A New World of Curiouser and Curiouser for Your Kids

Sandy Mastroni worked for years as a decorative painter, often turning old, unappreciated furniture into stunning pieces garlanded with wisteria and hydrangea. But in private she had notebook upon notebook which she filled with images that haunted her, danced in her head and intrigued her. Finally she put aside the decorative painting and attended to her fantasies, to the delight of a growing audience. Although her paintings are in major collections, galleries and museums, they are still affordable, and are appreciated by adults and children alike. My own grandchildren cherish their Mastroni paintings and yours would as well. Check out other Mastroni works of art here under the New Artists button.

Ivan Koota is a self-taught painter, but a retired pediatrician as well! He illustrates scenes from his beloved Brooklyn, NY heritage and relies on both memory and historical photographs for fodder. His charming paintings illustrate a time gone by, and will pull at the heartstrings and memories of all who have experienced this same past. Here's a bit from the painters own voice.....

"Most of my paintings focus on neighborhoods and the “simple” events of daily Brooklyn life like shopping, children at play, sports, family entertainment, etc. Simple yes…but it’s the stuff that made special the vibrant and nurturing family neighborhoods of Brooklyn either before or during the 25 years I lived there and happily continue to the present. My work also includes prominent Brooklyn sites like parks and important buildings.

In April, 1996, I had my first solo exhibit at the Frank Miele gallery in NYC. Since then I have been in several solo and group shows. In 1998 my painting of Ebbets Field titled “Before the Game” was exhibited at the Fenimore Art Museum in Cooperstown, NY."

Dr. Koota's list of honors is great, but the paintings tell the better story for children of all ages. I hope you enjoy these extraordinary paintings.