Biographical Information

Joseph H. Sulkowksi
American Born 1951

Joseph H. Sulkowski decided at the age of five that he would be an artist. Having declared his intentions, he was encouraged by his parents to develop his artistic talents. Joseph also believes he was influenced by his ancestors' participation in the arts - in 18th century Poland, Count Alexander Sulkowski commissioned one of the most ornately designed Meissen china dinner services, while the Polish magnates of Weilkopolska produced the first Jozef Sulkowski: a scholar, warrior and aide-de-camp to Napoleon.

Following high school, Joseph studied at the Pennsylvania Academy Of The Fine Arts in Philadelphia from 1969-1971 and later at the Art Students League of New York from 1974-1979. It was here that he met his greatest influence and mentor Frank Mason, the foremost American authority on the techniques of the Old Masters. Joseph became his apprentice, learning the traditional principles of painting, from preparing his own canvases to grinding pigments from powdered plants and minerals, and mixing his own mediums and oils using recipes developed by Rembrandt and Rubens. 

Shortly after graduation, Joseph and his brother twin brother James (also a painter and sculptor) were fortunate to be awarded a commission from the Saudi Arabian Government to paint two huge murals depicting Saudi history. 

Since then, Joseph has continued to paint in the style of the old masters. He refers to his style as 'poetic realism', an interpretative form inspired by the natural world. Gradually devoting more time to sporting art, his passion for the outdoors is evident and, working from life rather than photographs, he relies on plein-air painting to capture the moment, often painting on location with a field easel. 

Joseph's work is represented in public and private collections worldwide, including England, France, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Canada, Mexico and Switzerland, as well as across the United States. He has received numerous awards including the AAPL Grand National Award, the Grumbacher Gold Medallion Award, and the National Arts Club Award.