Artist Profile Theresa Poalucci

Poalucci’s vivid, high-contrast compositions celebrate the kinetic energy and luminous color found in the transient.

Artist Statement

In On the Rocks, I wanted to blend whimsy with precision — capturing a fleeting moment that feels both familiar and extraordinary. The blue jay, poised in mid-landing, hovers just above a glass of water, which ripples with the suggestion of an imminent splash. There’s tension, humor, and curiosity all suspended in a single frame. This image invites viewers to pause and smile, to appreciate the small surprises of the everyday world — especially when water, life, and motion collide. Whether the jay is stopping for a drink or simply admiring its reflection, it’s a reminder of how even ordinary moments can take flight when seen from a fresh perspective.

Artist Biography

Theresa Poalucci is a Tucson-based artist whose vibrant acrylic, alcohol ink, and digital works capture the warmth, beauty, and spirit of the Southwest. A self-taught painter with roots in journalism and publishing, she creates with bold color and emotional depth—often inspired by desert landscapes, wildlife, and symbolic storytelling. Her work has been exhibited in multiple Arizona galleries and juried exhibitions nationwide, earning numerous local and international awards.

Theresa is Chair of the Communications Committee at the Southern Arizona Arts Guild and writes a monthly column on regional art events and collecting. Her paintings reside in private collections throughout the U.S., and she is currently seeking gallery representation in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. Driven by an insatiable need to create, she hopes each piece offers viewers a moment of calm, joy, or discovery. You can see her work at https://www.artisttheresapoalucci.com/