Who is Silvana, animal and nature artist?

A black-and-white photograph depicting artist Silvana Varriale seated on a large chair, surrounded by oversized, colorful cutout watercolor artworks of a hawk, a horse, a hummingbird, and a rose.

Animals and nature were my first muses. As a child in my parents’ tiny city garden, I’d catalog everything in my mind, wishing I could shrink to explore closer. At nine, an egg-shaped film camera found its way into my hands. My love for tiny worlds grew bigger.

Close-up of artist Silvana Varriale of VARsee Art creating a custom rabbit memorial portrait on a wooden easel. The artist's hand uses a white pencil on black paper to draw an intricate original artwork, referencing a nearby photograph of a black and white bunny to capture the exact likeness and honor the lost pet.

I have always believed that animals feel everything. I witnessed it many times. The most painful proof? My beloved dwarf rabbit turned his back on me the day I had to leave him behind.

That conviction lives in every pet portrait I paint. I start from the eyes, the emotional foundation for the entire piece.

Close-up of hydrangea watercolor painting in golden, purple, and deep blue hues, original floral artwork by Silvana Varriale of VARsee art studio.

I never formally studied art. Watercolors, pencils, and inks have been my secret language since childhood.

My offering: a newly discovered bond with nature and its creatures, either through a commission pet portrait or my natureAWE watercolor collection.

That wonder, that deep bond go home with you.

MY DEEPEST GRATITUDE TO:

  • My husband: for cooking delicious, nutritious meals every single week on his free days (!), for his uncommon work ethic, for believing in me when I struggle to believe in myself, and ultimately, for loving me no matter what.
  • My multi-skilled brother: the only one who can make me laugh real hard. Four years my junior, and yet he uncovered the Santa myth before me. He still is my North Star.
  • My hamster Jimba: the two-inch-long, shy soul who teaches me that trust is earned in time and enjoyed in short moments. He shows me that no matter how small a creature is, I have to respect their boundaries and adapt to their needs.
  • The connected-to-nature ones: who actually stop to notice the intricate beauty of the natural world and who understand by living it that every animal has a pure heart and needs our commitment. You are my people.
  • All the online indie artists: fighting the daily battle against big corporations, social media haters, and ever-changing algorithms. Keep it up!
  • You: Both first-timers and affectionate supporters.

  • PERSONAL BLISS:

    • hubby’s risottos (pears & gorgonzola #1)
    • the moment my shy robo hamster finally trusts me enough to eat from my hand
    • binge-watching nature documentaries and happy-ending animal rescue stories
    • the pure, unfiltered joy of a pet's "smile" on the street

  • RECIPES FOR DISASTER:

    • fav 85% dark chocolate out of stock
    • having to quit drinking coffee
    • my very bossy, demanding self
    • forgetting that life is not forever
    • doom-scrollers taking their self-chosen preoccupation out on me
    • stickiness under the sole of my shoes.