Studio Update: “Overhead Sun on Bridge Street” Accepted into SCNY Recent Works

When: September 1 – September 25, 2026
Where: On display in the Rockwell Gallery at 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC
Opening Reception: Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

I am proud to share that my painting, “Overhead Sun on Bridge Street,” has been selected for the upcoming “Recent Works by the Membership” exhibition at the Salmagundi Club (SCNY) in New York City.

This entire summer, I concentrated on stepping out of the studio and painting strictly plein air, capturing the shifting light and immediate energy of the outdoors. “Overhead Sun on Bridge Street” is a direct result of that seasonal dedication.

About the Exhibition Theme:
The theme of the “Recent Works” show is uniquely tied to this exact momentum. The jury specifically sought out fresh, original concepts created within this calendar year, placing a heavy emphasis on work produced during this past summer. Together, the collection serves as a vibrant, real-time portrait of the active SCNY art community, showcasing what its members are exploring right now.

Exhibition Details:

The reception is open to the public, so if you are in the city on September 17th, please stop by, say hello, and view the incredible collection of summer-born works.

“Wandering the Wasteland” Selected for SCNY “Summer Living” Exhibition

When: June 30 – July 31, 2026
Where: Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Ave, New York, NY
Opening Reception: Jul 23, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

I am excited to announce that my painting, “Wandering the Wasteland,” was accepted into the annual juried members exhibition, “Summer Living,” at the Salmagundi Club (SCNY) in New York City.

Highlights from the exhibition:

  • The Gallery: On display in the historic Rockwell Gallery at 47 Fifth Avenue.
  • The Theme: A seasonal celebration exploring summer perspectives, open air, and coastal or quiet seasonal pastimes.

You can also view the full collection of works from this show online via the official SCNY Summer Living Exhibition Catalog. A huge thank you to the SCNY jury panel for selecting my piece!

Stay tuned—more studio updates and event recaps are coming your way soon.

Francisco Silva Selected for First Street Gallery 2026 National Juried Exhibition in Chelsea

When: June 25 – July 18, 2026
Where: First Street Gallery, 547 West 27th Street, Suite 514, New York, NY 10001 (Chelsea Art District)
Opening Reception: Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

I am proud to announce that my work was accepted into the prestigious 2026 National Juried Exhibition at the historic First Street Gallery in New York City. The exhibition ran from June 25 through July 18, 2026, in the heart of the Chelsea Art District.

This year’s national exhibition was curated by Scott Noel, a highly respected painter, curator, and longtime professor at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA). Out of entries from across the country, my work was chosen as part of a final group highlighting contemporary artists.

Highlights from the Exhibition:

  • Prime Placement: I was incredibly honored to discover that my painting was given prime placement in the gallery—it was the very first piece visitors saw as they walked through the entrance!
  • The Opening Reception: I attended the opening night on Thursday, June 25th. The gallery was packed, and the energy was electric. Chelsea is famous for its vibrant art scene, and with so many receptions happening simultaneously across the district, the neighborhood was absolutely buzzing with artists, collectors, and enthusiasts.
  • The Historic Venue: First Street Gallery has been an influential, artist-run staple of the New York art world since 1969, making it a privilege to show my work on their walls.
Francisco Silva in front of his painting "Tab for 2, Under the Moon" at First Street Gallery in Chelsea, NYC.
Francisco Silva in front of his painting “Tab for 2, Under the Moon” at First Street Gallery in Chelsea, NYC.

A huge thank you to juror Scott Noel and the gallery staff for this incredible opportunity and for giving my painting such a prominent spotlight.

Studio Update: “The Long Shadows of 8am” Sold at SCNY Spring Auction

When: March 17–26, 2026
Where: Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Ave, New York, NY
Opening Reception: Mar 20, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

I am proud to share that my painting, “The Long Shadows of 8am,” was recently selected and sold at the Salmagundi Club Annual Spring Auctions in NYC.

Highlights from the event:

  • The Venue: Exhibited in the historic Salmagundi Club townhouse on Fifth Avenue.
  • The Tradition: Part of New York City’s oldest continuous fine art auction tradition, running since the late 1870s.
  • The Result: The piece successfully found a home with a new collector during the live auction sessions.

