Dylan Gillespie, a native of the Hudson River Valley, embarked on a journey of artistic discovery at the age of 18, venturing to Italy to pursue classical training at the revered Florence Academy of Art. Graduating from the Advanced Painting Program in 2016, Dylan’s passion for the craft led him to share his knowledge through workshops across Europe, America, and China. In 2018, he was honored with the Elizabeth Greenshield Grant, which allowed him to embark on a painting expedition along the Pacific Crest Trail, reigniting his childhood love for the outdoors and shaping his artistic vision.

A proud member of the Salmagundi Club since 2017, Dylan’s work is frequently showcased in the club’s exhibitions, reflecting his deep appreciation for the natural world and his dedication to capturing its beauty on canvas.

Dylan’s talent has been recognized with several awards, including the ‘Best Painting of the Year’ by the FAA in 2016, the ‘Elizabeth Greenshield Grant’ in 2018, and second place in the international portrait competition ‘Figuratively Speaking’ in 2020. He has also served as an ‘Artist in Resident’ at The Alfred and Trafford Klots International Program in Léhon, France in 2019.

Recently appointed as an instructor for the Florence Academy of Art’s Masters Degree program, Dylan looks forward to sharing his passion for art with aspiring artists while continuing to explore the wonders of the natural world through his work. With each artwork, he invites viewers to experience the timeless beauty that surrounds us, reaffirming the profound connection between art and the human experience.