, Westfield, NJ

Renjeau Gallery, Natick, MA

Central Park Gallery, Kansas City, MO

Passions Art Gallery, Provincetown, MA