A huge thank you to the buyer and the auction committee. This is just the first of many updates from a packed spring and summer season—stay tuned for the next post coming very soon!

Three Paintings Sold at Lambertville Historical Society “Plein Air Plus 2026”

Collector bidding on my painting "New Hope State of Mind"
Collector bidding on my painting “New Hope State of Mind”

When: March 7, 2026
Where: Riverside Ballroom in Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn

I am thrilled to share a recap of a fantastic evening at the annual Lambertville Historical Society “Plein Air Plus 2026” benefit silent auction. The event took place on March 7th at the beautiful Riverside Ballroom inside the Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn.

It was a truly wonderful experience filled with great art, plenty of food and drink, and a fantastic atmosphere. Even better, many of my talented friends and fellow artists from Hunterdon County participated, making it a stellar night celebrating our local creative community.

Highlights from the Event:

  • The Cause: The evening featured over 65 original artworks celebrating the historic charm and scenic beauty of our local Delaware River towns. Proceeds from the auction directly benefit the Lambertville Historical Society and the ongoing preservation of the historic James Marshall House Museum.
  • The Results: I am incredibly proud to report that all three of my submitted paintings were successfully sold during the silent auction!
  • The Community: Gathering together with regional artists and collectors to support local history reminded me why the Hunterdon County and Delaware River art scenes are so incredibly special.
Fellow artists Barbara Kaiser and Helen Lee Meyers who also participated and sold at the event!
Fellow artists Barbara Kaiser and Helen Lee Meyers who also participated and sold at the event!

A huge thank you to the buyers who took my pieces home, to the Lambertville Historical Society for hosting such a seamless benefit, and to all the friends who came out to support the event.

First Place at Salmagundi: Three Brothers

When: February 3–27, 2026
Where: Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Ave, New York, NY
Opening Reception: Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM 

I was accepted into the Salmagundi Club in December. Two months later, I entered my painting Three Brothers into my first exhibition there, Connections. At that same exhibition, the juror awarded Three Brothers First Place.

In this painting, I explore how family members relate within shared spaces. I focus on quiet tension, distance, and connection in everyday moments—a quiet scene captured on canvas.

The Salmagundi Club has a long tradition of supporting representational art. This award, especially so early in my membership, confirms that this direction in my work resonates.

View Three Brothers:
👉 https://franciscosilvaart.com/urban-life-info/urban7-info.php

On View at Trenton Makes Jazz

When: February 13–March 22, 2026
Where: Trenton City Museum at the Ellarslie Mansion
Opening Reception: Friday, February 12, 2026, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

I’m pleased to share that my painting, Brass in Full Voice, is currently on view at the Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie Mansion as part of the Trenton Makes Jazz exhibition.

The piece reflects my ongoing interest in the figure and scenes from everyday life, and in this case, how rhythm and movement can be translated visually. Jazz has a physicality to it — an improvisational energy — and I approached this work with that same sense of immediacy and responsiveness.

Trenton Makes Jazz is a juried exhibition featuring artists responding to the history and spirit of jazz across a range of media. The show runs through March 22, 2026, at Ellarslie Mansion in Cadwalader Park, Trenton, NJ.

If you’re in the area, I hope you’ll have a chance to see the exhibition in person.

Accepted to Salmagundi Club’s “Connections” Exhibition

I am proud to announce that my painting, “Three Brothers” (18″x24″, Acrylic on Canvas), has been accepted into the Connections Exhibition at the historic Salmagundi Club in New York City. 

This piece is particularly meaningful as I begin the new year as a newly inducted Artist Member of the club. “Three Brothers” captures a quiet, candid moment—a typical scene at home after dinner—exploring themes of brotherhood and the visual language of unity that shapes our daily lives. 

The exhibition will be on display at the club’s iconic brownstone at 47 Fifth Avenue from February 3–27, 2026.

