Continuing with our artist profiles of artists both living and working in the Hamptons, our next artist is Ted Asnis, who lives in Sag Harbor.

Sag Harbor - Ted Asnis was born in Brooklyn and raised in the Bronx where he lived until college came into the picture. He states that "I played baseball at the site of the new Yankee Stadium. Life was beautiful!" Asnis lives and paint in Sag Harbor year-round.

Artist Ted Asnis in his Sag Harbor studio. Photo by Eileen Casey

Modestly Asnis states that "I had no idea as what I was to be. My father was a pharmacist, my brother a doctor. I did know that neither of those options was for me. So I enrolled in the school of architecture at the University of Florida School of Architecture. Upon graduation I decided to concentrate my efforts on planning and design of commercial office interiors and had my own design firm for many years, as well as painting architectural renderings for other design firms and architects."

After attending the University of Florida , and the New York School of Interior Design, and upon completion of his B.A. in Architecture and doing post graduate work at the NYSID, he became one of the top architectural illustrators in the field. His work for Edward Durell Stone, Carleton Varney and other major designers appeared in House Beautiful, House & Garden, The New York Times and graced the covers of Interior Design Magazine and other design publications.

Additionally, his work is in many private collections here in the Hamptons, and across the U.S. He was chosen as the featured artist for the "Art In The Garden Show" in Bridgehampton, where his work was auctioned for charity in 2008.

"Four Bedrooms-Two Baths," 32" x 42" - Acrylics on Canvas.

For more than 25 years, Asnis ran his own commercial office design firm in New York City, doing work for Simon & Schuster, United Technologies and Paramount Pictures, while continuing to exhibit his artwork. His more recent art has been shown at Artists Woods Gallery, Amagansett, Chrysalis Gallery, Southampton, as well as the Smithtown Arts Center Juried Show, Siena Art Center "Up and Coming Artists," solo exhibits at Pierre's Restaurant, Bridgehampton for 2003 through 2007, numerous Guild Hall Member Shows, and solo exhibits at Bobby Van's Restaurant in Bridgehampton for 2006 through 2008 [where he is on permanent display]; and the Quogue Library Artists Show 2008.

When did you start making art and what medium(s) do you consider to be your roots in art?

Ted Asnis: I remember when I was a kid of six or seven drawing while listening to the major league baseball games on radio. Whenever I was sick and stayed home from school out came the notebooks and pads filled with every ad and comic book character I knew drawn in colored pencil and crayon.

In later years I taught myself to paint - at first using gauche as a medium. Admiring the many styles and techniques of artists such as Andrew Wyeth, Homer and Hopper, I developed a style of my own and a strong desire to paint. Over time, I learned that the acrylics were the medium that suited me best. With acrylics I am able to create an effect similar to an impasto of oils. The odor of oils had an adverse affect on my breathing and was not an option for me.

"Winter on the East End," 32" x 42" - Acrylics on Canvas.

What is it about the Hamptons that brought you here and enticed you to stay, work, and pursue your art here as opposed to some place else?

TA: The Hamptons have attracted artists for many years, before its reputation as a playground for the rich and famous and ever since. You don't have to be rich or famous to fall in love with paradise. Walk along the many paths to the beaches and around the areas of Shinnecock where W. M. Chase painted and it is easy to understand why. The beauty and aura of Louse Point will take your breath away. It's a landscape artist's dream!

"Grazing at Sundown," 36" x 48" - Acrylics on Canvas.

How do you support yourself as an artist?

TA: Supporting oneself as an artist is a challenge anywhere. In our current economy it is especially difficult. I'm so grateful to Joe Phair, the owner of Bobby Van's Restaurant, who had the vision to understand the benefit of displaying fine art and for appreciating the ambience it affords his space. My works are shown there exclusively. I work on commission as well, and participate in several other shows and auctions throughout the year. I do not work with a gallery which makes my work very affordable.

Why live and work in the Hamptons as opposed to elsewhere?

TA: The subjects of my work are the beautiful farms in the area, the magical barns, the beaches and the many equestrian events. There is more content here than one artist would ever need - it's endless.

"Blue Wheelbarrow, 36" x 48" - Acrylics on Canvas.

What local environmental or historical aspects of the Hamptons do you relate to that may be reflected in your medium?

TA: The environment here is like no other. The area has attracted so many fine artists. Shinnecock and W.M.Chase, for example, and Louse Point and every landscape artist .

What artists do you feel have influenced you and your work?

TA: All of the Wyeth's, John Sargent, Edward Hopper, and Winslow Homer who awakened the desire to paint in me when I was 10. Jerimiah Goodman, an artist that at one time did all of Lord & Taylor's ads for interiors in the The New York Times. A style that was very impressionistic.

"Atlantic Golf Club" 30" x 40" - Acrylics on Canvas

What advice would you give an emerging artist?

TA: The only advice I could offer would be that which has been given to many musicians when asked "How to get to Carnegie Hall?" - Practice, practice, practice! That advice is something I practice, and I have the determination to maintain the thought that what I see as beautiful is!

What gives you an edge (if any)?

TA: My edge, if any, is my determination to get it right. I've been known to scrap many attempts!

What are you working on now, and are you involved in any upcoming shows or exhibitions?

TA: I'll be showing my work at the Home and Design Show on June 5, June 6, and June 7 at the Southampton Elks, and participating in the Artists Alliance Studio Tour on July 9 through July 11, and I'll be showing at Pierre's Restaruant in Bridgehampton for the month of August through Labor Day; and, of couse, my work can be seen anytime at Bobby Van's Restaurant.

"Serenity," 36" x 48" - Acrylics on Canvas "

 • To view more of Ted Asnis' work, visit the following website at www.tedasnis.com, or email at tasnis@aol.com.