For a Denver artist, Revery, aka Marissa Napoletano, there wasn’t another path besides art. Since she was a child, she’s always been a creative in some way or another. Fast forward to today, and that creative spark has transformed into a full blown masterclass on the beauty and detail that can be captured in oil painting. We talked with the artist about her Italian influence, the female figure, and her progression into murals throughout the city.

Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into painting and fine art?

Style and technique is such an innate funny thing. I think I have always gravitated more towards realism with painting, but it was after living in Italy and spending time where my family is from that solidified my desire to create the fine art paintings I focus on today. Renaissance and traditional methods will always have a place in my heart, and my goal is to recreate a bit of that culture and influence that art has on people.

Did you always know you wanted to be an artist?  

Frankly I don’t have the skills or constitution to work a typical 9 to 5, so I have pursued this career from the start. Since I was a kid, I always had to be creating something. Whether it was fashioning gowns out of toilet paper or sculpting life sized feet out of wire, I loved making and knew it was what I wanted to do.

Your work is so detailed. How are you able to achieve the intricacies in your artwork? 

The details are my favorite part of any painting and are what I get lost in. Rendering something to that degree just takes time and very tiny brushes! I was fortunate enough to be an apprentice many years ago to a professional egg tempera painter and I think that’s where the experience and love of detail came from. 

What is it about the female figure that makes it a common theme in your paintings? 

I think one of the compulsions as an artist, intentional or not, is to draw from your perspective and life. A lot of my work speaks to my experiences as a woman, and someone who struggles with chronic health problems. Using the form or portraits as the basis for a lot of my work not only allows me to explore the beauty in humanity but use the figure as an anonymous foil for the themes I’m exploring. People often ask me if the models are specific people or even myself, but for me they are representative and not one specific person. 

How do you continue to grow your technique? 

I’m lucky enough to still have as much a hunger for art and learning as I did when I started. There are always more ideas to explore and ways to do so. Experimenting, using mixed media, and trying new subjects are all things I love and help me grow as an artist. For example I had never painted bees before so why not do a figure covered in gold leaf bee armor?

What do you think makes a great painter beyond technical skill?

“Great” is a big term to live up to, but I think a respect and love for the practice goes a long way. I think I can always tell when art is passionless or done purely for money or created by AI, etc. and it doesn’t hold the same weight as art that is done from an irrepressible need to create or convey something. I would like to think the consideration and regard I have for art in general contributes to my painting in some way. 

You’ve worked on murals. What’s the transition like from canvas to concrete wall? 

Painting large scale is definitely a different beast and one I’m still learning to conquer. I actually approach murals the same as an oil painting, with a full palette and brushes instead of spray paint so the style translates more directly. Outside of making allowances for wall texture and light, I’ve found a lot of the same techniques work, and a love of heights helps. It is always a challenge to make sure everything is working in harmony, especially when you’re near sighted. That, and the snow. 

How has your style evolved since you first started?

I think my style has been generally consistent in the broad strokes of surrealism and painting human/nature elements. I’d like to think I’ve grown as an artist over the years and my subject matter has shifted from images of struggle to more recently those that feature strength and regality. 

What’s next in the world of Marissa?

I’m looking forward to exploring some new ideas and things I’ve never painted. I’m getting ready to start a large mural project for an event venue and in my spare time creating fine art paintings on new surfaces like antique clocks and porcelain plates. In the coming year, I’m also setting my sights on painting more outside the country. 

You’ll be painting at Rooster ArtFest 2025, what can people expect from you? 

This year at Rooster ArtFest I’m not only live painting but will have some smaller works and prints available. I’ve been creating some new designs and drawings for the festival that I’m excited to share!