Exhibition Details:
When: February 3–27, 2026
Where: Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Ave, New York, NY
Opening Reception: Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM 

If you are in the city, I invite you to stop by the galleries to see the show. Admission is free and open to the public during gallery hours.

Acrylic Painting Tip #2: The Advantages of Princeton Catalyst Polytip Brushes (A Hog Hair Alternative for Acrylic Painters)

When searching for the perfect acrylic painting brush, artists often face a trade-off between the traditional feel of natural hog bristles and the durability of synthetics. The Princeton Catalyst Polytip brushes solve this dilemma. Designed with advanced synthetic fibers that mimic the natural flags of hog hair, these brushes combine strength, precision, and responsiveness—making them a favorite among both acrylic and oil-style painters. Whether you’re layering impasto textures or blending delicate glazes, Polytip brushes offer the control and resilience modern artists need. Personally, I rely on them in both plein air painting sessions outdoors and longer, detailed studio work, and they perform beautifully in both settings.

What Makes Polytip Brushes Unique?

Princeton Catalyst Polytip brushes are made with synthetic fibers that are split at the tip, mimicking the natural flags found on hog bristles. This gives them a similar texture and responsiveness to natural hair while providing extra durability. The split tips increase the surface area, which means these brushes can:

  • Hold more paint for longer, consistent strokes.
  • Release paint evenly, without leaving streaks.
  • Mimic the stiffness and spring of hog bristles, perfect for thick acrylic or oil-like applications.

Advantages for Acrylic Painters

  1. Durability – Unlike hog hair, which can break down quickly in water or under the harsh polymers in acrylic paint, synthetic Polytip fibers hold up over time. They resist fraying and keep their shape even after heavy use.
  2. Versatility – Whether you’re working with heavy body acrylics, gels, or pastes, these brushes handle thick textures beautifully. They’re also great for blending and glazing.
  3. Natural Feel Without the Downsides – If you’re used to oil painting and love the feel of hog bristles, Polytip brushes offer a nearly identical tactile experience, but with none of the shedding, water damage, or stiffness loss.
  4. Cost-Effective – Synthetic brushes are generally more affordable than high-quality natural bristle brushes and last longer when used with acrylics.

The Bottom Line

Princeton Catalyst Polytip brushes bridge the gap between the traditional and the modern. They give acrylic painters the feel and control of a natural hog hair brush but with the resilience of synthetic fibers. If you want a brush that lasts, performs, and feels like the classics, Polytip brushes are an essential addition to your studio.

Making Time for Plein Air Painting with a Full-Time Job

Balancing a 40-hour workweek with painting isn’t easy — and when your focus is plein air, it gets even trickier. The best light often happens in the mornings or evenings, and those hours don’t always line up with a 9–5 schedule. Still, with some planning and a willingness to either work small or tackle a larger piece over several sittings, I’ve found ways to keep my plein air practice alive alongside a full-time job.

1. Weekday Evenings
After work, I don’t always have the energy for a full painting session — but even an hour outside can make a difference. I’ll either bring a small canvas (8×10 or 9×12) for quick studies, or a 16″ x 20″ and plan on several sittings. Both approaches keep me in the habit of observing light and color directly from life.

2.Keep it Local
To save time after work, I paint somewhere within walking distance of where I live. This cuts out the commute and scouting, and it makes it easier to squeeze in shorter sessions during the week.

3. Thumbnails to Save Time
Thumbnail sketches have become my secret weapon. They let me work out composition and value decisions before I even set up my easel. When daylight is fading fast after work, this preparation helps me start painting with a clear plan, instead of hesitating and losing precious minutes.

4. Weekends for Larger Sessions
Since weekday time is limited, I treat weekends as my opportunity for longer plein air sessions. I’ll pick a location, pack my gear, and spend several hours chasing light and working on larger canvases. The smaller weekday sketches often feed into these bigger works, giving me a head start.

Making time for plein air painting with a full-time job is never perfect. Some weeks are busier than others, and sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate. But staying consistent, even in short bursts, is what keeps me growing. It’s not about waiting until I have endless free time — it’s about carving out space where I can, brushstroke by brushstroke.