Bio
Aaron Souza is a Massachusetts-based oil painter focused on capturing the vibrancy of light, color, and atmosphere. His work is rooted in strong draftsmanship executed with a full chromatic palette, exploring the essence of a scene through a keen understanding of light and color.
Souza’s artistic vision is heavily influenced by the American Impressionists, particularly the Hawthorne/Hensche tradition, as well as artists like Charles Hawthorne, Emile Gruppé, and the Boston School.
Aaron Souza completed his BFA in Painting from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in 2006, followed by a Master’s degree in Art Education in 2018.
A pivotal moment in his practice began in 2012 when he started studying at the Cape School of Art in Provincetown, MA. Here, he deepened his understanding of color through the Hawthorne/Hensche tradition and gained new perspective through the study of light and color through plein air painting study. His time at the Cape School of Art, honing his skills under renowned instructors, combined with a deep appreciation for nature and the human figure, informs his unique artistic approach.
Based out of Yarmouth, Massachusetts, Souza creates both studio and en plein air paintings, often exploring coastal landscapes and figures. His studio development utilizes a combination of en plein air color studies and personal photographic references.
An avid member of the local artist community, Aaron has shown his work in several exhibitions around the South Coast and Cape Cod. Before moving to Cape Cod, he was active in the Greater New Bedford area, completing multiple collaborative murals and organizing a critique group for local working artists
