A.J. Alper’s paintings reflect the influences of 19th Century Realism and Impressionism and 20th Century American Impressionism. Using the alla prima (wet-into-wet) technique championed by these movements, his work pays tribute to the brushwork finesse of such artists as John Singer Sargent, Joaquin Sorolla, William Merritt Chase and Anders Zorn. His color sensibilities were developed during his many years in the commercial arts field, both as a professional illustrator and a graphic designer. Preferring to work from life rather than photos, his work reflects the immediacy needed to capture subjects in the moment.

He received a BFA in Illustration with honors in 1989, from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California where he studied under Dan McCaw, Richard Bunkall, Harry Carmean and Craig Nelson.

In the early 1990s, he worked as a New York-based Illustrator, painting landscapes and still-lifes for such clients as Lancôme, Food & Wine and USAirways. His architectural landscapes regularly accompanied monthly columns for both Condé Nast Traveler and Esquire Magazines.

In 1996 he moved to Quito Ecuador to paint and to teach Fine Art at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito. The picturesque view from his residence in the rural Andean valley became his favorite subject, painting large gestural landscapes. His work was well received in several successful gallery exhibitions.

Returning to live in the United States in 1999, he has refocused his vision on the more subtle environs of rural Maryland with such favorite subjects as horse ranches, duck ponds, marinas, and local landmarks.

He is currently a member of the Mid Atlantic Plein Air Painters Association and Oil Painters of America.

His work is owned by Marriott Hotels, Mitsubishi Corporation, Philip Morris as well as various private collectors.