For Carol Pezzutti Lenehan, art is more than just a profession, it’s a lifelong passion woven into the fabric of her family history. Growing up in New Jersey, she was immersed in a household where creativity was second nature. With parents who met in art school and siblings who pursued their artistic paths, it was inevitable that Carol would pursue a career in the arts.

“My father, Santo Pezzutti, embraced expressionism, while my mother, Gert, focused on photographic realism. My sister, Diane Cuttino, is a graphic artist, and my brother, Paul Pezzutti, found his artistry in architecture,” Carol shares. “Growing up, our family time before dinner was spent critiquing each other’s work, respectfully, of course. It was a unique experience, and it shaped the way I create art today.”

From an early age, Carol had an innate ability to capture likenesses, earning her first portrait commissions at just 15 years old. She began with charcoal and pastels before transitioning to oil painting, further refining her skills through formal studies at Syracuse University, Tyler School of Art in Rome, and the National Academy in New York City. Over the years, she has held one-artist shows, family exhibitions, and earned recognition in group shows.

Now residing in Ford’s Colony, Williamsburg, Carol has found a welcoming and active arts community that continues to inspire her work. “It’s a visually beautiful place with rich history and warm, friendly people. The weather is also much nicer than New Jersey!” she adds with a smile.

Carol’s work spans a wide range of subjects, from boardroom portraits to intimate family pieces, and even beloved pets and homes. She describes her style as “painterly realism”, blending traditional techniques with a vibrant and expressive touch. Her business card reads “Formal to Fun”, reflecting the diversity of her work, some pieces are classic and refined, while others capture playful, unexpected moments. She uses photos as an aid when subjects are unavailable and has done portraits of multiple generations, three or four, in the same painting.

“What I love most about portrait painting is the collaboration with my clients,” Carol explains. “We decide together on the size, pose, and medium before I begin. I always pay close attention to the energy and light in their space to ensure the final painting feels natural, like something they would have painted themselves.”

One of her favorite aspects of portraiture is working with toddlers. “I enjoy that they never sit still. It's easier to capture their true personalities,” she says. "On the other hand, I'll chat with adults while I paint, and their expressions naturally unfold." Carol’s process is unique in that she paints her subjects in their own homes, allowing them to feel comfortable and ensuring that the finished piece fits seamlessly into their space. “The lighting is right, the setting is right, and it becomes part of their world,” she explains.

Carol’s commitment to her craft is evident not only in the quality of her work but also in the relationships she has built over the years. Many of her clients have become close friends, and her paintings have even become a tradition within families. “I’ve now begun painting the third generation of some of my early subjects - first their children then their children's children,” she shares. "It’s heartwarming to continue these lifelong relationships.”

For Carol, there is no line between business and pleasure. Every project is an opportunity to tell a story, capture a personality, and create a treasured family heirloom that will be cherished for generations.

For more information contact Carol at cp.lenehan@gmail.com.