An Exclusive List Of Our Editorial Board’s Favorite Painters
Our Favorite Painters
At The Empire City Wire, we believe that art has the power to transform and inspire, and one of the most captivating forms of artistic expression lies in the hands of painters. Throughout history and in the modern world, painters have captured the essence of life, emotion, and culture on canvas, leaving behind powerful legacies.
In this article, we explore some of our favorite painters—artists whose work resonates deeply with us, pushing boundaries and offering fresh perspectives. From classical mastery to contemporary innovation, these painters shape the visual language of today and continue to inspire both seasoned art collectors and new enthusiasts alike.
The art and artists mentioned in this list is updated on an annual basis as more art and artists are brought to the attention of The Empire City Wire’s Editorial Team.
Source: Squarespace/ Unsplash
J.M.W. Turner
Joseph Mallord William Turner (1775–1851) was a British painter known for his dramatic and atmospheric landscapes and seascapes. Turner was a master of capturing light and movement, often using bold colors and expressive brushstrokes that set him apart from his contemporaries. His brush strokes create an almost dreamy environment allowing the viewer to get lost in his paintings.
His work is considered a precursor to Impressionism due to his innovative approach to light and color. While his work carries elements of Impressionism, Turner does not allow that to interfere with the realism of the smaller details in his paintings.
Turner gained fame for his landscapes, historical scenes, and marine paintings, with notable works such as The Fighting Temeraire and Rain, Steam, and Speed – The Great Western Railway. His later works became increasingly abstract and expressive, focusing on the interplay of light and the elements. Turner's legacy had a profound influence on later artists, and he is often regarded as one of Britain's greatest painters.
Source: The Empire City Wire
Eric Sloane
Eric Sloane (1905 - 1985), born Everard Jean Hinrichs, was an American landscape painter, illustrator, and author renowned for his depictions of rural American life and landscapes. His works often featured traditional structures such as barns, covered bridges, and windmills, capturing the essence of America’s architectural heritage. Sloane’s artistic journey began as a traveling sign painter, a pursuit that allowed him to explore various regions and deepen his appreciation for the American countryside. He was a prolific artist, often completing paintings within a day, and maintained a forward-looking perspective, rarely keeping his own works in his home.
Eric Sloane’s most popular works are characterized by their deep appreciation for early American life, capturing scenes of rural landscapes, craftsmanship, and the beauty of nature. His paintings often feature serene depictions of farmhouses, and rural barns, evoking a sense of nostalgia for a simpler, more grounded time. Sloane also focused heavily on Americana, particularly on the tools, techniques, and craftsmanship of early American trades like woodworking, blacksmithing, and farming. His art, often painted with warm, earthy tones, celebrated the practicality and beauty of these subjects while also highlighting the importance of preserving traditions. Sloane’s works have become synonymous with a romanticized vision of the past, marked by a love for the American countryside and the hardworking people who lived there.
Title: Passing Beauty. Source
Sergey Sovkov
Sergey Sovkov is a Russian painter whose work explores the male figure with remarkable skill, blending classical techniques with a modern sensibility that brings a unique depth to his subjects.
His depictions of men are not only visually striking but exude an almost magnetic physical presence, capturing the strength, vulnerability, and emotional range of the human form. Sovkov’s ability to convey both power and intimacy in his figures makes his work incredibly compelling and alluring.
The figures in his compositions are rendered with great attention to detail, emphasizing the contours of muscles, the elegance of gesture, and the nuanced emotions conveyed through body language. Sovkov’s versatility as an artist is evident in his mastery of nearly every medium, from oil paints and pastels to pencil sketches. This flexibility allows him to experiment with texture, light, and shadow, each medium serving to further enhance the emotional and narrative complexity of his pieces. Whether through the richness of oil or the subtlety of graphite, Sovkov’s work remains a celebration of both the male form and the human experience.
Title: Coastal Scene. Source: The Empire City Wire
Couce Vidal
Couce Vidal, was an American painter active during the 20th century, recognized for his marine and landscape paintings. His works have been featured in various auctions, with recorded sales of at least 22 pieces. Notably, his painting High Noon, Puerto Rico was sold at a Skinner auction in 2012.
Additionally, his piece Coasting Trade, depicting a dockyard scene in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, was auctioned by Gold Coast Auctioneers. Despite his work’s active participation in the art community, detailed biographical information about Couce Vidal remains limited.
Couce Vidal is best known for his maritime-themed paintings, which often depict bustling dock scenes, tranquil harbors, and boats navigating coastal waters. His works capture the dynamic interplay of light and water, bringing a sense of movement and atmosphere to his seascapes. Whether portraying fishing vessels, sailboats, or ships moored along a weathered pier, Vidal’s paintings evoke both the serenity and the industrious energy of maritime life. His attention to detail, particularly in rendering reflections on the water and the textures of wooden docks and sails, has made his work highly sought after among collectors and enthusiasts of nautical art.
Title: Pacific Coast. Source: The Empire City Wire
Robert Wood
Robert William Wood (1889 - 1979) was an English-born American landscape painter celebrated for his vivid portrayals of the American countryside. Born in Sandgate, Kent, England, Wood immigrated to the United States in 1910 and spent decades traveling across the country, capturing diverse landscapes from the Catskill Mountains to the California coast. His paintings gained immense popularity in the 1950s, with millions of reproductions sold, making him one of America’s best-known landscape artists during that period. Wood was associated with art colonies in San Antonio, Texas, during the 1930s, Monterey, California, in the 1940s, and Laguna Beach in the 1950s, reflecting his deep connection to various American regions.
Robert Wood’s landscape paintings became widely accessible to American households through mass-produced reproductions, allowing people to decorate their homes with beautiful yet affordable artwork. As one of the most reproduced artists of the mid-20th century, his serene depictions of the American wilderness—often featuring mountains, autumn forests, and tranquil rivers—were printed on posters, calendars, and even framed prints sold in department stores. This mass reproduction made it easy for middle-class families to bring a touch of nature and classic artistry into their homes without the expense of purchasing original paintings. Wood’s widespread appeal and the affordability of his reproductions contributed to his lasting influence on American home decor.
Wrap Up
The world of painting is vast, and our favorite artists represent only a fraction of its incredible diversity. Each brushstroke tells a story, capturing moments, emotions, and ideas that speak to the human experience. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless elegance of classical techniques or the daring exploration of modern forms, these painters continue to inspire, challenge, and provoke thought in ways that only art can. As we continue to celebrate their work, it’s clear that the influence of great painting will never fade, and the masterpieces of today will remain a defining part of tomorrow’s artistic landscape.
