Introducing Silvana, animal & 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.

I have always found myself at home in nature. In my parents’ tiny city garden, I’d visually catalog everything in my mind. At nine, an egg-shaped film camera found its way into my hands. My love for tiny worlds grew. My desire to shrink to get closer grew stronger. Infact, it is still with me!

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.

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's what I carry into every pet portrait I paint, starting from the eyes, the emotional foundation for the entire piece.

Honoring someone's companion, especially when they are no longer with us, is a mission that I do not take lightly.

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.

This strong bond with nature and its creatures is what I offer, whether through a commission pet portrait or my natureAWE watercolor collection.

That sense of naive wonder and respect goes home with you. And lives on, in paper form.

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 trusted 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.